To clean a dish drying mat, machine wash microfibre mats on a warm cycle and air or tumble dry them, while silicone mats can be wiped down, washed in soapy water or put in the dishwasher. Drying the mat fully between uses is what stops smells, mould and bacteria. Microfibre mats need regular washing because they stay damp; silicone mats dry faster and wipe clean. This guide explains how to clean a dish drying mat of each type.
Machine wash microfibre mats warm and dry fully; wipe, hand-wash or dishwasher silicone mats. Dry the mat fully between uses to stop smells and mould. Microfibre needs frequent washing; silicone wipes clean and dries fast.
Cleaning a Microfibre Drying Mat
- Shake off crumbs and rinse if needed.
- Machine wash on a warm cycle with regular detergent.
- Avoid fabric softener, which reduces absorbency.
- Air dry or tumble dry on low.
- Wash every few days, as microfibre stays damp.
Key Takeaway: Microfibre that stays damp smells; silicone that wipes clean does not. The cleaning routine follows the material: wash microfibre often and dry it fully, while silicone just needs a wipe or a dishwasher run.
Cleaning a Silicone Drying Mat
- Wipe it down with a soapy cloth after use.
- For a deeper clean, wash in warm soapy water or put it in the dishwasher.
- For limescale, wipe with diluted white vinegar.
- Dry fully or hang it to air dry.
Drying the Mat Between Uses
Always dry the mat fully between uses. A damp folded mat grows smells and mould. Hang microfibre to dry and stand silicone on edge. See best dish drying mats.
Removing Smells and Mould
- Wash microfibre with a little vinegar or baking soda added.
- Wipe silicone with diluted vinegar.
- Dry fully afterward.
- Replace a mat that stays smelly. See how often to replace.
FAQ
How do you clean a dish drying mat?
Machine wash microfibre mats warm and dry fully; wipe, hand-wash or dishwasher silicone mats. Dry the mat fully between uses to stop smells and mould.
Can you put a dish drying mat in the washing machine?
Microfibre mats can go in the washing machine on a warm cycle. Silicone mats are better wiped or put in the dishwasher.
Why does my drying mat smell?
Because it stays damp. Wash microfibre often, wipe silicone clean, and dry the mat fully between uses to stop smells.
Bottom Line
Clean a dish drying mat by machine washing microfibre warm and wiping or dishwashing silicone, and always dry it fully between uses to stop smells and mould. See our best dish drying mats guide.
