It is not enough to wash the dishes well; they must also be dried. Those who consider this process unnecessary sooner or later face the problem of damaged kitchen furniture.

The fact is that the water flowing down from the still wet plates, spoons and forks, wine glasses and cups is absorbed into the surfaces of the shelves and drawers. On the damp surface of closed cabinets, mold and fungus begin to actively multiply.

A special tool - a drying mat - will help you quickly prepare the washed dishes for further storage without damaging the kitchen set.

 

What are they?

Hardware stores have a wide range of dish drying mats.

Silicone

The leaders in the popularity rating among consumers are silicone rugs. Thanks to the variety of shapes and colors, they fit perfectly into any kitchen interior.

In addition to their appearance, silicone substrates attract 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 adhere tightly to the silicone surface (due to which it dries faster);
  • Silicone does not get wet through (the tabletop will never be wet);
  • Flowing down 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 out the water from the cells;
  • Silicone is absolutely safe for health. Even when heated, it will not emit foreign odors and harmful substances (such rugs can be used as a stand for a hot dish).

With regular care and proper use, silicone pads can last for years.

Microfiber cloths

Soft, perfectly absorbent microfiber is a great option for drying dishes.

Those who use such napkins at least once note a lot of positive qualities of the product:

  • Absorbs a sufficiently large volume of water as quickly as possible (eight times the weight of the napkin).
  • Unlike ordinary cloth towels, the microfiber napkin retains moisture and prevents it from spreading over the countertop.
  • Microfiber does not require additional care products. After use, it is enough to rinse the napkin under running cool water, squeeze it well and hang it out to dry away from heating devices (microfiber dries very quickly).

Rubber

Rubber products are practical and durable. Rubber drying mats, like silicone coasters, have a grooved surface. Water accumulates in the grooves, which must be poured out after the dry dishes are placed in their places.

Polyvinyl chloride

Lightweight, airy PVC rugs are highly absorbent, making dishes dry in minutes. PVC is a material that is safe for health (it will not emit foreign odors and harmful substances).

After use, the substrates dry very quickly, which minimizes the risks of developing foci of mold and mildew on them.

When buying PVC rugs, it is very important to make sure of the quality of the goods (the seller is obliged to provide a corresponding certificate to the buyer upon request). A low-quality fake does not fully appreciate all the positive properties of PVC rugs.

Polyester

Affordable, practical polyester wipes are often used for drying dishes. They perfectly absorb moisture, while leaving the table surface dry. These items can be washed in a washing machine. The variety of shapes and colors of polyester napkins allows you to fit them into any kitchen interior.

How to choose?

Choosing a suitable mat for drying dishes is not difficult, the main thing is to adhere to some rules:

The higher the rib on the face of the rug, the better. Deep grooves provide good ventilation (air helps glassware dry without dripping), helps to collect more water.

Rubber, silicone substrates are good if the dishes are dried on shelves and in drawers of wooden furniture. For metal surfaces, products made of any materials, including microfiber or polyvinyl chloride, are suitable.

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?

There is nothing easier than drying dishes on a special rug:

  • Spread a rug on a hard surface;
  • Arrange washed kitchen utensils (it is better to place light, breakable objects in the middle, and pots and other dishes that are difficult to break - along the edges);
  • Dry plates and cups, pots and pans, forks, spoons and other kitchen utensils are put in their places.

After use, the water accumulated in the gutters is poured from the rubber or silicone mat, the stand is rinsed under running water. If the drying cloth is made of microfiber, polyester or PVC, then after use it is twisted, rinsed under running water and hung out to dry.