After a meal, one placemat requires more work than another, and this mainly depends on the material. Our starting point is what the brands indicate about cleaning their placemats, and for synthetic leather, this is different from real leather. Start below with what wipeable really means.
Can a wipeable placemat go in the dishwasher, washing machine, or under the tap?
None of the brands specify a machine or the tap for these placemats: you wipe them clean.
Here's the situation for each:
In the dishwasher: according to the product information, our own placemats are not suitable for it, just like the placemats from LIND DNA. ASA Selection and Cosy & Trendy describe wiping with a damp cloth, cleaning, or simply cleaning, without mentioning the dishwasher.
In the washing machine: there is nothing stated in the descriptions. For our own synthetic leather and the leather from LIND DNA, a wash is also not advisable, as both need to avoid prolonged moisture.
Under the tap: rinsing is also not mentioned by any of the brands. Preferably use a damp cloth, as LIND DNA leather should never be soaked in water, and our own synthetic leather is water-sensitive.
If you read somewhere that wipeable placemats can go under the tap or in the washing machine, check what material they are made of. For the synthetic leather and leather here, no brand gives that advice.
Which placemat is easiest to keep clean with children at the table?
With young children at the table, choose a smooth placemat, preferably one of the synthetic leather placemats. Spilled jam or yoghurt stays on a smooth surface, so you can wipe it away with a cloth. With a woven placemat, it gets stuck between the weaves, and it's difficult to get it out with a cloth. Almost all placemats here are smooth, made of synthetic leather or recycled leather.
If the children drink from a cup or glass, then the Cookinglife 6 Placemats + 6 Coasters - Round - Wipeable - Black from our own brand is a handy set. The coasters are made of the same synthetic leather as the placemats, so you can wipe everything with the same cloth.
Cookinglife 6 Placemats + 6 Coasters
A second smooth choice is the ASA Selection Placemat - Vegan Leather - Nougat - Wipeable - 46 x 33 cm, which you wipe clean with a damp cloth after use. Since ASA Selection sells them individually, you can easily order an extra placemat as a spare for your child's place.
ASA Selection Placemat Vegan Leather
If you really want leather, then the colour is especially important with children at the table. Our article on the placemats and coasters from LIND DNA warns that spices, chilli, and red wine can leave permanent stains on that leather. You can see them best on a light colour, while they are less noticeable on dark leather. For a family, we therefore recommend dark leather, such as the LIND DNA Placemats Hippo - Leather - Black Anthracite - Wipeable - 45 x 35 cm - 2 Pieces.
LIND DNA Placemats Hippo Leather Black Anthracite
How do you clean placemats after a meal?
For synthetic leather, grab a cloth immediately after the meal, before sauce or ketchup dries; then it comes off easily. Wring the cloth out well so that it is only slightly damp. Let the placemats dry before stacking them. That's all there is to it: no washing or laundry is involved.
For daily use with LIND DNA leather, you also use a damp cloth. If there is a stain, grab the LIND DNA cleaning spray immediately. Occasionally, give the leather a thorough clean with the brand's cleaning soap. After using the spray, only store the placemat once it has dried in the air.
