The Same Closet Trick Appeared Twice, Down to the Italian Family Connection

The Same Closet Trick Appeared Twice, Down to the Italian Family Connection
Two nearly identical reports published the same household tip: placing scented toilet paper inside a closet to absorb moisture and reduce unpleasant odors. Both accounts center on a reader named Ivana, although they describe the source of her advice differently.

The first report says Ivana learned the method from her aunt in Italy. It explains that closet odors can develop when damp clothes are stored, laundry remains too long in the washing machine, or garments dry in poorly ventilated rooms. Limited airflow inside the closet is also identified as a possible cause of the stale smell.

The recommended solution is to place a roll of scented toilet paper among the clothes. According to the report, the paper can absorb moisture, neutralize odors and leave a mild fragrance without the cost or chemicals associated with commercial air fresheners. For a stronger scent, readers are advised to spray ordinary toilet paper with essential oil—such as lavender, lemon, eucalyptus or vanilla—before putting it in the closet.

A second report repeats the same explanation, instructions and claimed benefits almost word for word. Its only notable change is the family connection: Ivana is said to have received the advice from her godmother in Italy rather than her aunt.

The two reports therefore offer the same interpretation of the problem and the same low-cost remedy. Neither presents independent testing or additional evidence; both rely on Ivana’s account that the trick keeps her closet smelling pleasant for days.