Placing paper towels in the refrigerator may seem unusual, but many home cooks use this simple trick to keep produce fresh for longer. Fruits and vegetables naturally release moisture as they sit in the fridge, and that moisture often builds up in drawers, containers, or bags. The result is familiar to anyone who buys fresh produce: wilted greens, mushy herbs, and soft vegetables that spoil before you have time to use them.
Excess moisture is one of the main reasons food goes bad quickly, and a fridge can unintentionally create the perfect environment for that to happen. A paper towel works as an easy moisture absorber. By soaking up excess water before it settles, it helps prevent the dampness that leads to rot. Many people notice that salad greens, herbs, peppers, and other vegetables stay crisp longer when stored with a paper towel.
This small change can help reduce wasted food and extend the time between grocery trips, which can be especially helpful for families, meal-preppers, or anyone trying to budget more efficiently. The method is simple: line the produce drawers with a few sheets, or place a towel inside containers and bags where moisture tends to build.
Replace them once they feel damp. The process requires no special products, extra cleaning, or added effort. While some online claims exaggerate the financial benefits, the main value of this hack is practical rather than dramatic. Keeping produce fresher means less waste, better taste, and a cleaner, more manageable refrigerator overall.