In other words, firearm cleaning mats are designed with specific materials and qualities that ensure the cleaning materials or harmful chemicals don’t seep through or ruin the mat or the area you’re cleaning in. That being said, it’s important to find the best cleaning mat for your gun or firearm.
10 Best Gun Cleaning Mats on the Market
#1 Sage and Braker Mercantile Gun Cleaning Mat
- Various pockets to hold all your gun cleaning materials.
- Rolls up, so you can easily store and transport it.
- 69” long, 16” wide, and ½” thick.
- Made of canvas, leather, and wool.
- Includes multiple pockets.
The first gun cleaning mat on our list is the Sage and Braker Mercantile Gun Cleaning Mat. Immediately, it’s apparent that the Sage and Braker Mercantile Gun Cleaning Mat is made with some of the highest quality materials available. More specifically, this gun mat is made with a mix of canvas, leather, and wool. This mat is a top quality option, that will stand out amongst your gun cleaning supplies.
The quality materials make the Sage and Braker Mercantile Gun Cleaning Mat extremely durable and long lasting. In fact, the materials are so durable you will most likely be able to pass this mat down a few generations.
Another great aspect of the Sage and Braker Mercantile Gun Cleaning Mat is its oversized design. This product is 69” long, 16” wide, and ½” thick. In other words, you won’t have to worry about this mat being large enough to accommodate even your largest firearms.
Overall, the Sage and Braker Mercantile Gun Cleaning Mat was designed for avid firearm owners by firearm enthusiasts. In other words, Sage and Braker understands what firearm owners are looking for in a gun mat. That’s why this is one of the most durable and resilient firearm cleaning mats on the market.
#2 Real Avid Handgun Cleaning Combo
- Durable & resilient gun cleaning mat with measurements of 19″ x 16″.
- Parts tray attaches to gun cleaning mat.
- Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit with cleaning rod, nylon jags, slotted tips, and cleaning patches.
The second gun cleaning mat on our list is the Real Avid Handgun Cleaning Combo. Contrary to other gun mats, the Real Avid Handgun Cleaning Combo doesn’t only include a mat. In addition to the cleaning mat, the Real Avid Handgun Cleaning Combo includes an array of premium quality Real Avid cleaning products.
Since this is a gun cleaning mat review list, let’s focus on the cleaning mat first. The Real Avid Handgun Cleaning Combo cleaning mat is medium sized at 19” by 16”. Like most firearm cleaning mats, it is resistant to common gun cleaning materials, such as solvent and oil. The mat even has a parts tray that you can attach to it.
The gun cleaning mat parts tray allows you to keep small parts close by and organized while you’re cleaning your gun. One of the highlight features of the gun cleaning mat is the small magnetic section that keeps the small parts secured.
Another great aspect of the Real Avid Handgun Cleaning Combo is the Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit, which includes a cleaning rod, nylon jags, slotted tips, and cleaning patches. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about purchasing some of the extra materials required for cleaning your gun.
#3 UsefulThingy Gun Cleaning Mat
- Made of plush material.
- Medium sized: 36″ x 12″ x 0.12″.
- Non-slip bottom.
- Rolls up, so you can easily store and transport it.
- Graphics on the mat give you a guide on how to clean your firearm.
The next gun cleaning mat on our list is the UsefulThingy Gun Cleaning Mat. If you’re passionate about firearms, you have most likely heard about UsefulThingy. Although seeing the company’s name is most likely more than enough for most firearm owners to purchase this gun cleaning mat, let’s see if this gun cleaning mat rises up to its hype. Let’s dive deeper into its specifics.
The UsefulThingy Gun Cleaning Mat is made of some of the highest quality materials currently available. This means the UsefulThingy Gun Cleaning Mat is resilient and long lasting, as well as plush. So, you won’t have to worry about your gun being scratched while you’re cleaning it.
In addition to the plush material, this gun cleaning mat has a non-slip bottom, which means it will stay in place no matter how you pull or tug on it while you’re cleaning your firearm. Whenever you’re ready to pack up your UsefulThingy Gun Cleaning Mat, simply roll it up.
#4 TekMat AR-15 Cleaning Mat
- Large sized: 12″ x 36″.
