Six months ago, Me Mother Earth mailed us a Diatomite Bath Mat to test, but immediately upon taking it from the package, I didn't feel right about putting it on our bathroom floor. While there were small pads that would prevent the hard mat surface from grinding up against our tile floors, it seemed too nice to walk on after the shower. Instead, we put it to use in the kitchen.

The verdict? We love it.

Hear Me Out: This Bath Mat is Perfect as a Kitchen Drying Rack

• Counter space for drying cookware and glasses is hard to come by. Yes, we had a drying rack, but its tray was small (and frankly, it was metal, so it was becoming rusty). This is an alternative to draping your hand towels all over the kitchen as pseudo-drying areas.
• Absorbent countertop drying mats don't dry quickly. Neither do traditional fabric bath mats. They promote mold growth. Get mildew-y. And spongy. No thanks.
• It'll last longer. Critics of these shower stone bath mats are often discouraged that they don't last very long. Some folks estimate 3-6 months, others say a year. Some cite that they're fragile and could crack easily. And, maybe if your entire household is walking across the surface of it every day it would experience an accelerated wearing pattern, but as a drying rack? No wear and tear at all.
• It has antimicrobial properties! Where would you want an antimicrobial surface more than in the bathroom? In the kitchen, obviously. The physical properties of this raw material make it a fantastic alternative to inorganic material.

7 Perks of Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Home Products

1. It's a renewable and natural resource. One of the primary draws of these bath mats is their eco-friendly nature. Diatomaceous Earth is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock formed from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are tiny aquatic organisms. As a natural material, this slab of stone is a sustainable option for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
2. Easy to clean. Unlike traditional fabric or rubber mats that can harbor bacteria and mold, natural stone mats can be easily cleaned with soap and warm water. To clean stains (which we haven't experienced yet), manufacturers report that you can lightly sand the stone with sandpaper. A piece of sandpaper that's 80-100 grit is ideal.
3. It holds more than its weight in water. Despite their lightweight and porous nature, this ideal material possesses impressive absorbent properties. They can soak up approximately 150% of their weight in moisture, which prevents water from pooling on kitchen countertops.
4. Quick-dry. What sets these mats apart is their quick-drying feature. This premium material can dry within seconds, thus minimizing the risk of mold or mildew growth.
5. Non-toxic and safe. The Food & Drug Administration lists products made of Diatomaceous Earth as "Generally Recognized as Safe." DE mats are typically made from food-grade diatomaceous earth, ensuring they are non-toxic and safe for use in households with children and pets.
6. Durable and long-lasting. If you're not tossing them around, Diatomaceous mats are surprisingly durable.
7. Modern aesthetic. Beyond their practical benefits, these products are sleek and look great in any home. Whether you're using it as a stone bathroom mat or an absorbent alternative beneath your dish rack, we think you'll be pleased how it fits into your home.

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How fast is quick-dry?

Imagine being at the pool during the summer. You know how you can put your wet handprint on the steaming hot concrete surface and it evaporates in minutes? Same thing here, but inside your house, not on a hot surface, and not due to direct sunlight. I can put dripping cookware on the drying rack, knowing that the drops will instantly absorb and quickly vanish.

What should you do if your mat stops absorbing moisture?

Simply put, give it a good cleaning. Laying it flat on the floor of your shower or bathtub is a great way to let it get fully absorbed with water. Use a soft-bristled brush and a few drops of liquid dish soap to remove any spots and stains. By agitating the surface, you can fully remove any barriers that inhibit absorption.