I bought some toilet paper and inside there were little green balls like these: does anyone know what they are?

A vestige of another time

These little green balls aren’t toxic or the product of some strange conspiracy. They’re simply…  old-fashioned air freshener beads  ! In the past, some plastic toilet paper dispensers were equipped with these beads to release a fresh scent with every use.

Surprising, isn’t it?  It seems that an old batch was left in a warehouse and ended up on the shelf by mistake. Hence this rather…  dated surprise  !

What I learned (and what you can do too)

Since that incident, I admit I always take a quick peek inside the rolls before using them. But deep down, this anecdote reminded me of one essential thing: even everyday objects can hide unsuspected stories.

And if this happens to you, here are some simple reflexes to adopt:

  • Stay calm:  Many things have a rational explanation, even if they seem strange at first.
  • Keep proof:  A photo or small sample can help a professional quickly identify the problem.
  • Seek professional help if necessary:  ​​When in doubt, it is better to ask a question than to remain worried.
  • And above all… know how to laugh about it afterwards!  Sometimes, routine has surprises in store for us worthy of a movie.