I Tried My Grandma’s Depression-Era Hack for Fridge Smells — and It Really Works

My grandma was born in 1930, during The Great Depression. She keeps a tidy home where nothing ever goes to waste. To this day, her pantry shelves are lined with mismatched recycled jars — proof of a lifelong habit of reusing what she already has. Over the years, she’s passed down plenty of practical home economics lessons that reflect her resourcefulness. One of my favorites? She taught me how to get rid of smells in the fridge using old newspapers!

You’ve probably heard of putting baking soda in the fridge to tackle smells, but newspaper is a lesser-known hack. While there isn’t a lot of formal research on why it works, the idea is that the paper acts like a sponge for odors. Its porous fibers (and even the carbon-based ink) can trap odor molecules while also soaking up moisture. Crumpling the sheets makes the paper even more effective, since it creates more surface area for odors to cling to.

This hack is simple — all you need is a few sheets of newspaper. Then, follow the steps below.

1. Start by tossing out expired food and wiping down the shelves (this prevents the paper from just masking deeper issues).
2. Crumple a few sheets of newspaper into loose balls.
3. Place the balls on different shelves where odors tend to linger.
4. Leave them in for a couple of days to absorb unwanted smells.
5. Replace the paper once a week, or sooner if it feels damp.

My grandma’s newspaper hack is my go-to when my fridge has gotten a little out of hand, but over the years, I’ve found ways to keep my fridge both fresh and functional so I don’t have to rely on the papers as much. Here’s what I do.

This simple trick not only keeps my fridge fresh but also cuts down on food waste. Before grocery shopping, I gather whatever’s left into a clear bin so I can see exactly what I have and make sure I “eat them first.” It helps me plan meals around leftovers, avoid re-buying groceries I already have, and ensures that no forgotten tomato or soggy cucumber slips into the back of the fridge and creates unwanted odors.

My mom recently introduced me to fridge liners and mats, and they’ve been a total game-changer. Spills and drips — often the hidden culprits behind lingering odors — get caught before they reach the shelves. By preventing buildup, the liners keep my fridge fresher for longer and save me from scrubbing away stubborn, sticky messes later.

If your fridge feels like a never-ending game of Tetris, stackable drawers can help. They add extra layers of storage and keep like items together, reducing the chance of food getting lost (and spoiling) in the back.

Fresh herbs can go from fragrant to funky in just a few days, so I wrap them in a damp paper towel and tuck them into a reusable bag, or stand the stems in a jar of water with a loose bag over the top. This not only keeps them fresh longer, but also prevents musty smells.

 For produce, the right container makes all the difference. Specialty berry boxes allow airflow and reduce moisture, which helps berries last longer and keeps mold at bay. Clear, breathable containers for other fruits and veggies make it easy to see what I have, while also controlling humidity and cutting down on odors.