Fast-dry “natural” bath mats and sink-drying mats work mainly by capillary action and high internal surface area. Instead of water sitting on top (like on many fabrics), water is drawn into tiny connected pores, spreads out, and then evaporates faster because it is no longer a thick puddle. This logic is well supported by materials science: in porous ceramics, water absorption depends on open porosity and pore size, and changing pore structure changes how much water a material takes up and how long it holds it. In other words, the “fast dry” behavior is largely engineered through pore networks and exposed surface area, not a coating or fragrance.

Diatomite (diatomaceous earth) mats are typically made from a silica-rich rock built from fossilized microalgae shells, naturally full of micro-pores. Scientific studies show diatomite has strong sorption capacity and surface sites that interact with water chemistry—evidence of a highly active porous material. The key consumer takeaway is simple: diatomite is good at taking in water quickly, and a thin, spread-out film of water tends to evaporate faster than a soaked textile.

For hygiene, fast drying helps because microbes that cause musty smells generally do better when moisture stays trapped. But it is a mistake to assume “stone mats are antibacterial.” Textiles can become bacterial reservoirs when they stay damp and are cleaned less often, while hard surfaces more often meet cleanliness standards when regularly cleaned—hospital data shows textiles had higher bacterial diversity and more often failed cleanliness thresholds compared with hard surfaces.

Cleaning matters more than the marketing. In a home bathroom or kitchen, a diatomite mat can still harbor grime in clogged pores (skin oils, soap residue, food splatter), which can reduce absorbency and contribute to odor over time.

Practical safety is also real: diatomaceous earth is a silica material, and dust exposure is the concern—not the solid mat sitting on the floor. Guidance around silica hazards emphasizes inhalation risk, especially for crystalline silica; some diatomaceous earth products can contain crystalline silica depending on processing (e.g., calcined forms). For home use, the main “don’t” is aggressive dry sanding indoors; wet cleaning and good ventilation are the safer approach.