Because many started burning the roll of toilet paper in the bathroom.

There is an extremely simple habit that many people overlook in the bathroom, yet it can solve one of the most common and unpleasant household problems. Most of us automatically throw away the empty toilet paper roll when it is finished. What many people do not realize is that this small cardboard tube can be reused in surprisingly helpful ways, especially when it comes to managing bathroom odors and reducing waste.

The culture of throwing things away without a second thought has become normal, but learning to reuse everyday items brings both practical and environmental benefits. Toilet paper rolls are a perfect example. They are made of sturdy recycled cardboard, they cost nothing, and they can be transformed into useful tools for home organization, cleaning, gardening, and yes, even odor control.

Unpleasant bathroom odors are an almost universal inconvenience. They appear unexpectedly and often linger longer than we would like. While many people rely on chemical sprays and artificial deodorizers, these products are expensive, temporary, and often contain substances that irritate the lungs or skin. A more natural and economical solution begins with the humble toilet paper roll.

Some people on the internet promote the idea of burning a toilet paper roll to neutralize bad smells. However, introducing open flame into a bathroom is dangerous and strongly discouraged. Fire hazards in enclosed spaces can cause serious injury, property damage, and toxic smoke exposure. Instead of following that unsafe approach, the same goal can be achieved with methods that are both effective and completely safe.

One excellent method is to turn the empty roll into a natural deodorizing device. Place a few drops of essential oil such as eucalyptus, lemon, lavender, tea tree, or peppermint onto the inside of the cardboard tube. The cardboard absorbs the oil and slowly releases the scent into the air every time someone pulls fresh paper from the roll placed on top of it. This creates a continuous gentle fragrance that neutralizes unpleasant odors rather than masking them.

Another effective use is as a carrier for baking soda. Simply place the roll in a small container, fill the inside with baking soda, and set it near the toilet or sink. Baking soda naturally absorbs moisture and odors, helping to keep the bathroom air fresh without chemicals.

Toilet paper rolls can also be reused for cleaning. They fit perfectly into narrow spaces behind the toilet, between fixtures, and along baseboards. Slightly dampened, they can remove dust and grime from areas that cloths and sponges cannot easily reach.

Beyond the bathroom, these rolls are useful for organizing charging cables, storing small tools, starting garden seedlings, protecting fragile items during storage, and crafting projects for children. Each reuse prevents unnecessary waste and reduces the demand for new plastic and chemical products.

By choosing to reuse toilet paper rolls instead of discarding them, you save money, lower household waste, and protect your indoor air quality. Simple habits like this create meaningful changes over time. They demonstrate that sustainable living does not require expensive solutions, only a shift in perspective.

Bad smells in the bathroom are inevitable, but dangerous shortcuts are not the answer. With creativity and safe natural methods, one small cardboard roll can become a powerful ally in keeping your home clean, fresh, and healthy while also supporting the environment.