- Comprised of thermoplastic fiber and 3mm neoprene rubber backing.
- Designed with a short history and small diagram of how you can clean your AR-15.
One of the most popular gun cleaning mats currently on the market is the TekMat AR-15 Cleaning Mat. This gun cleaning mat is specifically designed for AR-15 owners. In other words, its features are handcrafted perfectly to accommodate cleaning an AR-15. But, just because this mat is specifically designed for cleaning an AR-15, doesn’t mean you can’t use it with other firearms.
Upon purchasing the TekMat Gun Cleaning Mat, one of the first things you notice is the thermoplastic fiber the mat is comprised of. This thermoplastic fiber is plush and is specially crafted to make sure your mat doesn’t slip or slide while you’re cleaning your gun.
In addition to the thermoplastic fiber, the TekMat AR-15 Cleaning Mat is designed with 3mm neoprene rubber, which ensures nothing seeps through the thermoplastic fiber. In other words, you definitely don’t have to worry about your gun cleaning solutions, solvents, or gun oil getting all over your table.
Other notable aspects of the TekMat AR-15 Cleaning Mat include its large design, which is 12” x 36”,The design includes a helpful tutorial and small diagram of how you can clean your AR-15 right on the mat. Therefore, if you feel lost while cleaning your rifle at any time, simply look down at your mat.
#5 Real Avid Handgun Smart Mat
- Plush and padded surface.
- Decently sized: 19″ x 16″.
- Gun pattern with pictures and descriptions of how you can disassemble and reassemble your gun.
- Attached parts keeper tray.
- Rolls up.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive gun cleaning mat that is soft and durable, then look no further because the Real Avid Cleaning Mat is the perfect option for you. One of the reasons why the Real Avid Cleaning Mat is so outstanding is the fact it was made by avid firearm owners, like yourself. In other words, the creators of this mat understand what gun owners want in a gun cleaning mat.
At 19″ x 16″, the Real Avid Cleaning Mat is a decently sized mat, which means it’s the perfect product for medium to large sized firearms. In addition to the decent size, the Real Avid Cleaning Mat has a plush padded surface, which means you don’t have to worry about your gun scratching on your mat while you clean it.
Another great feature of the Real Avid Cleaning Mat is the gun pattern with directions on how you can disassemble and reassemble your firearm when you clean it. Although you most likely already know how to do this, these instructions can be helpful in case you hit a bump in the road while you’re cleaning your firearm.
One of the last notable features of the Real Avid Cleaning Mat is the parts keeper tray that’s attached to the right side of the mat. The parts keeper tray is large enough to store various things, such as parts of your gun, as well as smaller cleaning materials. It even has a magnetic portion, which makes sure metal parts you store in the tray stay in place.
#6 Drymate Handgun/Shotgun Gun Cleaning Pad
- Scratch resistant.
- Absorbs spills.
- Prevents anything from soaking through your mat.
- Large size: 16″ x 20″.
- Machine washable.
One of the most raved about gun cleaning mats on the market is the Drymate Handgun/Shotgun Gun Cleaning Pad. This gun cleaning pad is so popular that you have most likely heard about it if you’re an avid gun owner. In fact, you might already own this gun cleaning pad.
If you want a firearm cleaning mat that will completely soak up all your gun cleaning solvent, then the Drymate Handgun/Shotgun Gun Cleaning Pad is the perfect option for you. Although the Drymate Handgun/Shotgun Gun Cleaning Pad essentially looks like a pad of fake grass, it is extremely absorbent and durable.
In fact, the Drymate Handgun/Shotgun Gun Cleaning Pad will completely absorb any spills and will ensure that any potential spills don’t soak through your mat. In addition to absorbing spills, the Drymate Handgun/Shotgun Gun Cleaning Pad also ensures your gun doesn’t slip off the mat while you’re cleaning it.
#7 Real Avid MSR Smart Mat
- Large size, perfect for cleaning a MSR: 43″ x 16″.
- Plush padded surface.
- Side attached parts keeper tray with a magnetic section.
- Gun cleaning pattern design.
- Non-slip backing.
