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Last updated: 13 May 2024
By: Cuisine Review Team
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Dish drying mats are a useful accessory for drying dishes, glassware, and other kitchen items. They’re typically made from a super absorbent material like microfiber or cotton or a waterproof material like silicon. They come in various shapes and designs to suit different kitchen needs and aesthetics, but above all, they are designed to be home to wet, clean dishes. One of the main benefits of having a dish drying mat is that it provides a soft, contained surface for your dishes to dry on rather than having to dry them by hand or leave them to air dry on the bare kitchen countertop. The ZLR Dish Drying Mat is at the top of our list of the best dish-drying mats because of its multipurpose features, silicon material, heat resistance, and raised edges to prevent water spills.
Our Top Picks For Dish Drying Mats
- Best Overall: ZLR Dish Drying Mat Shop Now ➔
- Most Design Styles: Shop Now ➔
- Most Absorbent: Bellemain Dish Drying Mat Shop Now ➔
- Most Durable: AMOAMI Dish Drying Mat Shop Now ➔
- Most Versatile: OXO Dish Drying Mat Shop Now ➔
View all Contents
- The Best Dish Drying Mat Buying Guide
- Size
- Are Dish Mats Easy To Clean? – Find Out
- How to Clean It – Top Tips
- Durability
- People Also Asked
- Are dish drying mats useful?
- What’s the best way to use a dish drying mat?
- Do I need to clean my drying mat frequently?
- Do dish drying mats actually dry off dishes?
- Can I wash drying mats in the washing machine?
- Related Articles
The Best Dish Drying Mats
Best Overall
This multi-functional mat uses food-grade silicone. You can use it for drying your dishes or as a fridge liner. It is resistant to heat (up to 450 degrees), making it suitable for use as a mat for hair styling tools too. The silicone material is very soft and you can easily fold it, allowing effortless storage in compact spaces.
The surface features wavy ridges that are tall to make sure dishes won’t slip. The edges of the mat are also raised, which prevents the water from spilling onto your counters. Additionally, the mat is waterproof. This results in easy cleaning by wiping water spills off or just tipping the mat into the sink.
Pros
- Water-resistance prevents the growth of mold and bacteria
- Easy to use
- The size of the mat is adequate
- Best value for money
Cons
- Water may leave spots on the mat
Most Design Styles
This dish drying mat is gradually making its name in the market and is probably the best reversible mat available right now. It uses highly absorbent microfibers that can hold up to four times its weight in water. More than that, the cushioning foam shields delicate silverware. It also ensures the area around the mat is safe from puddles.
These mats make dry countertops a priority. The most prominent feature of these dish drying mats is their availability in 29 unique patterns, including Marble, Stripes, and Triangles. These designs are stylish and modern and can easily go with different types of kitchen interiors. Furthermore, they are reversible and functional from both sides. While one side has a pattern, the other has a solid color. This gives your kitchen a vibrant and classy look.
Pros
- Protects kitchen counters from scratches and scrapes
- You can wash in the washing machine
- Unique patterns for a variety
- Suitable for different kitchen types
Cons
- It may take a while to dry the dishes
Most Absorbent
After cleaning a sink full of dishes, the next thing you want to do is dry them off and it’s best if you can do that on one mat rather than two. Bellemain dish drying mats are suitable for this purpose. They can hold large-sized pans and pots, saving you the trouble of finding space on your kitchen counter. It takes up 40% more than the typical mat and accommodates more crockery.
The microfiber material used in the mat is super absorbent, thick, and has a short drying time. It has an innovative honeycomb texture with fine stitching, making the mat durable. You can fold it off or hang it through the reinforced tag when you are not using the mat.
Pros
- The microfiber outer material absorbs up to 4 times moisture of its weight
- It has 3-PLY construction with a reversible design
- Suitable if you have large pans and pots
- Easy to store
Cons
- The mat can take a while to dry off
Most Durable
Washing dishes is a daily part of life and this silicone dish drying mat makes this process simple and easy for you. It dries your dishes neatly and efficiently without consuming too much counter space. And that’s not all! It is a multi-functional mat that you can use as a prep mat during cooking, an under-sink mat, a fridge liner, and more. Its versatile uses make it an in-demand kitchen accessory.
The Amoami mat also has an anti-slip damping feature that drains water from the crockery efficiently. Plus, it is easy to clean. You just have to gently flush it with water, and the mat will be as good as new. The material of this mat is heat resistant as well. You can keep it on your kitchen counter even if it’s at 230℉ and it will retain its structure and quality.
Pros
- You can wash it in the dishwasher
- It has a hole on the side for easy hanging
- Multifunctional mat will cater to different needs
- Provides excellent heat resistance
Cons
- Stacking too many dishes at a time is not recommended
Most Versatile
This large-sized, silicone-based dish drying mat by OXO easily and quickly dries your dishes and saves you the trouble of towel drying. It has a ribbed design that allows air to pass through under the dishes and cool off the trapped moisture. The silicone material used in these mats is food-safe and heat resistant, requiring minimal care.
