Warning over ‘harmless’ habits that could damage your health and home

One in five Britons could be unknowingly harming their health through poor habits in the kitchen.

New research from home insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk quizzed Britons on the seemingly harmless home habits that could cause unintentional damage to the home and their health.

A shocking 14% of respondents were unaware using scratched or damaged non-stick pots and pans could mean they’re consuming harmful chemicals. Scratches and non-stick coating can break away, potentially leaking particles and harmful chemicals into the food.*

A further 6% didn’t realise it was dangerous to use containers that are not microwave-safe in the microwave. Some plastics when microwaved, can allow harmful chemicals like BPA to get into food.

Added to that, 4% admitted to refreezing food that had already been thawed.

The research, surveying 1000 people on their household activities, also found Brits could be increasing the risk of damp and mould in the home, with almost half participating in mould-promoting habits.

It found a third of respondents are contributing to the problem by drying laundry on radiators. This can increase moisture levels and condensation inside the home, creating the ideal conditions not just for mould, but for dust mites too.**

Survey data also found over one in 10 people leave blackout blinds closed for more than a day at a time, which can reduce ventilation and make it harder for moisture to escape.

Other potentially harmful habits people may be unaware of include putting buttered toast back in the toaster, having poisonous plants in the garden, failing to seal gaps and cracks, ignoring smells and sounds from the boiler and using regular kitchen cleaner on the dishwasher.

Experts are warning that homeowners could be left out of pocket if property damage occurs due to negligence, as home insurance providers are unlikely to cover the cost of repairs resulting from a lack of care.

Helen Rolph, home insurance expert at Quotezone said: “It’s concerning that many Brits have daily habits that could be causing harm to themselves or their property. With busy lives, there’s a lot to think about, but some of these small, easily overlooked behaviours could lead to serious problems.

“It’s important to understand the long-term effects of seemingly minor habits, like cooking with scratched pots and pans or microwaving food in non-microwave safe containers. Over time, these habits can result in the ingestion of harmful chemicals, potentially increasing the risk of long-term health conditions.

“Many things that go unnoticed around the home can also increase the risk of property damage. Simple habits, like leaving gaps and cracks unsealed or putting buttered toast back into the toaster, may seem harmless, but they can pose serious risks, including damp and even fire hazards.

“If these habits continue without being addressed, they could result in costly damage and may even impact home insurance claims.”

Top 10 lesser-known household habits common amongst Brits;

1. Drying laundry inside or on radiators – 36%

Drying laundry inside can increase the amount of moisture in the house. Using radiators adds to the mixture of heat and humidity which is the perfect environment for mould to thrive.

2. Using scratched or damaged cookware – 14%

Pots and pans with scratches and flaking non-stick coating can break away and end up in food, meaning that you could be consuming particles and harmful chemicals.

3. Not opening blackout blinds or curtains for 24 hours or more – 10%

Leaving blackout blinds and curtains closed for 24 hours or more could increase the risk of mould growth, as it reduces natural light and can restrict airflow.

4. Having poisonous flowers in the garden – 7%

Having poisonous plants such as foxgloves in the garden can increase the risk of accidental harm. Foxgloves are highly toxic if ingested and can cause symptoms including vomiting and dizziness, so it is best to ensure they are growing in areas where small children and pets cannot easily access them. It’s also sensible to wear gloves when handling them, as contact with the plant’s sap may cause skin irritation.

5. Not sealing up cracks and gaps in the house – 7%

Having gaps in the house can increase the risk of draughts, which can cause costly energy bills. They can also allow unwanted pests to find their way into your property, and increase the risk of damp and mould.

6. Microwaving containers that are not microwave-safe – 6%

Some plastics when microwaved can allow harmful chemicals like BPA to creep into your food. These chemicals could interfere with your body’s natural hormone system and alter your white blood cells.

7. Refreezing food that has already been thawed – 4%

Refreezing thawed food, especially meat, fish or dairy products, can increase the risk of food poisoning, as the thawing process allows bacteria to grow. When food is frozen again, these bacteria can survive and may multiply further once the food is defrosted for a second time.

8. Putting buttered toast back in the toaster – 2%

Buttering toast and returning it to the toaster to warm through or melt the butter can increase the risk of fire. As the butter melts, it can drip onto the heating elements, where it may burn and produce smoke or potentially ignite.

9. Ignoring unusual smells and sounds from the boiler – 1%

Unusual smells or sounds such as gurgling or banging coming from your boiler can indicate an underlying fault, which could become serious if left unchecked. Any strong eggy or sulphur-like odours should be investigated immediately, as they may be a sign of a gas leak.

10. Using regular kitchen cleaner on the dishwasher – 1%

Dishwashers are best cleaned using a dedicated dishwasher cleaner, as a mix of regular kitchen cleaner chemicals could react with the heat to create a harmful toxic gas.*** It can also erode internal components and seals, allowing excessive foam to leak, creating water damage to the home.

Quotezone helps over four million customers every year to compare and find savings on all sorts of home essentials, such as home emergency cover and nonstandard home insurance. 

References:
*https://stories.uq.edu.au/contact-magazine/mythbusters-nonstick/index.html
**https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950362025000189
***https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-58266893

Photo credit – iStock.com Image Source

Quotezone.co.uk’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during June 2026, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.