Ah! That’s one of those viral “life hack” claims you see online—something like:
“Put a paper towel in the fridge and your electricity bill will go down without you even knowing it.”
Here’s the reality:
1. Why people say this
- The claim is usually tied to humidity control in the fridge.
- Paper towels can absorb moisture in the fridge, which supposedly helps:
- Reduce frost buildup in the freezer
- Keep food drier and fresher
- Some social media posts exaggerate this and claim it saves energy and money automatically.
2. The science
- While it’s true that reducing frost buildup can make a freezer run a bit more efficiently, the impact on your electricity bill is extremely small.
- A single paper towel in a fridge will not noticeably lower your electricity bill. The savings are likely just a few cents a month—certainly not dramatic.
3. Safe, effective ways to save energy in your fridge
Instead of relying on a paper towel “hack,” these strategies actually work:
- Keep the fridge at the right temperature: 37–40°F (3–4°C) for the fridge, 0°F (-18°C) for the freezer.
- Don’t overfill or underfill the fridge: Air circulation matters.
- Check door seals: Replace worn gaskets to prevent cold air from escaping.
- Defrost regularly: If you have a manual-defrost freezer, ice buildup increases energy use.
- Keep the fridge away from heat sources like ovens or sunlight.
💡 Bottom line: The paper towel trick is mostly a myth. It won’t harm anything, but it won’t significantly lower your electricity bill either. Real savings come from proper maintenance and energy-efficient habits.
If you want, I can make a list of 10 fridge hacks that actually save money and energy, with real measurable impact. That would be a much more reliable way to cut your bills.
Do you want me to do that?
