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10 Best Dish Drying Racks of 2024

Updated
Save time, energy and fight bacteria with these top drying racks.

After you’ve hand washed your dishes, they need a place to dry. You could dry them all by hand, but that takes a long time and isn’t as hygienic as air drying (1). A practical dish drying rack can change the game in the kitchen.

We spent hours researching dozens of drying racks, so you don’t have to. We looked into each product’s features, materials, cleanability, and more. After ensuring the products were backed by experts, real customers, or our own seal of approval, we put together a list of the 10 best dish drying rack recommendations.

Whether you’re looking for an over-the-sink option, something budget-friendly or compact, you’ll find something here. With your new dish drying rack, the dishwashing routine can be more bearable.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Bellemain Folding Bamboo Rack
Best Bamboo Rack
Bellemain Folding Bamboo Rack
  • Spacious enough for 14 plates and more
  • Stylish & sturdy
  • Resists stains & odors
Product Image of the Kohler Collapsible Wine Glass Holder
Best for Wine Glasses
Kohler Collapsible Wine Glass Holder
  • Supports six wine glasses
  • Good air flow to reduce water stains
  • Folds up to a compact size
Product Image of the YKC Home Roll Up Dish Drying Rack
Best Over the Sink Drying Rack
YKC Home Roll Up Dish Drying Rack
  • Declutters your kitchen
  • Used for food prep & as trivet
  • Dishwasher safe
Product Image of the KitchenAid Full Size Dish Rack
Best for Pots and Pans
KitchenAid Full Size Dish Rack
  • Easy to clean
  • Silverware caddy included
  • Rust-resistant material
Product Image of the SunCleanse Dish Drying Rack
Best Budget Pick
SunCleanse Dish Drying Rack
  • Versatile uses including drying fruit
  • Heat resistant up to 400 degrees
  • Easy to roll up and store
Product Image of the Oxo Good Grips Compact Dish Rack
Best Flat Rack
Oxo Good Grips Compact Dish Rack
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Raised ribs to distance dishes from water
  • Easy to stack trays & chopping boards
Product Image of the mDesign Modern Dish Rack
Best for Small Kitchens
mDesign Modern Dish Rack
  • Compact & slim
  • 12 slots for plates & cups
  • Includes silverware holder
Product Image of the 1Easylife Over The Sink Rack
Best Large Drying Rack
1Easylife Over The Sink Rack
  • Four suction cup feet for sturdiness
  • Water drips directly into sink
  • Saves counter space
Product Image of the Romision Dish Rack
Best Rust-Proof Drying Rack
Romision Dish Rack
  • 360-degree automatic water drainage
  • Made from 304 stainless steel
  • 110 pounds load capacity
Product Image of the Majalis Two Tier Dish Rack
Best Stainless Steel Rack
Majalis Two Tier Dish Rack
  • High quality rust-resistant steel
  • Customizable design
  • Drainage board empties water into sink

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we understand the importance of a reliable and efficient dish drying rack in your kitchen. Our team of professionals conducted an in-depth analysis and hands-on testing of various dish drying racks to provide you with a comprehensive assessment. We evaluated each product based on criteria such as performance, design choices, durability, capacity, and ease of use. By comparing and ranking these products, we have identified key decision-making factors and measured their effectiveness from a user’s perspective. Our research and first-hand experience have led us to share with you the best dish drying racks, based on evidence and data, that will not only optimize your kitchen space but also enhance your dishwashing experience. Trust our expertise as we guide you towards making an informed decision.



The Best Dish Drying Racks of 2024

We’ve studied genuine customer reviews, the details of each rack, as well as applying our own insight to create this comprehensive list. After looking at each product’s design, features, and material, we narrowed it down to our favorites.

With these 10 best dish drying racks, you can let your dishes drip dry to perfection.

Bellemain Folding Bamboo Rack

Best Bamboo Rack

This bamboo rack is foldable, mega cute and eco-friendly. What more could you want?

