Why never put a tea towel on the oven door?

6. Better Alternatives for Storing Tea Towels

Instead of using the oven door as a makeshift towel rack, it’s best to keep your tea towels in safer, more practical locations. Consider these alternatives:

• Designated hooks or towel bars: Install a towel rack or hook near your oven or sink to hang your tea towels. This keeps them within easy reach without putting them in harm’s way.
• Drawer or cabinet storage: Store your tea towels in a kitchen drawer or cupboard where they are easily accessible but away from heat sources.
• Wall-mounted racks: For easy access, install a wall-mounted rack near your oven or prep area, allowing towels to hang safely without risk of heat exposure.

7. Common Sense Safety Tips

While avoiding placing a tea towel on the oven door is important, here are some general kitchen safety tips to consider to further reduce risk:

• Keep flammable items away from heat sources: Always ensure that kitchen towels, paper towels, pot holders, and other flammable materials are kept a safe distance from the oven, stove, or any other hot appliances.
• Use oven mitts: When handling hot dishes or opening the oven door, use oven mitts to avoid burns. This reduces the need to rely on towels near hot surfaces.
• Regularly check the oven: Make sure your oven is in good working condition. Check seals, vents, and door functions regularly to ensure everything is working as it should.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while placing a tea towel on the oven door may seem like a harmless habit, it introduces several safety risks to your kitchen. From potential fires to oven malfunctions, the dangers far outweigh the convenience. To keep your kitchen safe, store your tea towels in a designated, heat-free area, and always be mindful of where you place flammable materials. A few simple adjustments can go a long way in creating a safer, more efficient kitchen environment for you and your family. Stay safe, and remember—your oven door is for cooking, not for hanging towels!