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Last Updated: May 13, 2024, 4:43 a.m.

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.

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.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Zlr Dish Drying Mat
Most Design Styles: S&T Inc. Dish Drying Mat
Most Absorbent: Bellemain Dish Drying Mat
Most Durable: Amoami Dish Drying Mat
Most Versatile: Oxo Dish Drying Mat

Reviews

Best Overall

Zlr Dish Drying Mat

Pros	Cons
Water-resistance prevents the growth of mold and bacteria Easy to use The size of the mat is adequate Best value for money	Water may leave spots on the mat

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Most Design Styles

S&T Inc. Dish Drying Mat

Pros	Cons
Protects kitchen counters from scratches and scrapes You can wash in the washing machine Unique patterns for a variety Suitable for different kitchen types	It may take a while to dry the dishes

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Most Absorbent

Bellemain Dish Drying Mat

Pros	Cons
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	The mat can take a while to dry off

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Most Durable

Amoami Dish Drying Mat

Pros	Cons
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	Stacking too many dishes at a time is not recommended

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Most Versatile

Oxo Dish Drying Mat

Pros	Cons
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	The silicone material takes longer to dry

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FAQs

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.