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Why You Should Never Put a Tea Towel on the Oven Door: A Simple Safety Tip You Need to Know
We’ve all been there: cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and the oven door becomes the perfect place to drape a tea towel for convenience. However, what may seem like a harmless habit could actually be putting you at risk. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why you should never put a tea towel on the oven door and how this simple action could prevent accidents in your kitchen.
1. Fire Hazard: A Tea Towel and Heat Don’t Mix
One of the most important reasons to avoid putting a tea towel on the oven door is fire safety. Ovens, especially when they’re on or in use, can generate extreme heat. Even if the oven door feels only slightly warm, placing a fabric towel on it could cause it to catch fire.
Tea towels are made from fabric, and fabric can be highly flammable. If the towel gets too close to the heat source, it may ignite, creating a dangerous situation. A small spark can turn into a full-blown fire in a matter of seconds. By keeping towels away from the oven, you reduce the risk of this happening.
2. Towel Could Get Caught in the Oven Door Mechanism
Oven doors are designed with mechanisms like seals, hinges, and latches to help them open and close properly. When you hang a tea towel on the door, it could interfere with these mechanisms, potentially causing them to get caught or damaged.
A towel can become stuck in the door’s latch or hinges when you open or close the oven, creating a safety hazard. It could also affect the way the door seals, which may reduce the efficiency of your oven or cause heat loss. In extreme cases, it could lead to a malfunction that might require costly repairs.