Can You Wash Dish Drying Mats?
The dish drying mat is the perfect solution for the common practice of placing kitchenware on a towel after washing. You can use it under the dish rack to catch drips, or you can directly place pots and pans on it, and it will absorb water drippings leaving your dishes dry.
Can you wash dish drying mats?
You can wash the dish drying mats frequently to avoid the growth of bacteria, fungi, and smell. Depending on the material, you can wash them in a washing machine, by hand, or in a dishwasher. The dish drying mats are usually made of textiles that can be washed in the washing machine with detergent and cold water and then put in the dryer on a low heat setting.
Do you have a dish drying mat but do not know how to keep it clean and hygienic? Check out washing dish drying mats to keep them clean and odor-free. You will also learn if you can wash your silicone drying mats in a dishwasher.
If you are interested in checking out the best dish-drying mats, you can find them on Amazon by clicking here.
Are Dish Drying Mats Machine Washable?
Most dish drying mats are machine-washable; before washing, check the tag to be sure and can go in the dryer on a low setting.
This means you can wash your dish drying mat in the washing machine and then put it in the dryer on a low setting. This is convenient because you do not have to wash your dish drying mat by hand.
How Often Should You Wash A Dish Drying Mat?
Try washing the dish drying mat twice a week to maintain hygiene. Because kitchens are very busy in every house, the mats may always be damp due to continuous usage.
Consequently, the dish drying mat might be a perfect place for mold to grow, especially if the kitchen does not have proper ventilation. However, the cleaning frequency depends on the mat’s material and how you use it.
It is usually more challenging to clean the absorbent mats (that catch dripping water) since they can accumulate dirt and smell. Further, dry your drying mats after every use to avoid breeding harmful fungi.
How to Wash a Dish Drying Mat?
Here are the steps on how to wash dish mat:
- First, remove any food debris or residue to wash a dish drying mat.
- Next, fill a sink with warm water and add mild dish soap.
- Submerge the mat in the water and use your hands to work the soap into the fabric.
- Rinse the mat thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Finally, hang the mat to dry or lay it flat on a towel.
How to Get Rid Of the Smell Out Of a Dish Drying Mat?
Put your dish drying mats in the washing machine with warm water and a cup of vinegar and let them wash for a cycle. Let the smell dry thoroughly in the sun or shade if the smell is gone. But if the smell is gone, wash it with warm water and baking soda for a cycle and dry it.
The smelly dish drying mats can make you feel that your utensils and kitchen are dirty. Therefore, ensure your drying mats are clean and do not have any mildew smell. For this, ensure not to leave damp mats on the counter for a long time and hang them to dry after every use.
Further, keep your kitchen ventilated for proper airflow and wash your mats more often, according to your usage intervals.
How to Clean Silicone Drying Mat?
The recommended way to clean a silicone drying mat is to wash it with warm soapy water. You can also use a mild detergent or vinegar to clean the mat.
If the mat is very dirty, you can soak it in a vinegar solution for a few minutes before washing it. To disinfect the mat, you can use a solution of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water.
Can You Put Silicone Drying Mat In The Dishwasher?
You can wash silicone drying mats in a dishwasher but wipe off water and spills before putting them into a dishwasher. In addition, always place your silicone drying mats on the first rack of the dishwasher. You may, however, want to check the dishwasher-safe label before you put them in.
If you cannot find the dishwasher label on the backside of the drying mats, you can check their packing box or the manufacturer’s website.
But if you do not have a dishwasher, you can simply wash them by hand with warm water and mild detergent. However, if your silicone mats have stains and spots, you can wash them with vinegar, baking soda, lemon, or alcohol, depending on available.
Check out this easy-to-clean ZLR Dish Drying Mat on Amazon.
How to Clean Drying Mat?
Drying mats are often used in the kitchen to dry dishes and cookware. Over time, they can become stained and grimy. To clean a drying mat, you will need:
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- A clean sponge or cloth
Start by wiping the mat with a damp sponge or cloth to remove loose dirt and debris. Next, mix warm water and dish soap in a bowl. Dip a clean sponge or cloth into the soapy water and scrub the mat. Rinse the mat with clean water and allow it to air dry.
How to Clean a Rubber Drying Mat?
Rubber drying mats can be tricky to clean since they can be damaged by washing in the washing machine and dryer. But you must wash them more often because they attract mold and mildew quickly. Following are some ways to clean a rubber mat effectively.
01. Handwashing
First, you must clean both sides of the rubber drying using a sponge and then scrub it by pouring a little vinegar. After that, hang it to dry and make sure both sides get dry thoroughly.
02. Machine Washing
It is best not to wash a rubber drying mat in the washing machine. But if you plan to wash it in the washing machine, use warm water, let it wash for a few minutes, then hang it to dry. Never put your rubber drying mat in the dryer.
03. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent alternative if you do not have a washing machine or dishwasher or your mat has stains and want to wash it by hand. Rinse your drying mat with water and sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over it.
Wear gloves, make a paste of baking soda with water, and cover the mat. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes, scrub it with a sponge or a soft brush, rinse it with lukewarm water and dry it thoroughly.
04. Lemon
Rinse your mat, spray it with the lemon extract, and leave it for ten to fifteen minutes. Scrub it with a sponge, a soft cloth, or a brush, rinse with warm water and hang it to dry. Using this method will also make your dish-drying mats smell better.
05. Vinegar and water
Make a solution of ¼ part vinegar with water and fill it in a spray bottle. Spray this solution all over the rubber drying mat and scrub it with a soft cloth or brush until no smell and dirt are left but do not scrub very hard. Rinse it with water and hang it for drying.
Conclusion
The dish drying mat is a kind of best friend to your utensils, and it is the most economical solution to the drip drying problem of dishes after washing.
However, you must wash the dish drying mats regularly to avoid the smell and the growth of bacteria. But you can easily wash them by hand and in the washing machine.
