Kitchen towels are a must-have for any home cook—they help dry dishes, wipe down countertops, and keep your hands clean while preparing meals. But there’s one common mistake many people make: draping them over the oven door. While it might seem convenient, this habit can actually pose hygiene risks. Here’s why you should avoid it.
### **The Hidden Danger of Oven-Door Towels**
Some hang kitchen towels on the oven door, thinking the heat will help them dry faster. However, this can backfire. The oven door is a hotspot for bacteria, especially since most people don’t wash their hands before touching it. Every time you open the oven, grease, food particles, and germs transfer onto the towel—turning it into a breeding ground for bacteria.
Since kitchen towels are used to dry hands, dishes, and surfaces, a contaminated towel can spread germs rather than keep your kitchen clean. The risk? Potential cross-contamination that could lead to foodborne illnesses.
### **How to Keep Kitchen Towels Clean & Safe**
Simply rinsing or hand-washing your towels isn’t enough to kill bacteria. To ensure they stay hygienic:
- **Wash them at high temperatures** – A 90°C (194°F) machine cycle is best for killing germs.
- **Add baking soda** – Toss a spoonful into the drum to boost stain removal and deodorization.
- **Replace them frequently** – If towels smell musty or look stained, it’s time for a fresh one.
### **Better Alternatives for Drying Towels**
Instead of the oven door, try:
✔ **A dedicated towel rack** (away from heat sources)
✔ **Hooks on cabinets or walls**
✔ **A drying rack near a window** (for airflow)
By keeping your kitchen towels clean and properly stored, you’ll maintain a safer, more hygienic cooking space. So next time you reach for the oven handle, think twice before leaving your towel there!
