Key Reasons To Consider Switching To A Stone Drying Mat For Your Kitchen

Hand-washing your dishes can be a part-time job for many individuals — it's also a multi-step process, which requires counter space and towels or silicone mats to collect the water that drips from them. While these methods are effective, they are not without their hassles. Towels that are used for air-drying dishes often get musty and can be prone to mildew if not swapped out often enough, leading to (you guessed it) more laundry. Likewise, drying mats can begin to grow slimy mold or trap water underneath, leading to smelliness in the kitchen. If you're tired of soggy countertop towels and stinky silicone drying mats, instead of using random items that can double as a dish drying rack in a pinch, consider a product that could be a solution for your dish-drying woes.

Stone drying mats are growing in popularity, and for good reason. These revolutionary products harness natural elements like diatomaceous earth to rapidly absorb water that drips on their surface. Unlike towels that soak up water but still need to be dried themselves, or silicone mats that catch the liquid, stone drying mats are designed to absorb water and leave no trace behind. By adopting a stone drying mat in lieu of more conventional methods, you'll save yourself time that would otherwise be spent washing towels or hand-drying. Another key reason to choose a stone drying mat is the improved hygiene, thanks to its mold resistance. The final reason to consider a stone drying mat is the aesthetic appeal, since their sleek appearance can blend seamlessly into the countertop.

After this introduction, stone drying mats may seem too good to be true. The reality is that while there are few downsides to them, there are still some factors to consider. Firstly, stone drying mats can be pricier than other drying surfaces. While a dish towel or drying mat may only cost you a few dollars, a quality stone drying mat for the kitchen is likely to run somewhere around $20 (although certain luxury brands can go as high as $95). This price needn't necessarily be a deterrent, though, as they can last for years. With proper care, they may be the only drying surface you ever need to purchase, which prevents waste from tossing old towels and other mats.

In order to ensure that a stone drying mat does last a lifetime, there are some tips to bear in mind. While these stones are generally resilient to daily use, they can become stained; fortunately, a light sanding with very fine sandpaper can remove any unsightly marks. Depending on your product's care instructions, you may also be able to use hydrogen peroxide on your stone to lift marks. Over time, a stone drying mat will become saturated, but drying them out is as easy as propping them up against your kitchen wall, to provide sufficient airflow around them. One final consideration when switching to a stone drying mat is that they are not soft and could (in theory) chip a very fragile dish if you placed it down forcefully, although with moderate caution this should not be a concern. Whatever your motivation (economic, hygienic, or practical), a stone mat could be a must-have for your kitchen.