10 Best Dish Drying Mats | Buying Guide

10 Best Dish Drying Mats | Buying Guide

Nothing beats the feeling you get when working in a dry and organized kitchen, thanks to the best dish drying mats. You get to stack your dishes neatly and allow them to dry as you go on with other chores.

The best dish drying mats are a must-have in every kitchen. Now that you are here, I hope you have a great interest in owning the best dish drying mats.

Why is a dish drying mat necessary? As you read this article, you will get the answer to that and any other questions you may have.

Are Dish Drying Mats Sanitary?

The simple answer is they are not. However, depending on how you will clean and dry them, dish drying mats can be sanitary. The latter is very important. Wet mats are likely to carry germs. It is especially dangerous if you store dish drying mats before they are scorched. 

A good practice is to let my dish drying mats dry completely before you store or use them.

How To Clean Dish Drying Mat

Like many home laundry, you can clean dish drying mats in a washing machine. However, if you choose not to use a machine, you can use cold water with soap. The most important step is how you clean off stubborn stains and finally dry them.

To start with, you place water and soap into a washing machine and set the timer. After the timer goes to zero, you can drain the water and put in clean water for rinsing. After ensuring no dirty water is in the washing machine, you can remove the dish drying mat from the machine and tumble dry it in an airy place.

You need to avoid strong detergents such as bleach. Do not iron or even use a fabric softener. 

In case you are cleaning, you dish drying mats by hand, you will scrub off soup or any other stains from the mat, and upon rinsing, you can tumble dry it in an open and airy place ensure sun hits the mat until dry completely.

The 10 Best Dish Drying Mats You Need To Try

There are different types of dish drying mats available in the market. They come in different materials, sizes, and colours. Let us review the 10 best dish drying mats you need to try.

1. Umbra UDRY Dish Rack & Drying Mat

Umbra is a global company providing modern and functional designs for home use. The UDRY dish rack and mat is a combination of a dish rack and mat, designed by David Green and Nate Asis.

The super absorbent microfiber mat absorbs water drained from the dishes and protects the countertop from water buildup. The dishes remain dry, and the counter is free from water buildup and scratches.

The stemware holder is useful for drying delicate stemware. You do not need to worry about drying wine glasses any more. This feature makes it one of the best dish drying mats available in the market.

The umbra UDRY is the best dish drying rack because it is carefully designed to minimize clutter. Once the dishes are done drying, they can be folded and stored away in a drawer to reduce clutter.

Notable features

• Folds easily, making it useful for compact storage.
• Safe to dry delicate wine glasses as it has a stemware holder.
• Made from an absorbent microfiber mat, which keeps the counter dry and scratch-free.
• Removable dish rack to fit the size of your kitchen.
• Size: 24inches by 18 inches by 10.75 inches.
• Weighs 1.32 pounds.
• 19 slats for utensils and dishware storage

Pros

• Easy to clean.
• Easy to use.
• Super absorbent mat.
• Folds easily, making it great for small kitchens.
• Stemware holder to dry delicate stemware.
• Movable utensil caddy.
• Removable dish rack.
• Saves space making it suitable for small spaces.
• Unique design with a modern-day charcoal finish.
• Great for mobile homes and campers.

Cons

• Only suitable for small spaces. 

2. OXO Good Grips Small Sink Mat

the utensils dry quickly.

To work properly, the mat needs to stay in place. OXO provides functionality, and that is why this mat has non-slip feet. They elevate the mat, ensuring it stays in place and speedy drying of utensils.

The small size is ideal for small kitchens. You do not need to worry about space as this mat is great for small spaces because of their size.

Notable Features

• Small in size. It measures 12.35 by 11.5 by o.5 inches, making it suitable for small sinks.
• The soft surface protects the dishware and ensures the sink does not chip or scratch.
• Easy to clean thanks to the PVC- free design.
• Rigid construction helps the mat to stay in place because it does not slip.
• Feet to promote the flow of air and speedy drying. The mat is characterized by non – slip feet that allows free flow of air.

Pros

• Easy to clean thanks to the PVC-free design.
• Soft surface helps to protect dishware.
• Ensures sink remains scratch-free and does not chip.
• Designed to allow for proper drainage and free airflow.
• Ideal for small spaces.
• Do not collect mould.
• Small in size to reduce clutter.
• Sturdy and protects the sink from wear and tear.
• Non-slip feet ensure that the rack stays in place.
• Proven durability.
• Great value for money.

Cons

• Small slots can trap food.
• Only suitable for small sinks.

3. HBlife Bamboo Folding Dish Rack

The HBlife dish rack is made from renewable bamboo. In addition to being eco-friendly, the collapsible rack is spacious. It can hold up to 13 plates and several bowls and mugs.

