There’s more to it than just safety. Draping a towel over the oven door can affect how well your meal cooks by disrupting the door’s seal. One side of your dish may turn out perfectly, while the other side remains uneven. I once struggled with roasted potatoes that were half perfect and half underdone, and the towel hanging on the oven door was the hidden cause. It also becomes risky if you have young children or curious pets who might tug on it, accidentally opening the door or causing items to shift.

The good news is there’s a better habit. Keep towels on wall hooks, drawer handles, or a dedicated towel rack. If you prefer having one nearby while cooking, wear an apron with a built-in towel loop. Small adjustments like these help maintain both safety and kitchen efficiency. A simple change in where you hang your towel can protect meals, prevent accidents, and keep your cooking space worry-free.