Cleaning your guns is pretty important - it keeps them in their best possible condition so that you can use them for longer periods of time!
It’s best to clean your guns on a gun cleaning mat, or else you run the risk of damaging your table or whatever other surfaces you’re using to clean your guns.
There are thankfully a bunch of great gun cleaning mats on the market. The only question is what is the best option for you?
If you’re struggling to find the best gun cleaning mat for you, you need not worry. Here are some of the best gun cleaning mats on the market.
We’ve also written a handy buyer’s guide to help you to narrow down your decision.
OUR TOP PICK
If you have an AR gun, then the UsefulThings Rifle Cleaning Mat is a really fantastic choice for you.
Consisting of a neoprene nonslip base, this cleaning mat will help to ensure that all of your furniture is kept clean, free of any oil or grease spills from your handgun.
As far as aesthetics are concerned, the UsefulThingy Rifle Cleaning Mat has an intriguing design. It features information regarding the AR-15, which we think is pretty cool.
It will fit in with pretty much any workbench, and if you’re unfamiliar with guns then the informative graphics are certainly a beneficial feature for you.
It’s also a pretty unique mat in the sense that it has been designed to be absorbent. This is somewhat uncommon, but it’s still an effective mat.
The mat measures 36 inches x 12 inches in total, which is perfect for cleaning rifles or anything smaller.
The materials are durable, and if you do find that there are any defects you also have a 60 days money back guarantee.
The customer service is pretty impressive too, in the event that you have any queries. When you have finished using the mat, all you need to do is roll it up and put it into your cupboard or other designated storage compartment.
It’s even pretty affordable - essentially, a bargain across the board.
Pros
- Affordable
- Handy graphics demonstrating how to disassemble an AR rifle
- Large enough for rifles and smaller guns
Cons
- Because it absorbs the oils, it may end up smelling after a while
EDITORS CHOICE
The Tekmat AR-15 Cleaning Mat is yet another fantastic option for rifle and AR-15 owners.
It’s not just for rifle owners, however - so long as your gun is smaller, you can clean any kind of gun on this mat. This makes it pretty versatile!
There are a lot of things to love about this cleaning mat. It is made out of thermoplastic fiber, which is very plush and helps to ensure that the mat won’t slide or slip when you’re in the middle of the cleaning process.
It also consists of neoprene rubber and this helps to make sure that none of the oils or grease from the gun absorb into the mat.
The last thing you need to worry about is oils and grease soaking through onto your furniture.
The mat measures 12 inches by 36 inches, meaning that it’s pretty big. It even has a graphic featuring history of the AR-15, and also a little diagram that will demonstrate how you clean the AR-15.
This is ideal for beginners that haven’t quite gotten to grips with maintaining their firearm yet.
It’s highly durable too, so you can be sure that it will last for quite some time. You can even toss it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle to wash it.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Diagram demonstrating how to clean an AR-15
- Durable
Cons
- None
BEST VALUE
Want to show your patriotism all while supporting the 2nd Amendment? Why not buy the Ultimate Rifle Build?
This gun cleaning Mat features an attractive graphic of the American flag that is sure to fit in with any interior space.
Contrary to what the title may suggest, this mat is only really suitable for pistols and guns that are smaller. It measures 11 inches by 17 inches, making it unsuitable for large firearms such as shotguns or rifles.
As far as the materials are concerned, it features a polyester top and it has a waterproof coating. It even has non slip rubber backing to ensure that the mat doesn’t slide around while you’re cleaning your firearms.
Of course, while this mat is a great choice, it’s nothing spectacular in terms of functionality. It will give you the basics of what you need but that’s about it.
It is, however, a fantastic option if you’re looking for a gun cleaning mat that does the job with great effect.
Pros
- Attractive American Flag design
- Great for pistols and smaller firearms
- Waterproof and non slip
Cons
- It’s a little small - not ideal for shotguns or rifles
RUNNER UP
If you’re a firearm enthusiast, you may have already heard of Drymate. These gun cleaning mats are incredibly popular, and this is most certainly for good reason.
Your days of panicking about gun spills getting through onto your furniture are gone with the Drymate cleaning pads.
The Drymate cleaning mats are by far some of the largest ones on the market. They measure a whopping 54 inches by 16 inches.
This is more than large enough to clean the vast majority of shotguns and rifles out there.
The mat features an absorbent top layer, and the backing is waterproof. Any spills that happen during the cleaning process will be instantly absorbed.
What’s even better is just how affordable these cleaning mats are. You don’t need to be a billionaire to invest in some of these fantastic gun cleaning mats.
In addition to this, you can really choose something to match your home, as you can pick from a few different color options.
It’s a truly fantastic option for anyone looking to save a few pennies while still looking after their firearm.
Pros
- Large enough for shotguns and large rifles
- Affordable
- A number of color options available
Cons
- The mat absorbs spills rather than repelling them, so it can smell after a while
RUNNER UP
The Sage and Braker gun cleaning mat is one of the most versatile gun cleaning mats on the market.
It comes with a bunch of little pockets where you can keep all of your cleaning materials, keeping them all in one place when you need them.
Not only this, but storing the gun cleaning mat is incredibly simple. It just rolls up so you can put it in storage without it taking up too much space. Thanks to this, transporting the mat from one place to another is also simple.
Convenience aside, this is a high quality mat. It’s made out of high quality materials - this particular mat consists of leather, canvas and wool.
It’s highly durable and lasts a long time. You won’t need to replace this mat any time soon, we can assure you of that.
The mat is pretty large too, making it perfect for larger firearms such as rifles and shotguns. It measures 69 inches long, 16 inches wide and ½ inch thick.
