Put a roll of paper towel in your fridge: electricity bill is halved
The Surprising Trick of Using Paper Towels in Your Fridge 🍏
We all know paper towels are a kitchen essential. They’re the first thing we grab to wipe up spills, dry counters, or clean unexpected messes. But did you know this everyday item can actually do wonders inside your refrigerator?
You might be thinking, “Paper towels… in the fridge? Really?” It sounds unusual at first, but this simple hack can make a big difference for your fresh produce, your grocery budget, and your overall kitchen efficiency. Let’s explore how this little trick can help your home and family.
How Paper Towels Help Your Produce
The main advantage of putting paper towels in your fridge comes down to controlling moisture. Fruits and vegetables naturally release water while stored in the fridge. If that moisture builds up, it creates a damp environment in your crisper drawers—perfect conditions for wilting, mold, and spoilage.
Paper towels act as a simple but powerful moisture absorber. They soak up excess water, keeping your greens, herbs, and vegetables dry. This slows down spoilage, keeping your produce crisp and fresh for days—or even up to a week longer than usual.
As Reader’s Digest notes, “Paper towels in the fridge are an excellent way to keep vegetables fresh for longer.” For anyone who buys fresh groceries, this small change can be a real game-changer.
Benefits for Your Family
By using this paper towel hack, you can enjoy several advantages:
1. Longer-Lasting Produce
No more watching herbs turn slimy or salad greens wilt. By keeping moisture under control, your vegetables stay crisp and enjoyable, making meals more satisfying.
2. Save Money on Groceries
Less food waste means more money saved. Your fruits and vegetables last longer, so you’ll make fewer extra trips to the store or avoid buying replacements for spoiled items.
3. Better Taste and Nutrition
Crisp, fresh produce keeps its flavor and nutrients. When vegetables start to wilt, they lose both taste and nutritional value. Keeping them fresh ensures your family gets the best flavor and vitamins.
4. Cleaner Crisper Drawers
Crisper drawers can get damp, sticky, and sometimes smelly. Paper towels absorb moisture, keeping drawers cleaner and easier to maintain, while reducing odors from decaying food.
How to Use the Paper Towel Trick
Line the Drawers: Place one or two layers of paper towels at the bottom of your produce drawer before adding your vegetables.
Use Inside Bags: For items kept in bags, like carrots or loose peppers, place a paper towel inside the bag before sealing it.
Replace Regularly: Swap out wet paper towels for fresh ones each time you restock your produce drawer—usually about once a week.
Paper Towels and Energy Efficiency
While a paper towel won’t literally cut your electricity bill in half, it does help your refrigerator run more efficiently:
- Less Frequent Opening: With longer-lasting produce, you open the fridge less often, reducing energy loss.
- Moisture Control: Keeping drawers clean and free of excess water or ice helps your fridge operate smoothly without overworking.
Combined with other good habits—like checking door seals, organizing food, and defrosting when needed—this hack can support better energy use and lower utility costs.
The Bottom Line
This simple, zero-cost paper towel trick can help keep your food fresh longer, reduce waste, save money, and make your kitchen routine easier. Give it a try on your next grocery day!