Even though it is big, it is lightweight. Weighing 3.19 pounds, it is easily foldable thanks to the X-shaped design. When not in use, it can be folded and put away.

The dish rack is a functional accessory that is a must-have for nature lovers. The beautiful bamboo is harder than local woods. This feature makes it sturdy and stylish yet very functional.

Ease of use should not be underestimated. The foldable rack is easy to assemble and use. The X-shaped design makes it easy to dry plates on the upper part and leaves room for mugs and bowls on the lower part. 

Notable features

• Made from natural bamboo, the best dish drying rack adds a natural feel to your kitchen. Being eco-friendly is a plus.
• Apart from being environmentally friendly, durability is assured as bamboo is renewable. It is advisable to occasionally use bamboo oil for extended life.
• Spacious - capable of holding up to 13 plates on the upper compartment and several mugs and bowls on the bottom compartment.
• Folds easily to allow for easy storage when not in use.
• Measures 16 by 9.8 by 9 inches when open and 16 by 12 5/8 by 1 5/8 inches when closed. The utensil rack measures 8 by 5 by 6.5 inches.
• Weighs 3.19 pounds.

Pros

• Easy to assemble.
• Great 2- tier design.
• Easy to fold. Allows for a clutter-free kitchen as it can be stored when not in use.
• Eco-friendly.
• Sturdy.
• Durable.
• Easy to use and maintain.
• Great for nature lovers.
• Value for money.

Cons

• Screwing in the side basket can be a mess.
• It can easily mould if not handled well.

4. CLIMATE 9A-110- 27C-6 Rubber Floor Protection Mat

The CLIMATE rubber mat is made from recycled material. Comprising of a diagonal texture, it does not trap any mud, dirt, or water. This feature makes it suitable for use in all weather conditions over a long period of time.

Notably, the runner is made from commercial-grade rubber. Therefore, it can withstand frequent use without wearing out. It is water repellant making it suitable for use on slippery floors.

For indoor use, it is suitable for different spaces. It can be used in offices, fitness facilities and garages. On the other hand, outdoor uses include wood floor, patio, and deck.

Ease of cleaning. Since it does not retain dirt or mud, you only need to spray it with water using a hose. The mat does not retain water, so do not be worried about being soggy.

Notable features

• Made from recycled material. The black rubber mat is waterproof.
• Multipurpose. It can be used either indoors or outdoors.
• Suitable for both residential and commercial environments.
• Able to trap dirt and water. Floors are, therefore, anti-slippery and free from mud, thanks to the runner mat’s diagonal texture.
• Easy to clean and does not retain water.
• Weighs 4.5 pounds.
• Size: 72 by 27 by 0.13 inches.

Pros

• Lightweight.
• Easy to clean.
• Do not become soggy.
• Endures all weather conditions.
• Durable.
• Sturdy.
• Great value for money.
• Multipurpose - it can be used in commercial environments or in residential areas.

Cons

• Fairly slippery when wet.
• Curls at the edges after prolonged use.

5. HomeAway Essentials Silicone Dish Drying Mat

The silicone dish-drying mat is made from 100% food-grade silicone. It is, therefore, suitable for home use. You do not need to worry about harmful chemicals in your kitchen.

The mat is spacious. It boasts of a 21 by 18 inches size. Therefore, you can dry all the plates, pots, and pans without worrying about the space.

Flexibility is assured when using the silicone mat. Silicone folds easily, making it easy to store when not in use. You do not need to have it on the sink if the dishes are done drying.

The silicone mat can be used as a rack as well as a trivet. It can withstand the heat of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This feature gives it a competitive edge over other dish drying mats. 

Notable features

• Measures 21 by 18 inches. The extra-large silicone mat allows you to dry many utensils without stacking them.
• Weighs 1.25 pounds.
• Made from 100% food-grade silicone.
• Flexible - Silicone folds easily for easy storage when not in use.
• Easy to clean - in the dishwasher, place it in the top rack or wipe off the water.
• Multipurpose - the silicone mat can handle up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, in some instances, it is used as a trivet.

Pros

• Large storage space.
• Easy to clean.
• Durable.
• Has a pleasant scent.
• It can be used as a mat or trivet.
• Does not retain any smell.
• Protects the surface from chipping.

Cons

• Grooves are too low. Water pools and prevents dishes from drying quickly.

6. Silicone Dish Drying Mat- 23 by 18 Inches - Extra Large Dish Drying Mat

The large silicone dish-drying mat is an excellent product for one to include in the kitchen for drying the utensils.

With the silicone dish drying mat, your utensils drying and safety are enhanced in a better way.

