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Healthier Dish Drying Racks

Diatomaceous Earth Pad

This stone dish drying pad is made with diatomaceous earth, which absorbs water and dries almost instantly. I like this one in particular because it’s affordable, well-rated, and has feet that keep it elevated off the countertop for good air flow. You can use it on its own, or if you pair it with a wooden rack, it makes for a totally plastic-free dish drying rack set up that reduces the risk of mold and mildew at the same time.

Etsy Wood Dish Drying Rack

If you’re looking for a super-natural option, Etsy is great for finding unfinished wood racks, and sellers can easily answer specific questions about the materials they use— this is nice so you know you’re getting unstained wood with a plant-based finish (no solvents). Can set on any diatomaceous pad, or on a towel if you’re up for frequent washing to reduce mold risk while being plastic-free.

More Healthy Design for You

Does a healthy dish rack matter?

Like your bath mat, dish racks are surprisingly loaded with bacteria and can easily harbor mold. The kitchen is one of the warmest, wettest places in the house, making it even more likely that build up happens faster than you think it does. Worse, standard dish rack options are made with hard plastic containing toxic PVC, phthalates, and even chemical antimicrobials. Dish pad options are often made with memory foam. I recommend avoiding bacteria, mold, and chemicals by choosing a dish rack made with natural materials and designs that encourage air circulation.


What is diatomaceous earth?

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that comes from the fossils of skeletons of tiny organisms called diatoms. Their skeletons are made of silica, which is a safe and common natural material found in rocks and the Earth’s crust.


How does diatomaceous earth evaporate so quickly?

Diatomaceous earth can absorb up to 3 times its weight in water, and because it has tons of micropores, it evaporates extremely quickly. This is why products made of the material do not stay wet for long at all.

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