Portland, Oregon – From Seattle high-rises to coastal Oregon cottages, some Pacific Northwest residents are opening their refrigerators and finding an unexpected item tucked next to the produce: a roll of toilet paper.
The viral kitchen hack has quietly spread across Washington and Oregon, where persistent damp air and frequent rain can contribute to moisture buildup inside refrigerators. In cities like Tacoma, Eugene and Olympia, homeowners say placing a fresh, unscented roll in the fridge helps absorb excess humidity and reduce lingering food odors.
The idea relies on basic material science. Toilet paper is made of cellulose fibers engineered to absorb liquid efficiently. Inside a refrigerator, those fibers can draw in condensation that forms from repeated door openings and temperature fluctuations — common during the region’s long wet season.
Food safety experts caution the method offers only short-term results. Once the roll becomes damp, it can trap bacteria rather than prevent it. Specialists recommend replacing it frequently and keeping it away from uncovered food. Scented or dyed rolls should never be stored near groceries.
Long-term odor control solutions such as baking soda, activated charcoal and routine refrigerator cleaning remain more effective, particularly in coastal communities where humidity stays elevated much of the year.
For households across Oregon and Washington, the toilet paper trick may offer a temporary freshness boost, but consistent cleaning and proper food storage remain the most dependable strategy.
