What Are Bar Mats For (Benefits, Branding, Protection And Setup Tips)
Bar mats are important accessories in bars, restaurants, and home setups. They help to maintain a clean and organized workspace, protecting surface, preventing spills, and offering a secure place for glassware.
In this guide, we delve into what bar mats are for, how to use them effectively, and whether they are dishwasher safe. Whether you’re a professional bartender or a home mixologist, bar mats are fundamental to efficiency and offer branding opportunities for businesses.
Key Takeaways
- Bar mats prevent spills and keep bars clean, and they help to organize bartending tools and protect surfaces.
- There are various bar mat dimensions available, so they can be suited to a range of setups, and they can be customized with branding options.
- Some bar mats are dishwasher safe, some are not, so you need to choose carefully for your cleaning needs.
- We supply high-quality custom coasters in a range of sizes that can be used in bars and other settings where drinks are served.
Table of contents
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What Are Bar Mats For?
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What Is A Bar Mat?
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Where Do Bar Mats Go?
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Which Way Should Bar Mats Face?
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Do You Need A Mat For A Bar?
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Can Bar Mats Be Used For Branding?
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Are Bar Mats Easy To Clean?
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Can Bar Mats Go In The Washing Machine?
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Standard Bar Mat Sizes
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How To Choose The Right Bar Mat?
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How Do Bar Mats Protect Surfaces?
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How Do Bar Mats Keep Glassware In Place?
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How Can Bar Mats Help Organize Bartending Tools?
What Are Bar Mats For?
Bar mats are vital tools for maintaining cleanliness and efficiency in bars. They protect against spills by absorbing excess liquid to keep countertops dry. This is particularly useful in a busy bar where multiple drinks are prepared simultaneously.
They also protect against things like:
- Scratches
- Heat
- Condensation
Another key function of bar mats is to provide grip so glassware can’t slide off the counter. Understanding what bar mats are for ensures their proper use in any setting. They work well alongside custom personalized coasters to protect surfaces and enhance the aesthetic of the space.
What Is A Bar Mat?
A bar mat is a durable, non-slip surface that can catch spills whilst providing a stable area for preparing drinks. These mats have raised edges and textured surfaces to contain liquid and prevent slipping, and they are often made from:
- Rubber
- Silicone
- PVC
Unlike regular table mats, bar mats are designed for a fast-paced bar environment. There are various bar mat sizes to enable custom setups based on the available space. Some bar mats are even customized with branding elements like logos or slogans, pairing well with other custom elements like neon lights for business promotion.
Whether in a home bar or commercial setting, understand what a bar mat is to ensure you get the right one for your needs.
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Where Do Bar Mats Go?
Bar mats should be placed strategically in areas where drinks are mixed, poured, or served. They are most commonly found on the bar counter, where bartenders prepare cocktails and other beverages. You will also find them at workstations behind the bar, helping to keep tools and ingredients organized.
Many establishments place bar mats under beer taps to catch drips and spills when pouring drafts. In a home bar, they belong on area like:
- Countertops
- Drinks stations
- Coffee-making areas
With proper placement, you will enjoy efficiency, cleanliness, and optimal surface protection. Whether in a commercial bar or at home, bar mats are one of the essential tools needed to bartend.
Which Way Should Bar Mats Face?
The correct orientation of a bar mat ensures optimal functionality. Most bar mats are designed with a textured or grooved surface that channels liquid away from drinks and prevents spills from spreading. This is the side that should always face up.
Some mats also incorporate raised edges to contain excess liquid. This should be positioned outward to help keep countertops dry. If a mat features branding, it’s usually aligned in a way to ensure this is visible to customers.
Did you know that condensation on a beer glass actually contributes to warming the beer? It also drips down the sides and can leave unsightly marks on tables. Proper alignment of bar mats helps with cleanliness and the aesthetic appeal of your bar setup.
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Explore bulk discountsDo You Need A Mat For A Bar?
While not a mandatory requirement, bar mats are highly recommended for commercial and home bars. They are instrumental in keeping surfaces dry, preventing glassware from slipping, and making cleanup easier. Without a bar mat, you are more likely to get mess from spills, which may lead to water damage or sticky residues.
In professional bars, they help give bartenders a dedicated workspace. Towels or cloths can serve as alternatives, but they lack the durability and grip of a dedicated bar mat. Invest in the genuine article to ensure a cleaner, safer, and more professional bar setup and enjoy safe, easy use of your pint glasses and other glassware.
Can Bar Mats Be Used For Branding?
Bar mats are actually highly effective tools for branding. Beer coaster advertising is a well-known strategy, and many bars, breweries, and restaurants also use custom mats with their logos, slogans, and promotional designs. This boosts brand visibility and helps create a cohesive look for an establishment.
Custom bar mats with branded designs also work well at:
- Corporate events
- Pop-up bars
- Special promotions
Whether you run a business or simply want personalized bar accessories, custom branding adds a sleek, professional touch. With our online service, you can order custom bar coasters in bulk to enjoy a high-quality, branded touch that also protects bars and tabletops, with a range of materials available.
Work with us to create unique, eye-catching bar coasters
With your personalized designs and out high-quality craftsmanship, your custom bar coasters will be memorable talking points whilst protecting surfaces against spills.
