The Best Dish Mat

Buying Guide

If you have a full load of dishes, running your dishwasher is typically more efficient and safer. But for smaller loads, handwashing often makes more sense. You’ll use less water for a few dishes, and you can set them out to air dry.

But if you routinely wash dishes by hand, you’ll need somewhere to set them to dry. Sure, you can set out a hand towel and rest everything on it, but the towel can quickly absorb any leftover water, leaving it a soggy mess. That also means the water might drift onto the countertop, potentially puddling and spreading to the rest of your countertop and even your floor.

A good dish mat is designed to absorb water, preventing it from making its way to the rest of your countertop. You can wash and rinse your dishes and even set them on the mat without drying them, although you might want to at least shake off some of the excess water.

Dish mats come in a variety of designs. You’ll find some that are flat microfiber that feels like cloth but packs plenty of padding to cushion your dishes. This is especially important if you plan to dry delicate items like wine glasses or fine china. Still others are made from silicone and designed in a way that captures water within a rim. Both are equally efficient at drying dishes while also keeping your countertop dry.

One downside to dish mats is that residue can start to build up over time. Many microfiber dish mats can be tossed in the washer for easy cleanup, although you’ll likely want to lay them flat to dry. Silicone mats will need to be hand washed, but often simply rinsing them with warm water will do. You might need a scrub brush to clear away built-up stains.

• Bacteria can spread from one dish to another. If you’re handwashing dishes, it’s best to avoid using the same washcloth and sponge to clean your entire load of plates, drinkware and silverware, and using the same towel to dry multiple items can also be dangerous.
• Dish mats come in a variety of colors and patterns. You should be able to find an option that matches your kitchen décor.
• Some dish mats can roll up or fold for under-cabinet storage when you aren’t using them. This can help you keep your countertops clear.
• A reversible dish mat can give you two different designs that you switch up based on your mood.
• Pay attention to the dimensions of your dish mat. They come in a variety of sizes. If you have a large family or you handwash all your dishes, you might want to go with a larger option.
• Thickness can also vary from one dish mat to another. A thicker mat has the benefit of providing plenty of cushioning for more delicate dishes.
• If you’re concerned about chemicals or the environment, look for a dish mat built sustainably with food-grade materials.
• Dish mats aren’t just for drying dishes. Some can be used for household tasks like providing an anti-slip surface for your pet’s food bowls and giving a little extra cushioning to items in your cabinets.
• To prevent mold in your cabinets, always try to let your dishes dry thoroughly before putting them away. Try to avoid towel-drying them since bacteria can spread from one surface to another through a towel.
• Try to avoid storing your dishes on top of each other on your dish mat. If the water is trapped between surfaces, it could promote bacterial growth.
• Dish mats can begin to harbor bacteria over time, too. For best results, make sure you clean and thoroughly dry your dish mat between uses. Letting it sit for days without drying it can also lead to bacterial growth.