Opening a fridge to find an unpleasant odor is a common annoyance. Forgotten food, moldy cheese, spills, or a mix of strong-smelling items can create an unappetizing stench, making snacks less appealing.

While regular cleaning is key, there are clever hacks to neutralize lingering smells. One surprising trick is placing a roll of toilet paper inside the fridge. Known for absorbing moisture, it also traps odors overnight, leaving the fridge fresher by morning.

If storing toilet paper near food feels odd, newspaper is a good alternative. Lightly dampened and crumpled into balls, it can be placed in fridge corners or used to line compartments, swapped weekly for freshness.

Bread works similarly; a slice left inside absorbs moisture and odors for up to a month before replacement. Citrus peels, like orange or tangerine skins, spread throughout the fridge add a refreshing aroma but should be replaced every three days.

Baking soda is a classic deodorizer—just a few spoonfuls in an open container absorb smells until refreshed. Fresh lemon slices also bring natural fragrance and freshness.

Finally, dried tea leaves and coffee grounds can help too. About 50 grams of tea lasts a month if dried and reused, while coffee grounds in a bag or cup keep odors at bay for around three weeks.