Notable features

• Made of silicone trivet, it's capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 450 degrees. This feature may enable it to be used as a fridge liner.
• The durable silicone material it is made up of is easily flexible, which helps in times of storage. It can be easily folded to fit into small spaces within the kitchen.

Pros

• The silicone mat is made of soft materials, which are also durable and enhances faster cleaning.
• It has multiple uses, can be used both as a mat and also as a trivet.
• Flexible nature allows it to be easily stored in the kitchen cupboard.
• Free air circulation is enabled by the raised side hence faster dish drying.
• It can fit all of your utensils because it is extra-large and also flat.

Cons

• The silicone mat has a lower groove; this makes glasses not dry up easily. The water droplets accumulate at the glass tops. This makes it not suitable for drying glass utensils. 

7. Amazon Basics Dish Drying Rack and Mat – 16 by 18 – Linen and Nickel, 2- Pack

The Amazon Basics dish drying rack and mat, linen, and nickel come in a pair packed together for the user. The dish mat is of good quality and is manufactured to match the user's wants.

Having one in your kitchen is a good choice; all of your utensils are easy and comfortable dried with ease.

The drying rack and mat and are delivered as a pair and can be used in their pair.

Notable features

• The linen and nickel 2 mats measure 17.25 by 15.88 inches.
• The mat is made of an easy to dry polyester that makes it nearly impossible for mould and mildew to accumulate.
• It-Highly flexible because it is made up of a flexible material. This also makes it easy to wash, even in a washing machine.
• Made of a cushioned mat that prevents glass utensils from breaking.
• It is double-sided with a close intact side that keeps the rack in place.
• The product is about 1.1 kilograms that makes it easily portable for the user.

Pros

• The mat can be easily washed in a machine.
• Easy storage can be folded.
• Made of polyester that can quickly dry up.
• Saves much space by holding many utensils.
• It is absorbent at the bottom.
• Less bulky thus can be easily carried around.
• Has an elastic band with which storage is easily enhanced.
• The cushioning helps prevent the damaging of glass utensils.

Cons

• The cushioned mat can easily retain much water; this can bring about slow drying of the utensils.
• The rack part, if not well arranged, utensils might topple and fall. This can cause many damages to the user.

8. Amazon Basics Drying Mat- 18 by 24- Charcoal, 3-Pack

Amazon Basics once again brings a wonderful drying mat for your use in the kitchen. The drying mat is built to the cutter for several uses; dishes, glass utensils, serving utensils, and many more can be all dried on this amazing Amazon Basics drying mat.

With this, the user wants are all catered for when the mat is used accordingly. I will be happy to inform anyone who wishes to buy this product that this is the best option. With it, all the utensils drying experience will be wonderful as never before.

Notable Features

• The drying mat consists of a 3-pack mat, which offers a larger space for the utensils.
• The material used to build the mat is easy drying polyester that prevents mould and dew growth.
• It is made of absorbent material. This sucks water faster, thereby brings a faster drying experience to the user.
• Cushioned inner parts protect glass utensils from breaking by reducing the shock during fall.
• The double-sided and non-slip sides keep the utensils in place. This prevents utensils from toppling over and falling.

Pros

• Made of fabric material that has the capacity to dry up faster.
• Glass utensils can’t break with the cushioned lining for the mat.
• The mat is made in such a way that it can be easily washed in a machine.
• Mould and mildew cannot grow due to the absorbent nature.
• Easy storage is enhanced by its flexible nature.
• The light is thus portable to fit the user'swantst.

Cons

• It cannot be cut to fit the user specifications. When cut, ravelling occurs; this can bring about faster wear out.

9. Amazon Basics Drying Rack- 18 by 24- Black/Black, With 2 Mats

The Amazon Basics drying rack with two mats is a better commodity when it comes to utensil drying. With it, you can be sure of having the utensils well dried. The drying rack comes with 2 mats in it that make it much spacious for use.

The features make it an exclusive product to be used in the kitchen for utensils drying purposes. Without hesitation, I will recommend this product to a customer who wishes to buy it.

Notable features

• The product dimensions are 23.25 by 17.88 by 19 inches. This allows you to have all your utensils easily placed.
• Its weight is about 1.98 kilograms; this makes it slightly portable to carry around to a better place.
• The mat has a cushioned side that prevents the breaking of glasses. The cushion acts as a shock absorber in a case where the glass utensils fall.
• The quick-drying of utensils is enhanced by the absorbent fabric material.
• Mould and dew build-up are prevented by the faster drying polyester mat.
• Double- side and non-flip sides help put the mat and rack into position.

