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Why You Should Never Put a Tea Towel on the Oven Door

It’s common to see tea towels hanging on oven doors for easy access while cooking or cleaning. However, this seemingly harmless habit can pose significant risks to your safety, your appliance, and even the overall functionality of your kitchen. Here’s a detailed explanation of why this practice is problematic and how you can adopt better alternatives step by step.

The Risks of Hanging a Tea Towel on the Oven Door

1. Fire Hazard

Ovens can become extremely hot during use, and hanging a tea towel on the door increases the risk of it catching fire. Even if the oven isn’t in use, residual heat from cooking or a slight gas leak can ignite a flammable towel.

2. Heat Insulation Issues

When a tea towel is draped over the oven door, it can trap heat, interfering with the oven's ability to maintain its temperature. This can lead to uneven cooking or prolonged baking times.

3. Damaging the Oven Door Mechanism

Most oven doors are designed to seal tightly to retain heat. The added weight of a tea towel, especially if it's wet, can strain the door hinges and seals over time, reducing their efficiency and potentially leading to costly repairs.

4. Hygiene Concerns

Tea towels can harbor bacteria from food residues, spills, or moisture. Hanging them on an oven door exposes them to heat and airborne grease particles, making them less sanitary for use in food preparation.