Sustainably sourced, bamboo is an eco-savvy choice for a dish rack. When cared for properly and maintained, the wood will remain beautiful, stain-free, and odor-free. It’s a natural addition to your kitchen that should last for many years.

This spacious rack has enough room to dry all the dishes from dinner without taking up too much counter space. It can hold 14 plates and 10 glasses or mugs and bowls.

You can also switch these items out for utensils, chopping boards, or baking sheets. Just keep in mind you need to buy a cutlery holder separately.

When you’re done using this, simply fold it up and tuck it elsewhere. You can put it behind the sink, against the splashback, or in a cupboard. Save counter space with this dish drying rack.

Pros

  • Spacious enough for 14 plates, 10 glasses, and more.
  • Foldable design for easy storage.
  • Stylish and sturdy.
  • Resists stains and odors.
  • Affordable price point.
  • Easy to hand-wash when dirty.

Cons

  • Nowhere to store silverware.
  • Slots might be too narrow for some plates.

Product Specs

Size 17.8 x 10 x 8.8 inches
Material Bamboo
Purpose All except cutlery. Difficult to store pots and pans, too.
Easy to Clean Yes
Type Foldable countertop rack

Our Ratings

Capacity
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

This bamboo rack has been a great addition to my kitchen, adding elegance and functionality for drying and storing dishes. I've used it daily for over a year and it's held up well, without taking up too much counter space. It's also easily foldable for storage or when I want that clean counter look. One downside, however, is the mildew issue experienced in humid climates, so be cautious if you live in such an area. Additionally, I had a bit of trouble unfolding it initially, but after spreading the legs, it worked just fine.

Kohler Collapsible Wine Glass Holder

Best for Wine Glasses

Traditional drying racks don’t always support wine glasses well. But the Kohler holder rack is fantastic for quickly drying wine glasses!

It has space for six standard wine glasses up to 10 inches tall each. The pillow pattern on the mat provides good airflow so your glasses can dry quickly and efficiently. When you’re done using this rack, you can fold it away for storage

Of course, you can use just the mat part for other items. It’s very useful for glasses, mugs, utensils, and bowls.

Customers love this glass holder for convenience and transportability. It’s very compact, making it suitable for RVs, camping, or taking with you to a hotel.

Lastly, customers also say this rack reduces water stains in wine glasses. So if that’s your current nightmare, you can say goodbye to this issue!

Pros

  • Supports six wine glasses up to 10 inches tall.
  • Good airflow to reduce water stains.
  • Easy to transport.
  • Folds up to a compact size.
  • Modern aesthetic.
  • Fits in cabinets to store your wine glasses.

Cons

  • Not suitable for taller wine glasses or champagne flutes.
  • Quite pricey.
  • The water just sits on the surface — you must manually drain it.

Product Specs

Size 11.25 x 11 x 9.25 inches
Material Plastic and metal
Purpose Wine glasses
Easy to Clean Yes
Type Wine glass rack

Our Ratings

Capacity
3 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

I'm thrilled with this wine glass drying rack that was given to me as a gift. Not only do my glasses dry perfectly without any water spots, but it also protects them from tipping over, saving me from the tragedy of broken glassware. This compact and sturdy rack is easy to clean, store, and even makes a great gift - I've already bought a second one for a friend who admired it. The only minor downside is that it can comfortably hold only four larger wine glasses, but honestly, that's a small price to pay for such a useful and chic addition to my kitchen.

YKC Home Roll Up Dish Drying Rack

Best Over the Sink Drying Rack

Over-the-sink drying racks save counter space, are easy to store, and allow water to drip directly into the sink. The YKC Home rack is a top choice if you’re in the market for one of these.

We love that it’s durable and rustproof. It’s made with stainless steel and silicone and can hold up to 44 pounds of dishes! The silicone rubber texture helps the rack grip the counter and sink, even if the surrounding area is wet.

Not only can you use this to dry all your dishes (plates, pots, pans, chopping boards, silverware), but it can also be used for food prep and as a trivet. You can drip-dry your produce using this rack. It’s made with BPA-free food-grade silicone, so it’s totally safe.

