10 Alternatives To A Slimy Dishrack For A Cleaner, Less Cluttered Kitchen

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

While properly hand washing your dishes might be straightforward, getting them to effectively dry can be a headache if you rely on a dish drying rack. Unlike dishwashers that use heating elements and a fan to remove moisture from freshly washed dishes, a dish drying rack lacks such fancy equipment. Instead, you'll find that your rack relies on time. Although these do work, they come with the unpleasant side effect of a slimy water catcher. Beyond just catching drips of water, however, dish drying racks can be rife with bacteria, mold, and even nasty fruit fly eggs (since they love moisture). If you're feeling repulsed, the good news is that there are better alternatives to your current slimy dish rack that can help your plates and utensils dry better while also keeping your kitchen cleaner and less cluttered.

If you thought that the only dish drying rack was that plastic slotted one you purchased years ago, think again. There are a dizzying number of racks that are designed to accommodate your needs and preferences (both aesthetic and functional); your options for dish-drying solutions include a simple bamboo drying rack that looks chic and performs well, and sturdy stainless steel ones that are resistant to rust. You can also opt for non-conventional models like a diatomaceous earth drying mat or Swedish dish cloths that dry quickly to keep bacterial growth at bay.

Conventional dish drying racks are often crafted from cheap materials like plastic, which can harbor bacterial growth and yucky smells. For a cleaner option (both in materials and in actual cleanliness), make the swap to a bamboo dish drying rack. This natural material is loved for being able to keep odors at bay, as well as being naturally ideal for drying dishes, thanks to its moisture resistance. You can find all sorts of designs, such as those with multiple tiers or simpler builds, depending on your needs. 

You can clear your countertop of clutter with this IKEA dish rack solution, which will provide more open space. The IKEA HULTARP Dish Drainer ($17) is designed to easily hang from the appropriate wall rod, which keeps your drying dishes up off the countertop. While it has received some mixed reviews, those who enjoy its capabilities say that it works well and looks nicer than cheaper, plastic dish drying racks.

Crafted from diatomaceous earth, this Bunmery Stone Dish Drying Mat (available from Amazon for $29.99) offers a sturdy surface to place your wet dishes. Once the water has dripped off of your mugs, utensils, and plates, the stone rapidly dries, leaving it ready to roll up and put away or to leave out for the next round of dishwashing. Because the moisture dries and evaporates so quickly, you can also rest assured that conditions will be uninhabitable to bacteria. These types of dish mats are best for kitchens with plenty of counter space. 

Quick-drying and affordably priced, Swedish dishcloths offer a lot of the same benefits that diatomaceous earth drying mats do, but with a little more softness. While many individuals swear by them as a cost-effective paper towel alternative, you can easily put them to use as a drying surface for your dishes. Spread out a few on the countertop and place your dripping dishes on top of them. You'll find that the cloths sop up all of the water from your dishes; they also dry out quickly when hung up, leaving them ready to use again.

If you have a double-basin sink, or just a large single-basin one, this JASIWAY Dish Drying Rack ($25.46 on Amazon) could be for you. Designed to suspend over the open basin of a sink, it is expandable to fit a number of sink dimensions. It is also made from stainless steel, offering a streamlined appearance and fewer crevices for moisture to hide within. Nearly 5,000 customers who have purchased the rack have agreed that this model is worth purchasing, giving it a 4.5-star average.

One of the biggest problems with old-school dish drying racks is that the water from the dishes drips into a reservoir that doesn't drain; this leads to issues like slimy bacteria growth. A natural solution to solve this issue is to equip your drying rack with a drain, like the Kitsure Dish Drying Rack ($19.99 on Amazon) does. Customers who have purchased the rack have given it a 4.5-star average out of nearly 14,000 reviews. Made from stainless steel, it is resistant to rust and scratching, helping it last longer.

Wanting to keep things super simple and affordable? You likely can't do better than a roll-up dish rack like this Seropy Roll Up Dish Drying Rack ($6.63 on Amazon). Designed to place over the sink basin, it suspends your drying dishes atop a set of sturdy stainless steel drying rods. When it's not in use, you can simply roll it up and keep it in the cabinet or a nearby drawer. Since it takes up so little room, it is ideal for homes with limited storage space.  This particular model is a customer fave.

If you find yourself doing a lot of dishes by hand, or if you are in a dishwasher-free kitchen, you may find that dish drying racks that are traditionally smaller may not cut it for you. In such events, consider a larger over-the-sink dish drying rack like this Sakugi Over The Sink Dish Drying Rack ($19.99 on Amazon). It offers two tiers as well as spots for holding your utensils. There is even a conveniently placed rack where you can place your dishwashing supplies. Customers have given it a 4.5-star average out of over 3,000 reviews. 

Although there is nothing wrong with simple dish drying racks, sometimes you require something a little more substantial. If you find yourself doing dishes a lot or just don't like the aesthetic of many bare-bones-style racks, this simplehuman Large Capacity Dish Drying Rack ($99.95 on Amazon) could be a good option. It is equipped with a draining spout that swivels, which makes it convenient for a variety of kitchen layouts. It also has wine glass holders, as well as features to keep things dry efficiently. 

Perhaps some days generate more dishes for you than others. If you don't want to be stuck with the same size drying rack every day, an expandable model could be helpful for your situation. The BBXTYLY Expandable Dish Drying Rack ($19.99 on Amazon) suspends over your kitchen sink and can accommodate a range of 11 to 19 inches, providing you significantly more space when fully expanded. Customers who have purchased this model have given it 4.3 stars from over 4,000 ratings. It can also easily be positioned on your kitchen counter.