Why never put a tea towel on the oven door?

by

Why You Shouldn’t Hang Tea Towels on the Oven Door

Tea towels are indispensable in the kitchen, used for drying dishes, wiping hands, or cleaning surfaces. However, hanging them on the oven door, while seemingly practical, can pose several hygiene and safety concerns.

Hygiene Risks

  1. Bacterial Contamination
    • The oven door handle can harbor bacteria from unwashed hands. When a tea towel is placed on this handle, bacteria transfer to the towel, creating a risk of cross-contamination, particularly if the towel is reused to dry dishes or hands.
    • Warm and moist towels are ideal environments for bacterial growth, increasing the likelihood of foodborne illnesses.
  2. Grease and Dirt Accumulation
    • The oven door can accumulate grease and dirt, further contaminating the towel and making it unsanitary for use on clean surfaces or dishes.

Safety Concerns

  1. Fire Hazard
    • Tea towels hanging near an open flame or hot oven surface can catch fire, especially if they are left unattended during cooking.
  2. Accessibility Issues
    • A towel draped over the oven door can obstruct easy opening, particularly during emergencies when quick access is necessary.

Better Alternatives for Storing Tea Towels 

  1. Wall Racks or Hooks
    • Install wall-mounted racks or hooks in a well-ventilated area to allow towels to dry quickly and remain clean.
  2. Cupboard Handles or Inside Doors
    • Use cupboard handles for hanging damp towels or install towel bars inside cupboard doors to store clean towels separately.
  3. Dedicated Towel Holders
    • Invest in small, portable towel holders that can be moved around the kitchen to keep towels accessible but away from contamination-prone areas.

Cleaning Tea Towels Properly

  • High-Temperature Wash: Run tea towels through a washing machine cycle at 90°C with detergent and a little baking soda to eliminate bacteria effectively.
  • Pre-Soak in Soda Crystals: For stubborn stains or odors, soak tea towels in hot water with soda crystals before washing.
  • Air Drying: Dry towels in direct sunlight, which acts as a natural disinfectant, or in a moisture-free area.

Leave a Comment