As for using it as a trivet, it can handle up to 445°F without burning or melting.

This item is a game-changer for decluttering your kitchen. When it’s dirty, just pop it in the dishwasher. Roll it up to its compact size afterward and store it without taking up much space at all.

Pros

  • Declutters your kitchen by keeping items off countertops.
  • Used for drying dishes, food prep, and as a trivet.
  • Rolls up to a compact size for easy storage.
  • Dishwasher safe.
  • Holds up to 44 pounds of dishes.
  • Non-slip coating keeps it secure.

Cons

  • Can’t wash dishes at the same time unless you have a large or double sink.

Product Specs

Size 20.5 x 13 inches
Material Stainless steel and silicone
Purpose Drying dishes, food prep, and as a trivet
Easy to Clean Yes
Type Over the sink

Our Ratings

Capacity
4.5 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Design
5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.75 / 5

Community Feedback

Best silicone-covered drying rack I've ever used; it protects my quartz countertop and stainless steel sink without scratching. This large, sturdy product is perfect for washing produce or air-drying dishes, and it rolls up easily for storage when not in use. Its stylish design and practicality make it an excellent addition to my home, and my kids even wanted one for their own homes!

KitchenAid Full Size Dish Rack

Best for Pots and Pans

For frequent cooks, a full-size dish rack is a must. You need something to fit your pots and pans, especially if they’re not dishwasher-safe. This KitchenAid dish rack is a spacious option, with enough room for the essentials.

Keep all your dishes organized with the features on this rack. It can host large pots and pans, dinnerware, mugs, and silverware.

Made from brushed stainless steel, this dish rack looks good in any kitchen, but it’s also rust-resistant and easy to clean. The removable caddy can be put in the dishwasher. The drainboard angles water back into the sink, so it doesn’t pool in the drying rack.

This rack also has non-slip feet to remain sturdy as you wash your dishes. You can also choose this in light gray, charcoal gray, white, and stainless steel. So you’ll definitely find an option that suits your kitchen.

Pros

  • Easy to clean the unit.
  • Spacious enough for a few pots and pans.
  • Silverware caddy included.
  • Rust-resistant material.
  • High-end drying rack.

Cons

  • Base isn’t tilted enough to drain water well.
  • Silverware holder is shallow.
  • High price point.

Product Specs

Size 20 x 14.96 x 7 inches
Material Stainless steel
Purpose All dishes, including pots and pans
Easy to Clean Yes
Type Full size dish rack

Our Ratings

Capacity
5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

When I first started using this dish rack, I was impressed by its sleek design and sturdiness. It fits perfectly in the small section between my stove and sink, allowing for a good amount of dishes to dry. The drain board is easy to slide out and clean, which is a major improvement from my previous Rubbermaid rack. However, I do find that my plates sit a little awkwardly, and the silverware holder is smaller than I would like. Despite these minor issues, this product is a durable and attractive option for those in need of a dish rack.

SunCleanse Dish Drying Rack

Best Budget Pick

A budget doesn’t have to prevent you from finding an awesome drying rack. The SunCleanse over-the-sink rack is versatile, compact, and great for small homes. The dishes drip dry directly into the sink, so there’s no nasty water build-up on your counters, trays, or a towel.

Made with stainless steel pipes and food-grade silicone, this is a safe material to have in your home. When you need to use it, roll it open, balance it over your sink and place your items on top.

It’s fantastic for all dishes, including pots, pans, glasses, mugs, cutlery, and more. However, you can also use it for drying your fruits and vegetables, as a cooling rack, or for placing hot plates or pans on. It can handle temperatures up to 400°F, so it’s a sturdy, durable rack.

If you only have a single sink, this might not be your top choice. Unless you have a super large sink, it’s hard to have this open while you’re doing the dishes at the same time.

Pros

  • Adjustable — you can cut it to size.
  • Versatile uses, including cooling rack, drying fruit, and more.
  • Heat resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Easy to roll up and store.
  • Made from food-grade steel and silicone.

Cons

  • Inconvenient if you don’t have a large or double sink.
  • May bend or warp if dishes are too heavy.

