Investing in kitchen utensils and mats could be a game-changer for you to keep the kitchen clean. It plays a significant role in managing the unnecessary dripping of water from the dishes and providing a clean, dry space for the dishes. Moreover, dish drying racks are still a convenient way of drying dishes, but dish drying mats are becoming popular and could not be neglected.
The fact that mats use less counter space in the kitchen makes them more popular. With the growing popularity and use of dish drying mats, the concern of how to wash dish drying mats is also increasing as people fear that the dish drying mat could be a breeding ground for bacteria.
What is Dish Drying Mats Used for?
Dish drying mats are used for drying wet dishes; not just this, they are made up of absorbent material, which prevents the growth of bacteria on it. Moreover, for better use, it is mandatory to dry and ensure that the dish drying mat is dry and frequently washed to ensure better performance. Furthermore, the dish drying mat is made up of 100 % polyester; it is not only used to dry the dishes but also plays an effective role in providing a cushion to dishes.
Dish drying mats are easy to use, wash and easy store. The fact that it is easily foldable is one of the most significant benefits. Not just this, dis drying mats come in many colours and sizes, so you can choose which best suits your needs. Dish drying mats are the best alternative to dish drying racks, as smaller kitchens barely have space for bulky racks; therefore, in such cases, dish drying racks are the best alternatives to opt for.
How to Wash Dish Drying Mat?
Keeping the kitchen clean and dry plays a significant role in maintaining the overall hygiene of the kitchen. Therefore, to avoid bacteria, mould and mildew, it is best to use a dish drying mat. But at the same time, it is necessary to keep the dish drying mat clean. There is no point in washing dishes and placing them on a dish drying mat that smells unpleasant or may have small chunks of food on it, or is oily.
The dirty appearance of the mat not just gives a bad impression about the overall hygiene of the kitchen but also does not perform the work effectively. Therefore, it is mandatory to properly clean the dish drying mat for best results and to avoid bacteria.
Below mentioned are some of the effective ways of cleaning the dish drying:
1. Washing Machine:
The first and easiest way to clean a dish drying mat is to put the mat in the washing machine. Before doing this, check the recommendation of how to wash the mat effectively on the tag attached to the mat. Ensure that the mat has nothing on it before placing it in the washing machine. Then set the machine on a gentle cycle and prefer using Luke’s warm water. Then add a decent amount of detergent and let the cycle complete.
Once done, air dry it under the shade to avoid fading the mat by the sun. Furthermore, using Luke’s warm water and washing the mat at a minimum speed will help you increase the overall useful life of the dish drying mat.
2. Hand Wash:
Depending on the material of the dish drying mats, for some dish drying mats, it is best to hand wash them to properly clean the mat. Ensure that soap or detergent is used to effectively clean the mat. Just place the dish drying mat in the basin, add a decent amount of detergent, rub it with a sponge to get rid of any food particles on it and then finally wash it with warm water. Make sure to dry it at a shady place to avoid discolouration of the dish drying mat. The mat is good to use after it is completely dry.
3. Bleaching powder and baking Soda:
In some cases, the dish drying mat is full of stains and even washing in the washing machine does not help clean it, then. In such situations, it is best to use bleaching powder and baking soda for the best results. All you need to do is sprinkle the baking soda on the wet dish drying mat and leave it for 20 minutes to let the baking soda do its work, then rinse it with Luke’s warm water.
4. Vinegar and Lemon juice:
The most effective way of cleaning a dish drying mat, which even helps you to remove the greasy, oily texture and leave the dish drying mat with a pleasant smell and clean feel. Just wet the mat and add lemon or vinegar to it; let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This will help get rid of the tough stains of oil and even get rid of its greasy effect. Then just brush the dish drying mat slowly with the sponge and wash it with Luke’s warm water.
To effectively wash the dry dish mat with vinegar, it is best to make a vinegar solution with water. Take one-fourth of the vinegar and mix it in the water. Now spray this solution on the dish drying mat you want to wash. Gently scrub the mat, make sure all the unpleasant smell is gone, then just wash it with water and let it air dry.
How often should the dish drying mat be cleaned?
Firstly, it is necessary to ensure that the dish drying mat is properly cleaned and dry before using it for effective results. Not just this, if there is more useful for the dish drying mat, it is mandatory to clean and wash the dish drying mat at least once a week to avoid moulds and bacteria on it.
Furthermore, it is a must to keep the dish drying mat clean to avoid an unpleasant smell and avoid the growth of any fungi on it. Try to air-dry the dish drying mat, but avoid placing it directly under the sun, as it will cause discolouration. Moreover, to get rid of all the unpleasant smells from the dish drying mat, it is best to use vinegar, lemon or baking soda; all these will help you get rid of the unpleasant smell.
Types of Dish Drying Mats
It is important to know the types of dish drying mats so you can choose the appropriate dish drying mat that meets all your kitchen needs. There are three types of dish drying mats:
Microfiber Drying Mat
The microfiber mats are good at absorbing moisture and are available in various colours and prints, so you can choose the mat accordingly. Not just this, microfiber mats are best if you want to clean and dry delicate dishes, as they are soft, thus protecting both countertop and dishes from scratches. Microfiber dish drying mats are machine washable, and it is necessary to frequently clean them to avoid the growth of bacteria on them.
Silicon Drying Mat
Silicon dry mats are the best option for people who have more glasses and mugs to clean and dry. Silicon drying mats have better air circulating quality, which facilitates drying the dishes and utensils more quickly. The only disadvantage of a silicone drying mat is that you can only clean it in a dishwasher. Furthermore, the silicone drying mat is not available in many colours.
Bamboo Drying Mat
When we talk about the overall sanitary of the dish drying mats, bamboo dish drying mats are the best. The antibacterial properties of the bamboo drying mat make the overall growth of bacteria a lot slower. Not just this, bamboo drying mats are easy to clean.
Conclusion
There you go; this article covers all the effective ways to wash the dish drying mat and keep your kitchen clean, dry and effortlessly maintain the hygiene of the kitchen. Just follow these ways and avoid the growth of any fungi and bacteria in your kitchen. Just ensure that you use Lukewarm water, air dry it and avoid placing it directly under the sun; by doing all this, you can keep the dish drying mat clean and even increase the overall life. Lastly, it is definitely a plus in investing in a good-quality dish drying mat, as it helps keep the kitchen clean and dry.
