Review of mats for drying dishes after washing: pros and cons, cost, customer opinions
It is not enough to wash the dishes well; they also need to be dried. Those who consider this process optional will sooner or later face the problem of damaged kitchen furniture.
The fact is that water flowing from still wet plates, spoons and forks, wine glasses and cups is absorbed into the surfaces of shelves and drawers. Mold and mildew begin to actively multiply on the damp surface of closed cabinets.
A special product - a drying mat - will help you quickly prepare washed dishes for further storage without damaging your kitchen furniture.
Content
What are they?
Hardware stores offer a wide range of mats for drying dishes.
Silicone
The leaders in the popularity rating among consumers are silicone mats. Thanks to the variety of shapes and colors, they fit perfectly into any kitchen interior.
In addition to appearance, silicone substrates attracted by a variety of positive qualities:
silicone coasters do not slip on the surface of the table or sink (which is very important when drying glassware);- the ribbed surface does not allow the dishes to fit tightly to the silicone surface (due to which they dry out faster);
- silicone does not get wet through (the countertop will never be wet);
- flowing from the walls of the dishes, water accumulates in the recesses of the ribbed surface and all that remains to be done after the dry dishes are laid out on the shelves is to pour the water out of the cells;
- silicone is absolutely safe for health. Even when heated, it will not emit foreign odors or harmful substances (such mats can be used as a stand for a hot dish).
With regular care and proper use, silicone coasters can last for years.
Microfiber cloths
Soft, highly absorbent microfiber is an excellent option for napkins for drying dishes.
Those who have used such napkins at least once note a lot of positive qualities of the product:
- Absorbs a fairly large volume of water as quickly as possible (eight times the weight of the napkin).
- Unlike regular fabric towels, a microfiber cloth retains moisture and prevents it from spreading across the countertop.
- Microfiber does not require additional care. After use, it is enough to rinse the napkin under running cool water, squeeze it thoroughly and hang it to dry away from heating appliances (microfiber dries very quickly).
Rubber
Rubber products are practical and durable. Rubber drying mats, like silicone coasters, have a corrugated surface. Water accumulates in the grooves, which must be poured out after the dry dishes are placed in their places.
Made from polyvinyl chloride
Light, airy PVC mats absorb moisture perfectly, allowing dishes to dry in minutes. PVC is a material that is safe for health (will not emit foreign odors and harmful substances).
After use, the substrates dry very quickly, which minimizes the risk of mold and mildew developing on them.
When purchasing PVC mats, it is very important to ensure the quality of the product (the seller is obliged to provide the buyer with an appropriate certificate upon request). A low-quality fake does not allow you to fully appreciate all the positive properties of PVC mats.
Made from polyester
Affordable, practical polyester napkins are often used for drying dishes. They perfectly absorb moisture while leaving the table surface dry. Such products can be washed in a washing machine. A variety of shapes and colors of polyester napkins allow them to fit into any kitchen interior.
How to choose?
Choosing a suitable mat for drying dishes is not difficult, the main thing is adhere to some rules:
- The higher the rib on the front side of the rug, the better. Deep gutters provide good ventilation (air helps glassware dry without drips) and help collect more water.
- Rubber and silicone substrates are good if dishes are dried on shelves and in drawers of wooden furniture. Products made from any materials, including microfiber or polyvinyl chloride, are suitable for metal surfaces.
- Before you go shopping, you need to measure the area of the surface on which the drying mat will be laid out in the future.
How to use?
Nothing is simplerHow to dry dishes on a special mat:
- spread a rug on a hard surface;
- arrange the washed kitchen utensils (it is better to place light, breakable items in the middle, and pots and other dishes that are difficult to break - at the edges);
- dry plates and cups, pots and pans, forks, spoons and other kitchen utensils are placed in their places.
After use, pour out the water accumulated in the gutters from the rubber or silicone mat and rinse the stand under running water. If the drying cloth is made of microfiber, polyester or PVC, then after use it is unscrewed, rinsed under running water and hung out to dry.
TOP 5 best products with reviews and prices
Among the many positive reviews about mats for drying dishes, There are five most popular models:
Umbra UDRY MINI
The Umbra UDRY MINI dish drying mat is a stylish accessory that simplifies the care of kitchen utensils. The product consists of two parts: a fleecy backing intended for drying dishes and a plastic stand with divisions for plates (this part is autonomous and can be removed if necessary).
The upper part of the drying substrate is microfiber, the bottom is membrane. The average cost is 1200 rubles.
Video review of the rug:
NYHOLID IKEA
The NYHOLID dish drying mat is a European quality product from IKEA. This practical kitchen accessory (made of polyester) protects kitchen surfaces from moisture, simplifies the process of caring for kitchen utensils as much as possible.
The average cost is 200 rubles.
Video review of the rug:
MoulinVilla Home
Drying mat MoulinVilla Home protects not only kitchen surfaces from moisture, but also dishes from damage. Thanks to the ribbed surface, moisture does not linger on the surface. Dense silicone prevents glassware from falling.The stylish design will help fit the rugs into the modern kitchen interior.
The average cost is 330 rubles.
Ginger cat
The red cat dish drying mat is made of dense microfiber. Can be used as a hotel accessory and as a dryer liner for dishes. Bright colors and original design make it a successful addition to the kitchen interior.
The average cost is 150 rubles.
UpakGroup
Cloth for drying dishes UpakGroup LLC - made of viscose, which perfectly absorbs moisture, protects table and cabinet surfaces from damage. The variety of patterns will make the drying mat a bright accessory to the kitchen interior. The average cost is 50 rubles.
Since drying mats come into contact with dishes, you should buy them only in stores where the quality of the product can be confirmed with appropriate documents. Rugs made from low quality materials can pose a threat to human health.
Adviсe
The basic rule of care is after each drying of the dishes. It is necessary to drain accumulated water from the recesses on the surface of the mat. Otherwise, mold and mildew will begin to develop on the waterproof silicone very quickly.
Periodically (at least once a month), the ribbed surface of silicone or rubber mats is cleaned with a soft brush, and polyester napkins are washed in a washing machine at a temperature not exceeding 40°C. Microfiber products should only be washed by hand.
Conclusion
A drying mat is an indispensable item in the kitchen, which not only reduces the time required to care for dishes, but also protects work surfaces and kitchen cabinet shelves from the damaging effects of moisture.