Product Specs

Size 17.83 x 2.52 x 1.5 inches
Material Stainless steel and silicone
Purpose Dishes, cooling, and drying fruit/veg
Easy to Clean Yes
Type Over the sink

Our Ratings

Capacity
3.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

I recently purchased this product and have found it to be incredibly versatile and useful in my home. Not only does it help me save space in my kitchen with limited counter space, but it also serves as a great surface for a cutting board or to set hot dishes on. Additionally, it's perfect for washing veggies over the sink and can even be used in the bathroom for hot hair tools or makeup organization. The product is sturdy, well-made, and hasn't shown any signs of rusting.

Oxo Good Grips Compact Dish Rack

Best Flat Rack

The OXO Good Grips rack is a top choice if you want something compact but still with room to play with. It is discreet and quite stylish.

It’s great for plates, mugs, and glasses but also for utensils, silverware, pots, and pans. It has deep walls that contain excess water, so there are no spills or leaks on your countertops.

The corners are shaped so you can easily pour out excess water. Plus, it’s easy to clean when it’s dirty. Just scrub it with warm soapy water and let it drip dry over your sink. You can also put it on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Although there’s no silverware caddy, the raised ribs mean that the silverware won’t touch the water at the bottom of the tray. They stay elevated and, therefore, hygienic.

Finally, the non-skid feet mean it’s durable and sturdy, even on wet surfaces.

Pros

  • Dishwasher safe.
  • Compact and unobtrisive dseign.
  • Raised ribs keep dishes away from standing water.
  • Easy to stack baking trays and chopping boards.
  • Easy to pour out excess water.
  • Non-skid feet keep it stable.

Cons

  • No silverware compartment.
  • Hard water can stain it easily.

Product Specs

Size 10.3 x 13.75 x 3.2 inches
Material Plastic
Purpose All dishes, best for plates, mugs, and glasses
Easy to Clean Yes
Type Flat dish rack

Our Ratings

Capacity
3 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

Love this compact and versatile dish rack that easily accommodates various dish sizes! I've found it perfect for small spaces like my studio apartment, and it even holds more than I expected without dishes tipping over or being precariously placed. Plus, it's easy to clean and doesn't require a separate drip tray or utensil holder, making my countertop less cluttered and more organized.

mDesign Modern Dish Rack

Best for Small Kitchens

Finding the right appliances for a small kitchen can be challenging, but the mDesign Modern Dish Rack is definitely one to look at. This slim dish rack is designed for tight spaces, whether that’s your home, camper, boat, cottage, or elsewhere. It has 12 slots for drying plates, glassware, chopping boards, and more.

The front end is flat, which is excellent for bowls, pots, and mugs. In the end, there is a silverware unit for utensils and cutlery.

It’s made of durable steel wire that’s rust-resistant and strong. The non-slip and gentle feet keep the rack in place without damaging your counters.

Keep in mind that this dish rack does not come with a mat. You need to buy that separately or use a dish towel.

Pros

  • Compact and slim — great for small homes.
  • 12 slots for plates, cups, and more.
  • Included silverware holder.
  • Non-slip feet keep it stable.
  • Durable steel and bamboo design.
  • Five color options.

Cons

  • Cannot go in the dishwasher.
  • Does not include a mat.

Product Specs

Size 14.75 x 5.74 x 3.95 inches
Material Steel wire
Purpose Small homes, all dishes
Easy to Clean No
Type Compact countertop rack

Our Ratings

Capacity
2.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Community Feedback

I'm thrilled with this product's compact size and functionality in my small kitchen. The stylish design and cherry wood utensil compartment make it an attractive addition to my countertop, and the elevated feet keep it off the surface. It fits perfectly in my sink, making it ideal for smaller dish loads, and the durable construction allows me to place even bowls in the plate slots. The size doesn't overpower my limited counter space, and it has made doing dishes much more manageable by eliminating the need for manual drying.

1Easylife Over The Sink Rack

Best Large Drying Rack

You can’t get much larger than the 1Easylife over-the-sink drying rack. If you’ve got the space for it, this is definitely one to consider.