Pros

• Up to 7 dishes can be held on the wire rack.
• Good storage. It can easily fold.
• Washing not a problem; it can be washed with a machine.
• The cushioned mat prevents glass breaking.
• Faster drying fabric wicks away water in the utensils, making them dry faster.

Cons

• The absorbent cloth wet faster, thus making it ineffective to dry up the utensils faster.
• If not well placed on a flat base, it can easily fall.
• The elastic bands used for simple storage can cut with ease after a long time of use.

10. AmazonBasics Large Drying Rack- 18 by 24- Black/Black, With 2Mats

The Amazon Basics makes part of the essentials to be used in a kitchen or in a household. It is a good choice for quick washing and drying of utensils.

It is also a lasting solution for households when it comes to utensils drying and washing. This is one of the best choices for anyone’s kitchen or household.

Notable Features

• The Amazon Basics comes with two mats and a large drying rack, making it have a dimension of 23.38 by 17.25by 19 inches.
• It can weigh up to 2.59 kilograms of weight, which is relatively lighter.
• Faster drying polyester mat makes the mat free of mould and mildew growth and builds up.
• Up to 7 seven sets of utensils that are plates, among others, can be hanged through elevation on the rack.
• It has a plastic closure and a flexible material that allows it to be easily folded. This makes it to be easily stored.
• The mat is kept in place by the double-sided surface.

Pros

• It can be easily stored because of its flexibility.
• Close to seven dishes can be held in the elevated rack.
• The polyester mat dries up faster.
• It can be easily washed by a machine.
• Used to dry a vast number of kitchen utensils.
• A flat base helps it firmly rest on the placed part.
• Relatively light hence can be easily carried.

Cons

• When plates are only placed on the rack, they can easily fall off the ridges because of the poor balancing.
• Over time the absorbent part becomes non-recessive to much moisture, thus wets the plates, thereby slowing the drying rate. 

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Dish Drying Mat

Before purchasing any of the dish drying racks above, you need to put different factors into consideration. Some of the features have been discussed in depth for each rack.

However, different kitchens have different needs. Therefore, you need to scrutinize every dish rack before making a purchase. An informed decision will ensure you have the mat that best suits your needs.

Here are some of the things you need to consider before buying the best dish drying rack.

Size

One of the main factors to consider when shopping for a dish drying mat is the size. Small mats are suitable for small spaces, while large kitchens require mats that have a high storage capacity.

Therefore, you need to consider the size of your kitchen before buying a mat. For small sinks, choose one that is small in size and folds easily. When not in use, it can be folded and kept away to reduce clutter. In the case of a large kitchen, choose a big enough mat to handle pots and pans neatly without stacking.

Ease of cleaning

You should consider the ease of cleaning a dish drying mat before making a purchase. Ensure that it is made from a material that is easy to clean and does not retain smells.

You need to clean your mat frequently as it is exposed to water and can easily mould. Most of the dish drying mats discussed above are easy to clean.

However, the eco-friendly bamboo collapsible rack needs special care. You are advised to use bamboo oil occasionally to ensure durability.

Flexibility

Everyone loves a neat kitchen. The drying mat contributes to a neat kitchen because of its flexibility. It should be foldable or collapsible for easier storage. When not in use, it can be tucked away in a drawer to avoid clutter.

Durability

Durability is undeniably one of the most important factors to consider before making a purchase. You should choose a mat that is made to last long. The edges should not fold, and it should protect the countertop while drying the dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are dish drying mats safe?

A: Yes! Whether the mat is made of microfiber or from any other material, dish drying mats are safe to use. The best practice is to use them for the right purpose in the best way possible. All you want is for them to dry up your dishes, not to absorb moisture.

Q: How often should I wash my dish drying mat?

A: The best practice is you wash your dish drying mats at least four times a year.

Q: Can you hand wash/machine-wash dish drying mats?

A: You can. You need to wash your dish drying mats if you want them to give you the best service. If you decide to use a machine to clean your dish drying mats, you do not need to mix them with other clothes. Besides, you do not need to use fabric softeners or bleaches. Just soap and water until the mats are clean.

Q: Does vinegar kill mould from dish drying mats?

A: Vinegar is a highly respected mild acid, which is good for eliminating mould and other germs from surfaces and fabrics. However, the way you decide to use vinegar matters a lot. You only need to spray on the mouldy parts on dish drying mats and leave the mat to dry in the air.

Verdict

Your family’s health and safety are important. You do not want them to get sick simply because you never drained water from your dishes. Using some of the best dish drying mats on this list will help you achieve your goal and show that you love your family. The market indeed offers a variety of dish-drying. However, it doesn’t mean each of the mats in the market will serve you right. We have strived to compile what we think will give you the best dish-drying experience. The remaining part of choosing which dish drying mat to take home is now yours.