It seems like such an innocent habit — hanging a tea towel over the oven handle while cooking. It’s convenient, within easy reach for spills or hot dishes. I used to do it all the time without a second thought. But one day, after a close call, I learned just how dangerous that simple choice can be. When the oven heats up, the towel hanging across its door begins to warm too. Fabric and consistent heat are never a safe combination — and what feels convenient can quietly become a fire risk.

A towel might not catch fire instantly, but all it takes is distraction — stepping away for a phone call or tending to another task — for it to overheat or smolder. A friend once left a damp towel hanging on her oven while baking cookies. When she returned, it was scorched and clinging to the handle. Thankfully, it didn’t ignite, but the outcome could have been disastrous. Beyond fire concerns, a towel draped over the oven can affect how it functions. It can break the oven’s seal slightly, letting heat escape and causing uneven cooking results that no recipe can fix.

That small gap can ruin a perfect roast — or worse, pose a safety risk to little ones and pets. A child tugging on a towel might accidentally open a hot oven, or a curious pet could do the same, leading to burns, broken dishes, or spilled food. It’s one of those hidden dangers we never consider until it’s too late — a small oversight with potentially serious consequences.

The fix is simple and smart. Instead of using the oven handle, hang towels on a nearby hook, drawer pull, or towel bar. Or choose an apron with a towel loop to keep it handy without the hazard. A tiny adjustment can make your kitchen safer and more efficient — protecting your family while keeping your cooking space running smoothly. Sometimes, the biggest safety improvements come from rethinking the smallest habits.