Over-the-Sink Roll Up Drying Rack

I replaced my old plastic dish rack with an over-the-sink dish rack and immediately noticed fewer dishes piling up on the counter.

The plastic rack I’d been using forever wasn’t really drying dishes so much as storing them indefinitely. It was bulky, unattractive and I was rarely actually putting things away.

I’ve written before about everyday kitchen tools I actually use, like when wax paper makes sense in the kitchen or why a basic hand mixer still earns its keep.

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• Why This Roll Up Drying Rack Works For Me
• Ways to Repurpose This Sink Rack:
• Comments

Why This Roll Up Drying Rack Works For Me

This stainless steel roll up version made my small kitchen look tidier and airy.

Favorite over the sink drying rack (affiliate link).

This rack sits right over the sink, holds a surprising amount for one person and either folds up flat or rolls into a slim cylinder when not in use.

This alone makes a big difference if you don’t want something permanently taking up counter space.

As a divorced empty nester, I don't do many dishes anymore, unless it's recipe testing day and then I wash as I go so things aren't piling up.

So this may not work for you if you've got a big household.

I've been trying to figure out why this rack is encouraging me to put things away when I would let them sit for days in the ugly plastic rack.

Perhaps because the rack looks like it belongs in the kitchen of someone who has Marie Kondo'd her life to the nth degree?

Or because I have two cats, one of whom has the run of the countertops. Cats don't care if they bump dishes drying on a rack onto the floor.

Plus, if you're like me, trying to not buy kitchen tools that only serve one purpose, I've got you:

Ways to Repurpose This Sink Rack:

• Got a top load washing machine? Leave the lid open and place this rack over the top for instant drying space.
• Use the rack as an extra trivet during big holiday feasts when there never seem to be enough hot pads, especially for us minimalists.
• Place colanders full of fruit for washing or hot pasta being drained so they stay out of the sink. My rack holds up to 33 pounds.

This is one of those small kitchen upgrades that makes everyday cleanup easier.