Are Bar Mats Easy To Clean?
Bar mats are designed to make maintenance straightforward, with waterproof materials and durable designs that can withstand virtually any cleaning method. Whether for a basic wipe-down or a deep clean, the process is not complicated for rubber and silicone mats:
- Basic wash: Give the mat a rinse with warm water and mild soap.
- Deep clean: Scrub with a brush to remove sticky residue.
Some mats are safe to put in the dishwasher, which makes cleaning even more convenient. By keeping bar mats clean, you ensure hygiene and avoid build-ups of bacteria or mold. Make sure you keep up with regular maintenance to maximize their lifespan and keep your bar area looking neat.
How Often Should Bar Mats Be Cleaned?
It is recommended that you clean bar mats every day in commercial settings where the prevention of bacteria build-up is paramount. It could even be done several times a day if you want to be particularly diligent. In home bars, cleaning after each use is a good habit to maintain hygiene.
There are certain signs that a bar mat is in need of immediate cleaning. These include:
- Visible spills
- Sticky residue
- Unpleasant odors
If you spot any of these issues with a bar mat you are using, rinse or scrub it down as necessary.
Regular cleaning is crucial to ensure your bar remains sanitary and inviting for customers or guests.
Can Bar Mats Go In The Washing Machine?
While some bar mats are dishwasher safe, and can be added to a normal dishwasher cycle for reliable cleaning, not all of them are suitable for going in the washing machine. The high temperatures and rough cycles of a washing machine may damage bar mats, so it is generally not the recommended cleaning method for them.
- Rubber and silicone mats: These usually tolerate dishwasher cycles.
- Fabric or PVC mats: Hand washing may be needed for these.
Always check manufacturer guidelines before you even consider using a washing machine for a bar mat. Any mat that is not machine- or dishwasher-safe can be scrubbed with warm soapy water to remove dirt and residues.
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Get startedStandard Bar Mat Sizes
The size of a bar mat makes a big difference to its functionality. Though bar mats can be found in a range of dimensions, there are a few sizes that are pretty common:
- 18” x 12”: This is generally considered the standard size for bar counters.
- 24” x 3.5”: These long, narrow mats are a good choice for service areas.
- 12” x 6”: With this compact size, mats are suitable for smaller setups like home bars.
Choosing the right size depends on your available space and workflow needs. Look for available sizes or consider working with us to determine a custom size coaster that can serve the same purpose as a bar mat in your environment.
How To Choose The Right Bar Mat?
When you are exploring options for bar mats, there are certain considerations that should be top of your list. The material, size, and ease of cleaning are all very important factors to compare, particularly if you are buying for a commercial setup.
Let’s look at a few common options:
- Rubber and silicone: These materials are excellent for durability.
- PVC: This lightweight option is often cost-effective and easy to clean.
- Fabric: Though versatile and absorbent, these bar mats require more extensive maintenance.
Make sure that you choose or design a mat that fits your workspace. Grip and protection against spills are fundamental requirements, so check customer reviews to ensure bar mats do their job properly. Als, consider custom branding if you want a personalized look.
How Do Bar Mats Protect Surfaces?
Bar mats are very effective at preventing liquid damage as they contain or absorb spills and condensation from drinks. Did you know that the foamy bubbles in your beer actually serve as an anti-spill mechanism? Nevertheless, drink spills are a concern on countertops, and bar mats also protect against scratches and heat damage.
Essentially, using bar mats can extend the life of your bar surface while keeping it clean. They are perfectly-designed barriers against things that could damage the finish of your bar surface, and they also add an aesthetic quality to the overall environment.
Your customers and guests expect to see them, so make sure you get mats that are both functional and decorative.
How Do Bar Mats Keep Glassware In Place?
Bar mats are often made from non-slip materials and designed with textured surfaces that enhance the grip of glassware that is placed on them. These features are important for preventing glasses from sliding or tipping over. The same is true of dedicated bar coasters, which is why we supply high-quality custom beer mats for commercial and home settings.
These non-slip design features reduce instances of breakages whilst helping to keep the workspace organized. Proper placement of bar mats enhances stability, so drinks remain secure whilst being prepared. Don’t underestimate the importance of this, particularly in a hectic commercial bar where lots of glassware is handled by large numbers of people.
How Can Bar Mats Help Organize Bartending Tools?
When you place a bar mat on a work surface, you create a designated area for bartenders to organize tools and do their work. Use them to create spaces for placing:
- Cocktail shakers
- Strainers
- Other tools
This is a great strategy to help bar staff work efficiently.
With organized workstations, you improve speed and reduce mess behind the bar. This makes drink preparation smoother, improving the experience for everyone and ensuring maximum efficiency of operations. Bar mats should be on your commercial bar equipment list for success.
Frequently Asked Questions About What Are Bar Mats For
What Are Bar Mats For In Bars?
Bar mats are important for preventing spills, protecting surfaces, and keeping your glassware secure. They also play a key role in improving workflow efficiency for bartenders.
Are Bar Mats Dishwasher Safe?
Some bar mats are dishwasher safe, but others need to be cleaned manually. Fortunately, they are not difficult to clean by hand. Always check the manufacturer instructions before machine washing.
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