You’ll never run out of room with this rack. A must-have for large families, big kitchens, and even cafes! With this rack, you have designated spaces for all your items.

There’s a silverware caddy, a knife holder, bowl rack, and a plate rack. There’s even a space to store detergent, so it doesn’t clutter your countertop. You’ll also notice a holder for chopping boards and lids, as well as hooks for pots, pans, glasses, and mugs.

Finally, there’s a fruit basket to air dry your produce after you’ve washed it.

Made from heavy-duty stainless steel, this rack can hold up to 80 pounds of dishes. It’s rustproof, anti-scratch, and sturdy. With four suction cups at the bottom, this rack shouldn’t shake or move.

Pros

  • Large capacity — up to 80 pounds of dishes.
  • Water drips directly into the sink.
  • Saves counter space since it’s over the sink.
  • Quite affordable.
  • Four suction cup feet make it sturdy.
  • 100 percent lifetime warranty.

Cons

  • Tricky assembly and poor instructions.
  • Knife rack is low, so knives may dangle close to the sink.

Product Specs

Size 38 x 11 x 20 inches
Material Stainless steel
Purpose All dishes and fruit
Easy to Clean Yes, disassemble and put in dishwasher
Type Over the sink, countertop rack

Our Ratings

Capacity
5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

First-Hand Impression

From assembling the product to its functionality, this over-the-sink dish rack has been a great addition to my kitchen. I found it easy to put together, and it holds heavy dishes well, clearing up much-needed counter space. The adjustable design allows me to display my tile backsplash, and it even fits well in my kitchen with a slanted wall. While I wish the silverware holder was larger, I'm overall satisfied with the purchase and appreciate the compartments for all my essentials.

Romision 2 Tier Dish Rack

Best Rust-Proof Drying Rack

Nobody wants a rusty drying rack. Yuck! The Romision stainless steel rack is our favorite way to avoid rusty build-up.

It’s made from 304 stainless steel, so it’s more rust-resistant than other stainless steel dish racks. But that’s not the only reason we’re recommending it.

This two-tier rack can store a family’s entire day’s worth of dishes. That’s 15 plates, five cups, plus bowls, pots, and more. It even has space for silverware and a chopping board.

A super awesome feature about this is the 360-degree drainage. This includes an automatic drain tray so that water pours into your sink automatically. You can choose which direction it flows to ensure it works correctly.

Pros

  • 360-degree automatic water drainage.
  • 304 stainless steel for extra rust resistance.
  • Load capacity of 110 pounds.
  • Two tiers for maximum storage space.
  • Easy to install without any tools.
  • Comes with a two-year warranty.

Cons

  • The paint tends to chip off.
  • Much smaller than customers anticipated.
  • The drain trays don’t catch all the water.

Product Specs

Size 17.63 x 12.99 x 5.35 inches
Material 304 stainless steel
Purpose Most dishes, a bit too small for pots and pans
Easy to Clean Yes
Type Countertop

Our Ratings

Capacity
4 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

When I first started using this dish rack, I immediately noticed its sturdiness and appreciated the double shelving design, which made the most out of my available counter space. I found the sliding drainboard to be quite handy, but I do wish it were a bit wider to catch all the water. The top rack does require open counter space, as it cannot fit under overhead cabinets. The overall size may be smaller than expected, but it's been a durable and functional addition to my kitchen for almost a year now. Its unique design not only adds a cool aesthetic but also makes it easier for my family to access clean dishes without any hassle.

Majalis Two Tier Dish Drying Rack

Best Stainless Steel Rack

If you’re after a stainless steel drying rack but need something a bit roomier, this spacious rack is one to consider. It has two tiers, so there’s space for literally everything — all at once!

It’s made from 304 stainless steel, so it should still be rust-proof even in hard water areas. Plus, it’s easy to clean, so you can wipe away dirt, grime, oil, and water stains with no problems.