The size of this mat is large enough to fit platters, 12-inch frying pans, salad bowls, multiple glasses, and other items. The mat’s surface is non-slip and soft, so you can keep delicate items, like stemware, on it without the fear of them slipping off. What’s great about this mat is that it’s thin and slim, so it doesn’t occupy much space. If your kitchen doesn’t have room for bulky trays, baskets, or dish drainers, this is a suitable alternative for you!
Pros
- You can hang or roll it when it’s not in use
- You can wash this mat in the dishwasher
- Cater to large pans and pots
- Easy to use
Cons
- The silicone material takes longer to dry
The Best Dish Drying Mat Buying Guide
It’s easy to make impulse purchases that you end up never using. This mostly happens when you don’t take out enough time to research what you’re purchasing and as a result, you end up getting a low-quality item that doesn’t work as intended or ends up getting ruined after first use.
When purchasing a dish drying kitchen mat, don’t make the same mistake. Here are some consideration aspects you should take into account when buying one:
Size
Dish drying mats are available in various sizes. The ideal size for you typically relates to how often you cook from home and how large your meals are. For example, if you have a large family, you’ll have more dishes, appliances, and utensils to use. Generally, dish drying mats are available in 3 sizes:
Small
These mats are 5 inches or less in width. They are suitable for a single person and you can place spoons, knives, and a glass or two on these mats.
Medium
Medium-sized mats range between 6 and 15 inches and work well for a four-person family. You can dry off a few plates, cups, and glasses on these mats.
Large
These mats are around 16 inches wide and ideal for large families. You can place several cutlery and crockery items on this mat.
Are Dish Mats Easy To Clean? – Find Out
Studies have shown that some dish-drying mats can be a breeding source of salmonella and other bacteria. The key to preventing that is to clean it regularly, so it doesn’t trap water, get mold, and turn into a breeding ground for different species. For this reason, you should pick out a mat that is easy to clean.
Look for silicone or microfiber materials. The former features a ribbed design pattern that enables fast water drainage and good airflow while keeping dishes safe from bacteria. Plus, it can hold several dishes at once. The latter i.e. microfiber is an absorbent material and quick to dry off. You can place it on countertops to protect your surface from water damage and scratches.
Both materials are easy to clean, so take your pick according to what serves your kitchen’s needs best.
How to Clean It – Top Tips
Depending on the material, you can clean your drying mat in one of the following ways:
By hand
Most mats available in the market require hand washing. You can use liquid soap or detergent to wash the mat. You can also wipe it clean it using a damp cloth piece dipped in soap and remove the dirt from the mat. Just remember to air dry it after the wash to ensure it doesn’t catch any mold or mildew from the moisture.
Dishwasher
Some silicone mats are safe to wash in the dishwasher, but you’ll have to wipe them between uses to prevent any standing water from accumulating.
Washing machine
You can wash some microfiber mats in the washing machine. Toss them with other kitchen accessories that require cleaning, such as oven mitts, kitchen towels, cleaning cloth pieces, etc.
To find out which cleaning method is suitable for the mat that you’re purchasing, go through the manufacturer’s instructions and then wash accordingly, otherwise you may risk damage.
Durability
With a durable drying mat, you can rest assured that you’ll end up with an item that will grace your kitchen for years to come. Plus, there’s the added advantage of not having to spend money every few months to replace them.
When evaluating the product’s durability, check for product reviews and see what regular users of the selected mat have to say about the product. Their opinion will be valuable because they have experience using the product and can guide you on whether you should invest in this product. Another thing to look out for is that the edges should not fold and the mat should protect the countertop while the dishes are drying.
People Also Asked
Are dish drying mats useful?
Yes, these mats are an essential kitchen accessory for keeping your dishes dry and your kitchen clean. They drain off your dishes and their porous material makes it possible for you to get clean and spot-free crockery.
What’s the best way to use a dish drying mat?
Once you have washed the dishes, place them face down on the mat so that it absorbs all the remaining water. You can also place it under your dishwasher to keep your bar safe from scuffs and scratches.
Do I need to clean my drying mat frequently?
Depending on how frequently you use it, you can clean your dish drying mat once or twice a month. It is crucial to make sure that the water isn’t trapped in any part of the mat otherwise, it will cause bacteria and mold. Another thing to remember is that it will be difficult to clean if you leave it dirty for a long time. So, it’s best to get the cleaning out of the way as soon as possible.
Do dish drying mats actually dry off dishes?
Yes, microfiber drying mats have a great absorption rate. They drain off the water and clean your dishes, so you don’t have to deal with wet, sloppy countertops or dishes.
Can I wash drying mats in the washing machine?
It’s best to wash dryer mats in cold water with some liquid soap or detergent. Avoid using fabric softener or bleach on these mats. Once you are done washing, air dry them before keeping them in the kitchen again.
Article Contributors
Cuisine Review Team
The Cuisine Review Team’s in-depth guides and product reviews are designed to help you pick the best products for a beautiful and professional-grade kitchen and dining room.
Cuisine at Home is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.
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