Some will fare better than others, depending on the quilted table mats material. So, be cautious when placing hot plates and pans on vinyl table mats as they may warp or melt. A carer can easily wash them in hot soapy water (or put their Tenura table mats in a dishwasher). You will need to be the most careful with vinyl as they have the lowest heat resistance (up to 35.6C), then silicone (up to 250C), followed by metal. In part one of this blog series, we compared vinyl, wooden, quilted and metal placemats to silicone table mats. They can lessen the cleanup time because you reduce the risk of spillages, and you can put them straight in the dishwasher, but let's look at how all the table mats we have reviewed in this blog have fared: If you are looking for a mat with non-slip qualities, you will want to go with a vinyl, silicone or tactile metal table mat. These table mats are lightweight and easy to take on the go, just like Tenura table mats. With harsh cleaning chemicals, these coatings can peel off. When handwashing the table mat, you should avoid rough brushes that can leave scrapes and scratches in the metal's finish, where bacteria can harbour. Tenura silicone provides a brilliant level of non-slip which stops things on its surface from being easily knocked over, helping you avoid spillages. Some silicone placemats aren't antimicrobial, but Tenura table mats are. Vinyl mats are heat resistant, usually up to 35.6C, which is impressive but not as remarkable as the 250C heat resistance of Tenura table mats. Metal is a good conductor, so some metal table mats can get hot if pans are directly placed on their surface. You can also view and purchase the superior Tenura silicone table mat from our website. Vinyl table mats offer non-slip properties, but these pale in comparison to Tenura silicone. It is worth noting that wood can stain, especially when in contact with curry or red wine and sadly, you can't put them in a dishwasher to clean, which may leave you tempted to wash the placemat in hot soapy water is fine. These table mats reduce the likelihood of spillages, thanks to their non-slip properties. The quantities of such metals within the placemat will determine if the placemat is antimicrobial. Therefore, silicone table mats are a great choice. However, this affects the ability to keep it hygienic. Some metal table mats are just metallic lacquer on top of another material. However, some synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or polyester, can be fire-retardant. But in your kitchen, you aren't dealing with temperatures over 230C. These table mats are lightweight, so you can take them out and about. We would instead suggest you put it in a dishwasher. If unsure, check with the manufacturer. Instead, a silicone table mat may be a more appropriate solution as it has low thermal conductivity and brilliant heat resistance. Both vinyl and silicone table mats are suitable for use by a disabled person who requires a carer at mealtimes. We know that Tenura silicone table mats are a great addition to mealtimes. If the metal table mat has a pattern etched in its surface, making it tactile, it has better non-slip properties. Still, the fabric will be no comparison to silicone's non-slip qualities. Tenura's silicone mats are antimicrobial, but some of our competitor's silicone mats are not. You shouldnt need to soak your silicone mat. If you knock over drinks on vinyl table mats, they are waterproof, but woven vinyl table mats, which are currently trendy, offer little protection, allowing liquids through the gaps. With the Coronavirus pandemic and health being in the back of everybody's mind, you may be more interested in the antimicrobial properties of your table mats and if they're machine washable. Tenura table mats are far more convenient to wash, as no matter how many times they go in the dishwasher, they will not fade. Free Samples (For Retailers & Distributors). Not all metals are antimicrobial, but silver is an example of a naturally antibacterial metal. Non-slip table mats such as silicone table mats can offer this assistance. Tenura silicone is incredibly robust even in extreme temperatures (up to 250C). Both mats are suitable for use with disabled people who require support at mealtimes. Whereas silicone table mats are anti-slip, flexible and lightweight, making them suitable. Certain types of wood like pine and oak naturally demonstrate antimicrobial properties, and you can treat certain woods to possess antimicrobial properties. Sometimes wooden table mats will have non-slip rubber coasters on the bottom, but this will have little benefit in preventing unwanted movement for objects on top of the table mat. The antimicrobial additive in silicone table mats protects against mould, fungi, and a wide range of bacteria, which is vital as placemats are often close to your food. Typically you should avoid placing metal table mats in a dishwasher. Some vinyl table mats aren't machine washable due to their low-temperature resistance, so you may will have to wash them by hand. Tenura table mats can be washed either by hand or in the dishwasher. Exposure to high heat or flames can cause quilted table mats to discolour/burn or even set alight. Some vinyl table mats have antimicrobial properties, as do Tenura table mats. It is important to note that metal placemats can conduct heat and will be hot to the touch if you place hot pans on their surface. Often not, they are slippy unless a lacquer is applied, impacting the table mat's appearance. Most metals have incredibly high melting points, meaning hot objects such as pots and pans placed on their surface will not deform the metal. Wooden table mats aren't dishwasher safe, so each table mat would have to be hand washed by the carer rather than putting all silicone mats in a dishwasher, which saves lots of time and effort. Wooden tablemats can burn, causing discolouration, and if exposed to a high temperature, you could have a fire on your hands. This table mat isn't suitable for disabled individuals as they can be heavy, bulky and have no beneficial properties for the disabled. Quilted table mats are lightweight, and you can take them on the go. Please read part one of this blog series if you want to know more about the above placemats regarding their toxicity, environmental impact, price, and durability. The antimicrobial protection ensures bacteria can't harbour. The vast majority of quilted table mats do not have antimicrobial properties, meaning bacteria can harbour on the material and adversely affect a person's health. Most metals can withstand temperatures of 500C. You shouldn't need to use harsh brushes or chemicals on silicone table mats, as you can put them in hot soapy water or a dishwasher. Quilted table mats have no fundamental non-slip properties. This type of table mat is often machine washable. This time we are going to review those table mats in terms of the following properties: We hope this blog provides you with information to help you make an informed decision on your next table mat purchase. However, it depends on the fabric dyes, which could bleed or fade if washed at a high temperature. Vinyl, metal and silicone table mats have heat resistance, some of these materials more so than others. These table mats have little heat resistance, contrary to Tenura table mats. However, they have no non-slip properties to reduce the risk of spillages for the disabled. To avoid unwanted movement from items on top of table mats, look for slip-resistant mats like Tenura. However, leaving it to soak can cause it to swell and lose form, becoming a hazard due to its unlevel misshaped surface. Bacteria, insects and fungi can affect the wooden table mat's appearance, chemical composition and structure, accelerating degradation. Metal table mats aren't suitable for the disabled as they can be heavy, sharp and tricky to transport, the opposite set of characteristics to Tenura silicone table mats.