Placing a towel over your stove might sound odd, but it’s actually a simple and practical kitchen hack. If you haven’t tried it before, here’s what it does and how it can make your daily cooking routines easier while helping to maintain a cleaner kitchen.
1. Shield your stove from spills and stains
Many cooks — whether professional or amateur — use a towel over their stove to guard against spills from oil, sauces, or other cooking splatters.
When preparing dishes that release liquids, like meats, vegetables, or sauces, it’s easy for the stovetop to get messy and stained.
Using a towel can reduce the amount of food residue that ends up on the stove, saving you cleanup time.
2. Absorb steam and keep the stovetop dry
Steam from cooking can harm your stovetop, particularly if it has stainless steel elements or surfaces prone to rust or moisture damage.
A towel helps absorb this steam and prevents potential harm, keeping your stovetop in better condition.
3. Prevent dust buildup when the stove is unused
If you don’t use your stove often, covering it with a towel can keep dust from collecting on the surface.
Without protection, layers of dust can settle over time and become difficult to remove. A towel keeps your stove cleaner and ready for the next time you need it.
4. Help avoid overheating (for low-temperature cooking only)
When cooking at low temperatures or on a gas stove, a towel can help prevent burners from overheating or promote more even heat distribution.
However, never leave a towel on the stove when cooking at high temperatures or with high flames, as this poses a serious fire hazard.
5. Tips for using the towel safely
- Choose a clean towel made from natural fibers like cotton or linen, which tolerate heat and moisture better.
- Ensure the towel is the right size so it doesn’t cover parts of the burners or block their function.
- Never leave the towel on the stove during high-heat cooking, such as frying, to avoid fire risks.
Although putting a towel over your stove might seem unusual, it can be a practical method to shield your kitchen from stains, dust, and moisture damage.
If used properly, it can help keep your stovetop cleaner and extend its lifespan — just remember to remove it when cooking at high heat to stay safe.
