Your stove is the heart of your kitchen, but it’s also a hotspot for potential hazards. Keeping certain items nearby may seem convenient, but it can increase the risk of fire, burns, or other accidents. Here are four things you should never store by your stove:
1. Flammable Items
Paper towels, dish towels, napkins, and cookbooks are all highly flammable. Even a small spark or a splash of oil can ignite them, so keep these items at a safe distance.
2. Extra Cooking Oils
While it’s tempting to have bottles of oil within arm’s reach, storing them near the stove can be dangerous. Heat can cause oils to ignite, especially if the bottle leaks or spills. Keep extra oil in a cool, dry cupboard instead.
3. Aerosol Cans
Cooking sprays, air fresheners, and cleaning products may seem harmless, but they can explode when exposed to high heat. Store them in a cabinet away from your stovetop.
4. Plastic Utensils or Containers
Plastic can melt or warp if it gets too close to the burners. This not only ruins the item but can also release harmful fumes into your kitchen. Keep plastics well away from hot surfaces.
Kitchen safety isn’t just about cooking carefully—it’s about keeping dangerous items out of harm’s way. By storing flammables, oils, aerosols, and plastics away from your stove, you reduce the risk of accidents and keep your kitchen safe for everyone.
Housing Concierge 