Never Store These 9 Items in Your Oven Drawer

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Have you ever found yourself using the oven drawer as extra storage space? It’s a pretty common habit, especially when kitchen space is tight. Many of us assume it’s the perfect spot to stash things we don’t use often, like pans or baking sheets. But believe it or not, this drawer wasn’t really designed for storage, and putting the wrong items in there can lead to some serious safety risks.

To keep your kitchen both functional and safe, it’s important to know what doesn’t belong in that oven drawer. From items that could get damaged to things that might even start a fire, here are nine things you should definitely avoid storing there. Let’s dive into the list and make sure your kitchen is in tip-top shape!

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1. Wooden Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards should never be stored in your oven drawer, and for good reason. Wood is highly flammable, and the heat from your oven—especially if you’re using the drawer as a warming compartment—can cause the wood to dry out, crack, or even ignite in extreme cases. Even if the heat doesn’t reach that level, the constant exposure to warmth can warp or damage your wooden cutting boards over time, shortening their lifespan. Plus, any residual moisture in the wood may lead to bacteria growth, which isn’t something you want near your food prep tools. It’s best to store wooden cutting boards in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.

2. Cleaning Products

Storing cleaning products in your oven drawer is a major no-no. Most cleaning supplies, especially those with chemicals like bleach or ammonia, are highly flammable and can be dangerous when exposed to heat. If you use the drawer as a warming compartment or your oven gets hot during cooking, these products could release harmful fumes or even catch fire, posing a serious risk to your home. Additionally, the heat may cause the containers to melt or leak, creating a mess that’s difficult to clean up. Always keep your cleaning products in a cool, well-ventilated area, far away from any heat sources to avoid any potential hazards.

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3. Liquor

Storing liquor in your oven drawer is a risky move due to its flammability. Many alcoholic beverages, especially those with high alcohol content, are highly combustible and can easily catch fire if exposed to heat. Even if you don’t actively use the drawer as a warming compartment, the heat from the oven can still reach it, raising the temperature and creating a hazardous situation. Additionally, storing glass bottles in such a warm space increases the risk of them cracking or breaking. For safety’s sake, liquor should always be stored in a cool, dry place, far away from any heat sources to prevent any dangerous accidents in the kitchen.

4. Electronics

Keeping electronics in your oven drawer is a recipe for disaster. Most electronics are sensitive to heat, and the high temperatures that come from regular oven use can damage the internal components, rendering your devices useless. Even if you’re not using the drawer as a warming compartment, the heat from the oven above can still seep into the space, causing harm. Additionally, heat can warp plastic casings, melt wiring, or lead to dangerous short circuits if the electronics are powered. To avoid ruining your gadgets—or worse, starting a fire—it’s best to keep electronics in a cool, dry place, far away from the heat of your oven.

5. Cooking Oils

Storing cooking oils in your oven drawer isn’t a safe practice due to their sensitivity to heat. Oils, especially those in glass or plastic bottles, can become a fire hazard if the drawer heats up. Even if the drawer isn’t actively used as a warming compartment, the heat from the oven can still cause the oils to spoil faster, making them smell and taste off. Plastic containers can also melt or warp, potentially causing leaks and creating a mess. To avoid these risks and keep your oils fresh, it’s best to store them in a cool, dark spot, far from any heat sources like your oven.

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6. Plastic Wrap

Keeping plastic wrap in your oven drawer is definitely not a smart move. This type of wrap is highly susceptible to heat and can easily melt if the oven gets warm, even if you’re not actively using the drawer for cooking. When exposed to heat, plastic wrap can become warped or sticky, making it a hassle to deal with when you need to cover your food. Plus, melting plastic can release unpleasant fumes that aren’t great for your kitchen environment. For the sake of safety and convenience, it’s best to store plastic wrap in a cool, dry location, away from any heat sources, to ensure it stays in good shape for your culinary needs.

7. Linen

Storing linen in your oven drawer is a risky choice for several reasons. First, the heat from the oven can lead to unwanted odors and moisture buildup, which can cause your linens to smell musty or become discolored. Additionally, if the oven is accidentally turned on, your linens could be at risk of burning, creating a serious fire hazard. Even if the drawer isn’t used for cooking, residual heat can cause the fabric to fade or deteriorate over time. To keep your linens fresh, clean, and safe, it’s best to store them in a cool, dry place away from heat sources, ensuring they stay in top condition for your use.

8. Food Storage Containers

Storing food storage containers in your oven drawer is not advisable for various reasons. Many containers, especially those made of plastic, are sensitive to heat and can warp or melt when exposed to high temperatures. Even if the drawer isn’t actively used as a warming compartment, residual heat from the oven can still damage these containers, compromising their integrity and safety for food storage. Additionally, the risk of accidentally turning on the oven and forgetting about the containers could lead to hazardous situations, such as fires or toxic fumes from melted plastic.

9. Pantry Items

Keeping pantry items in your oven drawer is a bad idea for several reasons. Most pantry staples, like grains, spices, and canned goods, need to be stored in a cool, dry environment to maintain their freshness and quality. The heat from the oven can alter their flavor, texture, and shelf life, leading to stale or spoiled food. Additionally, if the oven is accidentally turned on, it can create a dangerous situation, potentially causing items to burn or release harmful fumes. To ensure your pantry items stay in great condition and to avoid safety hazards, it’s best to store them in a designated pantry or cupboard, away from any heat sources.

Summary From Proud Homemaker!

In conclusion, it’s clear that your oven drawer isn’t the best place for those eight items we discussed. Storing things like wooden cutting boards, cleaning products, liquor, electronics, cooking oils, plastic wraps, linens, and pantry items can lead to all sorts of problems, from fire hazards to spoiled food.

So, what’s the solution? Keep your oven drawer reserved for its intended purpose—storing baking sheets or pans that can withstand heat. For everything else, find dedicated spots in your kitchen. Use cabinets, drawers, or even stylish storage bins to keep your kitchen organized and safe. By doing this, you’ll not only protect your items but also create a more functional cooking space. Happy organizing!