For many years, hanging a favorite dish towel over the oven door has been a familiar kitchen habit because it seems convenient and keeps a towel within easy reach. While it may feel harmless, safety experts say this everyday practice can introduce avoidable risks. Making a few simple adjustments to daily routines can help create a safer and more organized cooking space.

Fire safety professionals generally recommend avoiding towels on oven handles. Each time the oven door is opened, the towel can shift closer to hot surfaces or heating elements. Repeated exposure to heat can gradually damage the fabric, and some materials, particularly synthetic ones, may become more likely to catch fire over time.

Using the same towel for drying dishes, wiping hands, and cleaning surfaces can also increase the spread of bacteria throughout the kitchen. A safer setup does not require major changes. Keeping clean towels in a nearby drawer, placing them on magnetic hooks attached to the refrigerator, or carrying one in an apron pocket allows easy access without leaving fabric near a heat source.

Another simple habit is following the “Two-Towel” rule by using one towel exclusively for drying dishes and another only for drying hands. This helps reduce cross-contamination while keeping towels away from the oven. Small, thoughtful changes like these can make everyday cooking more convenient while helping protect both your home and your family.