The biggest issue with this mat is that it’s expensive, but it’s certainly worth the extra money for a product of this quality.
Pros
- Lots of storage pockets where you can keep all of your gun cleaning gear
- Durable
- Large enough to accommodate shotguns and rifles
Cons
- It’s pretty expensive
Best Gun Cleaning Mat Buying Guide
Why Should You Buy a Gun Cleaning Mat?
Naturally, you may need to take your gun apart every once in a while and give it a thorough cleaning. As a result, you are going to be coming into contact with a lot of dirt, oil and more other things that can stain.
You can wash it off yourself later on, but what about your surfaces? These substances can cause some big damage to your surfaces as they can stain.
You may even end up losing things like the pins or springs inside of your gun if you have no mat underneath the gun.
You can avoid issues like this by using a gun cleaning mat. These mats usually have liquid resistant coatings that help to stop them from soaking in any grease and oils.
This is incredibly important, as it means that any grease and oils will just accumulate on the surface of the mat. In turn, you can wipe them off easily just by using a paper towel.
Gun cleaning mats are usually made out of materials such as foam and have a neoprene rubber backing. This means they will be capable of dealing with any chemicals that may come off your dirty gun.
Not only that, but a lot of gun cleaning mats come with little magnetic trays where you can put your smaller gun parts, such as pins and springs. This means that you’re less likely to lose them.
Essentially, if you’re fond of your furniture (and your guns!) it is best to invest in a gun cleaning mat.
Things to Consider
Now that you know the importance of getting a good gun cleaning mat, you may be wondering how exactly you choose the best option for you.
After all, there are so many different things to consider, from the size of the mat, to the absorbency and so much more.
If that is the case, read on for some of the key things that you should keep in mind when looking for a gun cleaning mat.
Size
The size of your gun cleaning mat is pretty important. Not all guns are made the same, and the last thing you want is a gun cleaning mat that just isn’t big enough to accommodate your firearm.
In order to check the surface area you need, you should have a look at how big your gun is. If you happen to have a few different guns then you should look at the size of the biggest one you have and buy a size that corresponds with that.
If you have a number of guns, it’s best to overcompensate on the size of the mat. After all, it’s certainly possible to clean a smaller gun using a bigger mat but the reverse is not true.
The market certainly isn’t short on high quality mats that are large enough to accommodate most firearms. Make sure that you have plenty of space to clean your biggest firearms, and make sure that you have a little extra space where you can put your gun parts.
Materials
It’s imperative that you get a gun cleaning mat that’s made out of high quality materials - they need to be good enough to ensure that you don’t damage the surfaces of your home.
The biggest issue is that materials that are good for cleaning solvent may not be the best at stopping things like nicks in a piece of furniture, and vice versa.
If you would rather protect things such as tables, then you should get a rubber cleaning mat or a mat made out of neoprene to prevent nicks. Neoprene is generally the preferred choice for most gun owners, but what you get will depend on your requirements.
Compartment for Smaller Parts
It’s highly worth your money to get a gun cleaning mat that also has a parts compartment.
If your gun has a lot of small parts like springs and pins then you can just keep them here.
This means that it’s simple to keep track of everything that you are going to need to put your gun back together.
Cost
Just because a gun cleaning mat is incredibly expensive, doesn’t mean that it’s the right choice for you. A highly priced item isn’t always better than one that isn’t as expensive. There are plenty of affordable options out there that are just as good, if not better, than the ones that are double the price.
Before buying your gun cleaning mat, check what features it has. Does it offer enough to justify a higher price point? Is it more durable? Make sure you choose something within your budget that has the features you want, anything extra is just an added bonus.
Brand
Brand names aren’t always important when buying products, but when it comes to buying gun cleaning mats it’s certainly a good idea to look out for a trusted name.
Usually brands are popular for a reason - they’re renowned for creating high quality products that will last. They also usually provide customer support which is especially useful in the event that there are any defects or if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I properly care for my gun cleaning mat?
Maintaining your gun cleaning mat is actually a pretty easy process that won’t take up too much of your time. There are a number of things that are good to do somewhat regularly though to ensure that you can keep the mat for a much longer period of time.
First of all, it’s imperative that you don’t put your gun cleaning mat into a tumble dryer or washing machine. The exception to this rule is when your manufacturer’s instructions specifically tell you that it’s okay to do so.
Otherwise, putting your mat in a tumble dryer or washing machine can ruin the entire mat, meaning you’ll need to get a new one.
Next, grab your mat and wash it down using a sponge and some warm, soapy water. Hang it up somewhere to dry. It is possible to use some cleaning detergents, but you need to be careful. Make sure that you don’t use any detergents with harsh chemicals inside because this can damage your gun mat.
When using your mat, it is also imperative that you remove any chemicals you may have spilled on the mat as soon as humanly possible. Sure, the mats are usually resistant to chemicals but exposure for prolonged periods can cause the mat to discolor in the long run.
Finally, make sure that you’re extra careful if you clean other things on the mat. For instance, knives. Objects that are quite sharp can cause the mat to rip while you’re cleaning them.
This means that the integrity of the mat is broken so the chemicals from your next cleaning may still spill over your furniture.
When should I replace my gun cleaning mat?
Gun cleaning mats usually don’t come with an expiration date, so it can be difficult to give a generic idea as to how long yours will last.
Instead, you need to know when it’s time to get rid of your mat based on appearance.
If you tend to have a habit of accidentally spilling chemicals onto the gun cleaning mat then you should replace the mat more regularly, ideally after you’ve cleaned your gun a few times.
You can also replace the mat when it begins to feel rough or when the color starts to fade away.