Dallas, Texas – From North Texas ranch homes to neighborhoods across Kansas, some Heartland residents are opening their refrigerators and spotting an unexpected item tucked beside the groceries: a roll of toilet paper.
The viral kitchen hack has gained traction across Texas and Kansas, where dramatic weather swings — from humid Gulf air to dry Plains wind — can create condensation inside refrigerators. Supporters say placing a fresh, unscented roll inside helps absorb excess moisture and reduce lingering food odors, especially during muggy stretches in cities like Houston, Austin, Wichita and Topeka.
The idea is rooted in basic material science. Toilet paper is made of cellulose fibers designed to absorb liquid efficiently. Inside a refrigerator, those fibers can pull in condensation caused by frequent door openings and temperature fluctuations, common during hot summers and stormy seasons across the Heartland.
Food safety specialists caution the trick provides only temporary benefits. Once the roll becomes damp, it can trap bacteria rather than prevent it. Experts recommend replacing it regularly and keeping it away from uncovered food. Scented or dyed varieties should not be stored near groceries.
Long-term odor control methods such as baking soda, activated charcoal and routine refrigerator cleaning remain more effective, particularly in humid regions of eastern Texas.
For households from Dallas to Kansas City, the toilet paper hack may offer a short-term freshness boost, but consistent cleaning and proper food storage remain the most reliable solution.
