The Double-Duty $15 West Elm Find That Makes Doing Dishes So Much Easier (It Keeps Things Clutter Free!)

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I enjoy handwashing dishes. I know I’m an outlier for this, but I feel satisfied when it’s all finished (my Dotti sponge also makes the process enjoyable). Of course, I do have a dishwasher, so I don’t have to hand wash all of my dishes, but the few that I do — cookware, glasses, mugs — I thoroughly enjoy. What I don’t enjoy, however, is watching them dry on an eyesore of a dish rack. Right now, I have one passed down to me by my parents, and it’s too bulky for my liking. I truly believe a functional kitchen includes equally functional accessories, and your dish-drying rack should be one of them. And, while they’re not the most exciting kitchen items in the world, we found one at West Elm that (actually) puts a pep in our step.

The Udry Dish Rack and Drying Mat is pretty to look at and has a functional rack connecting and sliding across its mat, so you don’t have to worry about cluttered countertops. The rack and mat come in three neutral colors with a monochromatic look that we adore, so having it on your countertop won’t be so bad. The best part? It’s only $15. Yes, you read that correctly!

The Udry Dish Rack and Drying Mat is a great solution for maintaining a clutter-free kitchen, especially for those who prefer to avoid a full dish rack taking up valuable counter space. The polypropylene rack, known for its durability and sturdiness, allows you to neatly organize plates, cutting boards, pots, and knives without the worry of them sliding around. Meanwhile, its polyester drying mat is the perfect surface for drying larger items while absorbing water underneath. The rack is dishwasher-safe, and the mat is machine-washable, too, so cleaning them is a piece of cake! And, if you’re not drying dishes, the mat is easy to fold away and store, too. Together, they form the ultimate duo!

For only $15, this mat and drying rack is unassuming and simple. While it still shows off your sparkling-clean dishes, it keeps your kitchen a bit more organized — and that’s all we can ask for!

Buy: Udry Dish Rack and Drying Mat, $15