We love that this dish rack is customizable, so you can mix and match the parts. Choose the bits that you need and store the bits you don’t. Or rearrange them, so they better suit your kitchen sink area.

This rack has two tiers, a silverware holder, a chopping board rack, hooks, and a drainage board. It’s a great item to have by your side as you do the dishes.

Pros

  • High-quality rust-resistant steel.
  • Customizable parts so you can construct how you like.
  • Space for all dishes.
  • Drainage board allows water to drain into the sink.
  • Multiple color options.
  • Easy to assemble without tools.

Cons

  • Plastic components are cheap.
  • Drip tray is only designed to face one way.

Product Specs

Size 16.54 x 12.99 x 6.3 inches
Material Stainless steel and plastic
Purpose All dishes
Easy to Clean Yes
Type Two-tier countertop rack

Our Ratings

Capacity
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

Excellent dish rack for the price, offering two tiers and separate compartments for silverware and various kitchen items like pots, pans, dishes, and bowls. However, the knife holder is a bit flimsy and the cup attaching clips aren't very useful. The drain function could be improved, but I appreciate the raised design to prevent water from lingering underneath. While it's larger than expected and may not fit comfortably under cabinets, it's a practical and versatile choice for those who need extra dish drying space.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Size Material Easy to Clean Type
Bellemain Folding Bamboo Rack Bamboo Rack 17.8 x 10 x 8.8″ Bamboo Yes Foldable countertop rack
Kohler Collapsible Wine Glass Holder For Wine Glasses 11.25 x 11 x 9.25″ Plastic & metal Yes Wine glass rack
YKC Home Roll Up Dish Drying Rack Over the Sink Drying Rack 20.5 x 13″ Stainless steel & silicone Yes Over the sink
KitchenAid Full Size Dish Rack For Pots & Pans 20 x 14.96 x 7″ Stainless steel Yes Full-size dish rack
SunCleanse Dish Drying Rack Budget Pick 17.83 x 2.52 x 1.5″ Stainless steel & silicone Yes Over the sink
Oxo Good Grips Compact Dish Rack Flat Rack 10.3 x 13.75 x 3.2″ Plastic Yes Flat dish rack
mDesign Modern Dish Rack For Small Kitchens 14.75 x 5.74 x 3.95″ Steel wire No Compact countertop rack
1Easylife Over The Sink Rack Large Drying Rack 38 x 11 x 20″ Stainless steel Yes Over the sink, countertop rack
Romision Dish Rack Rust-Proof Drying Rack 17.63 x 12.99 x 5.35″ 304 Stainless steel Yes Countertop
Majalis Two Tier Dish Drying Rack Stainless Steel Rack 16.54 x 12.99 x 6.3″ Stainless steel & plastic Yes Two-tier countertop rack

Are Dish Racks Sanitary?

Letting your dishes dry on a rack is more sanitary than using a dish towel to dry them all. Dish towels can get damp fast and harbor bacteria which are then spread to other dishes.

But to keep your dish rack hygienic, you must also make sure you clean that. Keep it clean and dry between uses. Otherwise, you’ll notice a grimy build-up.

How To Choose the Best Dish Drying Racks

When you’re looking for a new dish drying rack, you should consider these important factors.

Size

Depending on the size of your family and the number of dishes, choose your size accordingly. We love a two-tiered rack as it always ensures space for big pots and pans, as well as utensils, mugs, and bowls.

You should also consider how much space you have. If you’re tight on space, we have lots of compact recommendations! We’ll let you know the exact dimensions of each product so you can be sure it fits your space.

Material

Dish racks are usually stainless steel, silicone, bamboo, or plastic. Each has its own pros and cons, so definitely consider which suits you best.

For example, over-the-sink racks are usually made of silicone. These handy racks can save you space. As for plastic, these are more budget-friendly. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is super durable and easy to clean.

Are Bamboo Dish Racks Good?

Bamboo dish racks are a stylish option. They can add a cozy vibe to that corner of your kitchen. If you use wooden utensils, this drying rack will fit nicely.

Watch out, though: bamboo dish racks aren’t as easy to clean as other materials. While many brands claim that bamboo is antibacterial, customers show that bamboo dish racks can still get moldy.

