We’ve all had that moment: you open the fridge looking for a snack, only to be greeted by an unpleasant odor that instantly kills your appetite. Whether it’s a forgotten piece of cheese, spoiled leftovers, a hidden leak, or simply the mingling of strong-smelling foods, bad fridge smells are a universal nuisance.

Cleaning your refrigerator regularly is always the first step, but there are also some surprisingly effective hacks that can keep odors at bay—many of them using everyday household items.

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Toilet Paper: The Unexpected Odor Fighter

It might sound odd, but placing a roll of toilet paper inside your fridge works wonders. Toilet paper is highly absorbent, soaking up both excess moisture and unpleasant odors overnight. By morning, the smell is gone.

If you’re not comfortable with toilet paper near your food, there’s a simple alternative: newspaper. Lightly spray water on sheets, crumple them, and tuck them into fridge corners. You can also line compartments with newspaper and replace it weekly.

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Other Household Hacks That Work

• Bread: A slice of bread absorbs moisture while leaving behind a mild, pleasant aroma. Replace monthly.

• Citrus Peels: Orange or tangerine peels not only refresh the fridge with a zesty fragrance but also fight odor. Keep for three days, then replace.

• Baking Soda: Place a small open container of baking soda inside the fridge. It’s a classic deodorizer that works continuously.

• Fresh Lemons: Cut lemons into slices and place them around compartments for a natural citrus scent.

• Dried Tea Leaves: About 50 grams of dried tea absorbs odors for up to a month. Dry the leaves in the sun and reuse.

• Coffee Grounds: Like tea, coffee grounds are powerful odor absorbers. Place them in a small cup or cloth bag and replace every three weeks.

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Fresh, Clean, and Affordable

These hacks are easy, eco-friendly, and inexpensive. Instead of masking bad smells with chemical sprays or deodorizers, they use natural absorbents to freshen the air inside your fridge.

The next time your refrigerator develops an unwelcome odor, remember: the solution may already be sitting in your kitchen cabinet.