What is the Best Kitchen Mat for Doing the Dishes?
Hey Guys!
Let’s face it, no one enjoys doing the dishes. Whether or not you own a dishwasher, you will spend plenty of time in front of the sink. In fact, you will spend 2 to 4 hours per week cleaning dishes.
Generally speaking, kitchen floors are not lined with plush carpet. Most kitchens are floored with hard stone, tile, or laminate. Standing on that type of floor, especially barefoot, can cause significant problems for your feet, legs, knees, and back.
Thankfully, there are manufacturers out there who have your back. There are various types of mats on the market to provide comfort and support for those hours in front of the sink (or oven).
Many professional kitchens have commercial grade mats that protect their employees’ feet after long workdays. Many manufacturers use these commercial experiences to develop mats just for you
Without performing your own trial and error, how are you to know what the best design is for you? Do not fret, we are here for you! We will break down the key features to look out for and list some of the best mat brands.
Is a kitchen rug enough protection?
In almost all situations, a kitchen rug does not provide enough support or cushioning to protect your feet and back. Though kitchen rugs are cheaper, their savings are not worth it.
Also, a rug below your sink will be subjected to water and stains. A rug will absorb stains, smells, and water in ways you do not want in your kitchen.
Overall, it is best to avoid cheaper kitchen rugs in front of the sink. You will benefit much more from investing in a padded mat. However, that still doesn’t narrow it down enough, so let’s dive in deeper!
What features are best in a kitchen mat?
As mentioned above, a kitchen mat that is cleanable and repellent to water and stains is likely the most important feature of the mat. We consider this the most important feature because it is a large factor in the mat's longevity.
Now, the major feature we want to discuss is the support and comfort the mat provides to your body. These features are determined by the material and thickness of the mat.
A minor feature that the importance level varies individually is the style of the mat. Most often, you do not want to add an unattractive mat to your kitchen. Some of the best materials are PVC, vinyl, or polypropylene. Anything made from carpet such as wool and cotton should be avoided.
What health benefits do kitchen mats provide?
The best designed mats reduce the discomfort of long periods of time on your feet. Standing on hard surfaces for extended periods can cause foot and lower limb issues. The cushioning and support from a good kitchen mat will take the stress off your feet.
In many other articles, we have discussed the benefits of good foot support. Our body stacks on top of our feet and when it aligns, many ailments are relieved.
With proper foot support, we will also feel proper knee support and proper back support.
Types of Mats
Cushioned Gel Mats
Cushioned gel mats are one variety of mat on the market. GelPro is a leading manufacturer of these types of mats. This company combines gel and foam on their mats. Additionally, the mats are non-slip, stain-resistant, and water-resistant.
However, with all that material, they have a relatively high profile though the edges are beveled.
Vinyl Mats
Vinyl mats are highly beneficial for their durability and water-resistance. On the other hand, the materials used to create vinyl mats are not very comfortable. Because of this discomfort, vinyl mats do not give the health benefits we are really looking for from a kitchen mat. Moreover, vinyl is much more rigid than other materials. This results in defined high profiles.
WellnessMats
WellnessMats is an American brand manufacturing comfortable and long-lasting mats. Their mats are made of polyurethane and offer exceptional comfort. The edges of the mats are beveled yet will not curl with age. However, both the top and bottom are designed with non-slip surfaces. The mats are easy to clean and carry a 20-year warranty. Even though the high price tag may steer you away, you really cannot make a better choice for your feet.
There are a lot of features to consider when purchasing a kitchen mat. All in all, your comfort and support are the most important concern. Afterwards, you will want to consider cost, ease of maintenance and style. Perform proper research before making your purchase and, when in doubt, reach out to your local foot and ankle surgeon or occupational medicine experts.
Hope this helps!
XOXOXO
Dr. Eva
