How To Keep Sink Areas Dry To Avoid Messy Water Puddles In The Bathroom & Kitchen

Even the most spartan kitchens need at least a dishwashing liquid dispenser and some kind of scrubbing implement. Few, if any, bathroom floors automatically whisk away moisture from your freshly washed feet. Bathroom vanities are likely crowded with stuff: Soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste ... We get these items wet and then plonk them back down on trays or in holders, where they drip, drip, drip until a damp, dank puddle — or worse, a stubborn stain — forms. Sure, we eventually clean it up, but until that time, the moisture is a muck trap. Up to recently, all of this was just an inconvenient fact of daily life. But now, an ingenious solution lies in trays made from a substance that goes by various names, including water-absorbing stone, diatomite, and diatom mud. Pop a sponge or bar of soap atop one of these racks and the water literally disappears, seemingly by magic.

It is, of course, all down to science, not sorcery, that a diatomite tray keeps your countertops splash-free. Powdery diatomaceous earth or its solid form, a sedimentary rock called diatomite, is a naturally formed conglomeration of the fossilized silica remains of minute marine organisms called diatoms. There are all kinds of ways to use diatomaceous earth, including as a natural pesticide, dietary supplement, personal care product additive, spill cleaner, and filtering agent. Now, manufacturers are mixing diatomite with a portion of biodegradable material, like recycled paper to create trays that wick away moisture within moments. What makes diatomite so perfect for drying trays? The material is incredibly porous and absorbent, allegedly sucking up two and a half times its weight in water before becoming waterlogged.

The practical appeal of diatomite trays and mats is that they dry almost instantly, keeping surfaces free from water without endless cleaning. The products also look really good. With their sleek lines and muted hues, they especially appeal to homeowners cultivating a minimalist bathroom aesthetic or who subscribe to the theory that an invisible kitchen is the next big home trend. Light or dark gray are common tones, which match almost any existing décor palette and hide stains.

These nifty water absorbers are cheap and come in various sizes and shapes, though square and rectangular are most common. Some kitchen sink trays have circular cutouts so that the contraption fits neatly around the stem of your faucet. There are even oversized bath or shower mats (did we mention they're non-slip?) and dish drying racks. Some trays feature grooves or channels cut into the surface that further reduce the chance of water pooling. Plus, they're not just great for the bathroom or kitchen; use these trays anywhere you frequently see standing water. Your craft room, houseplant shelves, or outdoor entertainment area sink, for example.

Of course, few products are downside-free. Diatomite is porous, so if you drop deeply colored food or drink, like, say, red wine, on the tray, you might end up with stains. Oily substances compromise the material's absorbency. The surface of these trays is lightly textured, and if you drag it across countertops made from more delicate materials (think wood or marble, you could end up scratching them. To solve this, buy products fitted with rubber feet. The trays also need regular cleaning and air-drying.

If you're looking to rectify mistakes everyone makes with their kitchen sink, like letting a wet scrubber stain your countertop between uses, Amazon sells a set of four variously sized NiuYichee diatomite trays with rubber feet for under $15. If you're looking for something that will seamlessly fit around your faucet, the 24-inch Kehuo splash guard from Walmart boasts the aforementioned tap-hugging cut-outs. Some, like the Dorai collapsible home dish pad from Amazon, feature perforated silicon covers that slip over the diatomaceous earth slabs. Also on Amazon is the Yoebor bath mat (or big dish drying mat) in a luxurious white marble finish for under $40.

When your tray arrives, it might require a little assembly. Some, for example, have rubber feet you need to stick on or screw in. Always check any manufacturer instructions that come with the product. Despite their seemingly magical water-absorbing properties, these mats aren't set-and-forget accessories. Like anything sitting around on an open surface and used daily, they collect dust and stains. Regularly — as often as each time you use it — rinse the stone with water and, if you feel it needs it, a little dish soap, and prop it up to dry to preserve its absorbent power. Stains can be removed with a baking soda scrub or very fine-grit sandpaper. If your mat has a cover, remove it and wash it by hand or in your dishwasher weekly. With proper care, you can expect your mats and trays to last three to five years.