Non Toxic Dish Drying Racks
The best non-toxic dish racks are made with stainless steel and diatomaceous earth and resist mold and stay clean naturally, with less plastic. No constant scrubbing or mildew buildup.
By Dr. Meg Christensen | Physician-founder of Interior Medicine, a non-toxic home resource built on her background in medicine, biochemistry, epidemiology, and clinical research.
Updated December 1, 2025
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.
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.
Soil is a Japanese company that makes clever fast-drying bottle racks that are ultra-sleek and minimal. Comes in several sizes for multiple bottles, as well. So cute!
Happy Sinks makes roll-up stainless steel dish racks for over-the-counter drying that eliminate any possibility of a moldy rack. Simple, straightforward, effective. Great for smaller kitchens.
Looking for something specific? If you don't see the product or brand you're curious about, you can request a review here, or run it through the Second Opinion Product Checker to evaluate it yourself. Want to go deeper? My free course covers how to evaluate any product's materials yourself.
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More About Healthy Dish Racks
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.