Bottom Line

If you choose bamboo, dry the rack thoroughly after each use.

Do Stainless Steel Dish Racks Rust?

A good quality stainless steel dish rack shouldn’t rust, but rust can occur (2). To prevent rusting, keep your stainless steel dish rack clean and dry.

Despite this, stainless steel is a popular option, and we’ve used it in our home for many years without issues. Stainless steel is very sturdy and extremely easy to clean.

Purpose

Ask yourself what you’re going to be using your dish rack for. If it’s for all dishes, make sure you get one with space for plates, bowls, mugs, and cutlery. It should have a silverware holder, as well as a flat area for mugs and cups.

If it’s just for pots and pans, shop with that in mind. That might mean getting a larger rack or a flat one, so the pans can easily drip dry.

Lastly, we do have a recommendation if you just need one for wine glasses.

Ease of Cleaning

How easy is the dish rack to clean? Stainless steel is the easiest, while bamboo and silicone are a bit more difficult. We’ll give you a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to let you know if each product is easy to clean.

Can I Put My Dish Drying Rack in the Dishwasher?

You definitely can’t put bamboo dish racks in the dishwasher. Check the manufacturer’s advice before putting silicone-coated racks in the dishwasher.

However, if you have space, plastic and metal racks can go in the dishwasher. This gives them a thorough and sterile clean.


FAQs

What Is the Best Way To Dry Dishes?

The most hygienic way is to use a drying rack. It’s quicker, more sanitary, and means you can let your dishes do their thing while you do yours!

Of course, we still recommend having a bundle of dish towels nearby. Delicate items like pots, pans, knives, and china need to be wiped dry immediately to protect them from rusting and warping.

Drying mats are fine, but the dishes will take too long to dry if they don’t have good airflow. They may gather water stains, mineral build-up, or bad odors.

However, letting the dishwasher do the washing and drying is, above all, the most hygienic and easiest way to dry your dishes.

Does Air Drying Dishes Kill Bacteria?

Air drying doesn’t kill bacteria, but it prevents the spread of bacteria (3). Studies have shown that using a dish towel to dry your dishes can introduce new bacteria to your dishes. We think that’s pretty pointless, especially since you’ve just removed dirt, germs, and grime when you washed them!

We definitely recommend air drying your dishes for the most hygienic home.

Why Is My Stainless Steel Rusting?

Stainless steel rusts when the protective chromium oxide layer is damaged (4). This can happen through:

  • Improper or infrequent cleaning.
  • The use of cleaners that contain chlorines.
  • Cleaners that contain alcohol, ammonia, or mineral spirits.
  • Wool or steel brushes.
  • Caustic cleaners.

Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth or brush to clean your stainless steel dish drying rack.

How Do You Keep Dish Racks From Rusting?

To prevent your dish rack from getting rusty, keep it clean and dry. We recommend cleaning it properly twice a week. Not only does this prevent rust, it also ensures you’re putting your freshly cleaned dishes on a clean drying rack.

Is Rust on Dish Racks Dangerous?

Rust isn’t food safe, so you should ensure that the rust doesn’t contact your dishes (5). It’s unlikely that there will be dangerous side effects unless you have hemochromatosis, a disorder where iron accumulates in your lungs (6).

Does Vinegar Remove Rust From Stainless Steel?

A little bit of distilled white vinegar and salt can remove rust from stainless steel.

  1. Combine salt and vinegar: In a large basin or sink, combine one gallon of distilled white vinegar with one cup of table salt. Stir to combine.
  2. Soak: Place the dish rack in the solution and soak for 12 hours.
  3. Scrub: Use a soft-bristled brush, cloth, or abrasive sponge to scrub the rust off.
  4. Dry: Dry thoroughly with a clean dish towel.

Your stainless steel drying rack should look as good as new!

How Can I Hide My Kitchen Drying Rack?

Store it under the sink. That way, it is always handy when you need to do the dishes. But it’s out of your guest’s eyesight.


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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!