So Chic: The Amazon Find That Keeps Countertops Dry

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It's inevitable that your countertops are going to get wet. As you reach for soap at the bathroom sink or dish soap next to your kitchen sink, water drips onto the counter. And in the kitchen, you may be plopping down a wet sponge and creating a wet spot on your counter. If you feel like you're constantly trying to keep sink areas dry to avoid puddles of water, an absorbent coaster can be the answer. This two-piece set of NiuYichee Water Absorbent diatomite Coasters is a solution to those challenges, and it looks much sleeker and more modern than a plastic soap dish or a microfiber sink mat. The coasters have a 4.3-star rating from more than 6,100 reviewers at Amazon. They're available in a light white color or a moodier charcoal gray. With either, the simple aesthetic fits right into urban modern decor.

These sink trays are made with diatomaceous earth — a sedimentary rock that is lightweight and highly absorbent. That means that any trickles and splashes that land on the coaster from washing your hands or dishes at the sink will be soaked up rather than leaving a pool of water behind on your counter. According to real-world users, this simple solution works. "I've been using them under soap dispensers, sponges and other small items that usually leave puddles behind, and they dry surprisingly fast," says an Amazon reviewer. The same person points out the aesthetic appeal of this option by saying, "They also look nice and minimal on the counter instead of bulky or plastic-looking." Because of their absorbency and stylish appearance, you could also use NiuYichee Diatomite Coasters as an absorbent surface to set down cold drinks on a hot day. They'll soak up condensation without looking like an eyesore in your home.

While these diatomite coasters have gained a lot of buzz for use around the sink, they also make a great surface for holding houseplants. The smallest coasters are sized at 7.1 by 3.5 inches, so even the smallest versions accommodate up to two small pots with a diameter of about 3 inches or less. The advantage of using an absorbent coaster like this as a base for plants is that you don't have to worry about small splashes as you water. Since diatomite can absorb its weight in liquid, it won't become oversaturated from a few stray water dribbles if you happen to make a mess while watering your houseplants. This is especially helpful if you have potted plants on wooden tables or windowsills that could otherwise be prone to water damage.

But you'll need to be willing to invest a little effort into cleaning these diatomite coasters, since they can develop stains or discoloration. That's been the experience of some buyers, like this Amazon reviewer who says, "Dust/dirt, soap drips are noticeable." The same reviewer adds, "It comes with sandpaper, but I tossed that thinking I didn't need it. When I use a scrub sponge to clean it off, it doesn't quite get it all." There's a reason these coasters include sandpaper with your purchase — it's one strategy for effectively spiffing up the appearance of diatomite. By sanding the surface with fine grit sandpaper, you effectively slough away the debris and stains, leaving a fresher-looking surface. You can also scrub the coaster with vinegar, baking soda, or castile soap. And after a thorough clean, put the coaster in the sun to dry (this can also help to lighten set-in stains).