Drying mats are inexpensive, highly-absorbent, light, and ultra-convenient products that have helped me keep my kitchen clean and organized for years.
As far as I’m concerned, every household in America should have a dish drying mat. However, there is one downside and it is an important one to highlight: dish drying mats get really dirty over time.
Since the last thing you want to have around your dishes is a smelly, bacteria-riddled mat, you need to be diligent about cleaning it.
But, how do you clean it?
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Can You Wash A Dish Drying Mat?
Yes, you can wash a dish drying mat, and it is easy. Simply throw your dirty dish drying mat in your washing machine (most dish drying mats are washing machine safe) and run a regular load using your favorite detergent.
Afterward, you can toss them in the dryer for a quick dry on low heat, or hang them in an airy room for slower air dry.
It is worth mentioning at this point that I am talking mostly about cloth or microfiber dish mats. Dish mats come in several other materials such as silicone and rubber. While these mats are also machine washable, it may be easier to just rinse them with some hot water and antibacterial soap.
How Often Should You Wash A Dish Drying Mat?
You should wash your dish drying mat regularly. I suggest you wash your dish drying mat at least once per week. This isn’t a hard-set rule, though. You may have to wash your dish drying mat more often in some cases, but you may also get away with washing it less often if you don’t wash your dishes daily.
Dish drying mats are meant to absorb the excess moisture that drips off your recently cleaned dishes. This means that if you are washing dishes daily, your dish drying mats will absorb lots of water, and it will quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Failing to keep your mat clean will mean that your clean dishes will become contaminated as soon as they come into contact with your dirty mat.
If your mat has been neglected for a long time, it may be best to replace the entire mat. Consistent mildew buildup will create mold growth. Dish mats are not generally expensive and if you have mold growing in the nooks and crannies you risk possible health risks.
What Do You Do If You Don’t Have A Washing Machine?
If you don’t have a washing machine at home, you can still manage to keep your dish drying mats clean.
Handwashing your dish drying mats will accomplish the same goal of keeping your mat free of harmful bacteria, and your clean dishes clean.
To do so you will need a small laundry basin, some detergent, a soft sponge, and clean water.
Simply pour clean water and enough detergent into the laundry basin to make a soapy mixture. Then soak the mat in the soapy water, while gently scrubbing with the sponge.
Afterward, rinse your dish drying mat with some warm water until it is completely soap free. You can air dry your mat, or use your dryer if you have one and if the mat is dryer safe.
Ultimately, you will have to check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine if you should resort to handwashing your dish drying mats, or if you can safely machine wash them.
Pro-tip: Add some white vinegar to your soapy water to kill even more germs and bacteria.
- Super Absorbency:These microfibre absorbent mats have a three-layer structure and are very absorbent, helping you to solve the dilemma of dampness after washing dishes and helping to keep your countertops tidy, your home helper.
Why Use A Dish Drying Mat In The First Place?
Many people already use a dish rack to dry their recently washed dishes. These racks are inexpensive and can be bought easily from a wide number of stores. So, why should you use a dish drying mat as well?
Dish drying mats provide several benefits that make them a good addition to any kitchen.
For example, dish drying mats are often even cheaper than regular plastic/metal dish racks. Additionally, they add an important layer of cushioning that can protect your most fragile dishware as well as the surface of your countertops.
Another important benefit of using a dish drying mat is that it can be stored much more easily and conveniently than the more traditional rigid racks.
Finally, you don’t have to choose one over the other. Combining a dish drying rack with a dish drying mat can be a winning formula. Simply place the dish drying mat underneath the rack to serve its function just the same.
Last update on 2024-04-03 at 05:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