If you want a gun cleaning mat that is truly designed for avid firearm owners, then you should consider purchasing the Real Avid MSR Smart Mat. Like all of the other gun products Real Avid manufactures, the Real Avid MSR Smart Mat is designed by avid firearm owners like yourself. This means you can trust that the Real Avid MSR Smart Mat will perfectly accommodate your gun, so you can adequately clean it.
At 43″ x 16″, this gun cleaning mat is large enough to adequately accommodate a standard MSR firearm, which is one of the largest guns on the market. That being said, you can virtually clean any firearm on the Real Avid MSR Smart Mat.
In addition to its large size, the Real Avid MSR Smart Mat is equipped with a side parts tray. This parts keeper tray is located on the right side of the mat and is perfect for keeping parts and even small cleaning materials organized while you’re cleaning the gun. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about losing parts or rummaging around to find extra cleaning materials.
Lastly, the Real Avid MSR Smart Mat has a gun pattern design that showcases how you can adequately clean your MSR. Although you most likely already know how to adequately clean your gun, these guidelines can be helpful in case you forget or need some extra help while you’re cleaning.
#8 Glock AD00073 Perfection OEM Cleaning Bench Mat
- Large size: 11″ x 17″.
- Made of rubberized nylon and soft cloth.
- Slip resistant.
- Diagram of how to adequately clean your gun.
If you’re looking for a large gun cleaning mat where you truly have enough space to adequately clean your gun, then look no further because the Glock AD00073 Perfection OEM Cleaning Bench Mat is the perfect option for you!
More specifically, the Glock AD00073 Perfection OEM Cleaning Bench Mat is 11″ x 17″. In addition to its large size, this mat is made of a thin layer of rubberized nylon. The rubberized nylon makes the Glock AD00073 Perfection OEM Cleaning Bench Mat completely oil resistant. So, even if your gun cleaning oil happens to spill on the mat, you won’t have to worry about it ruining your mat or your gun cleaning area.
In addition to the rubberized nylon, this mat has a soft cloth layer that ensures your gun won’t get scratched while you’re cleaning it. In other words, the Glock AD00073 Perfection OEM Cleaning Bench Mat is slip resistant.
Like most renowned gun cleaning mats, the Glock AD00073 Perfection OEM Gun Cleaning Bench Mat has a diagram of how to properly disassemble, reassemble, and clean your gun. Even though you most likely already know how to do this, the diagram acts as a helpful guide in case you ever forget how to adequately clean your gun.
#9 Raiseek Pistol Cleaning Mat
- Recessed sections for keeping parts in place and organized.
- Solvents, cleaning solution, and oil can easily be wiped off.
- Magnetic pad on top right side to hold components in place.
- Properly sized for handgun.
Here’s a design we really like. The Raiseek pistol cleaning mat was properly designed for gun cleaning, and contains more functionality than we thought was available in a gun cleaning mat.
The recessed sections make it super easy to keep everything on the mat organized. They also serve the dual purpose of keeping oils and solvents from spilling off the sides of the mat. There’s even a handy magnetic section on the mat to hold small metallic pieces – no more lost components.
This mat stands in contrast to many mats on our list because it doesn’t absorb liquids, it repels them. You can easily wipe the mat clean after use, and your mat is good as new. This prolongs the lifespan of the mat, but also keeps it from getting dirty and unusable.
Overall, this is a long-lasting, well-designed mat that is ideal for cleaning pistols.
#10 Distressed Flag Gun Cleaning Mat
- Cool constitutional design.
- Comes in large and medium sizes.
- Nice mix of materials – non-stick rubber backing and waterproof coating.
- 100% lifetime warranty.
Let’s get real patriotic with our last choice. Not only does this mat have a cool American flag design, it’s a very serviceable gun mat as well.
This gun mat doesn’t do anything too fancy, it simply works. It comes in a variety of sizes so you can match it to your gun of choice, and it’s made of high-quality materials to stand up to repeated cleaning sessions.
It’s worth noting the careful craftsmanship. A stitched border, polyester top with waterproof coating, and a white heat pattern transfer that won’t smear the design. Overall, it works very well, and no substance is going to leak through this mat.
The 100% lifetime warranty is also impressive, since it’s always impressive when companies have ultimate faith in their products.
Comparison Chart
| Cleaning Mats | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Sage and Braker Mercantile Gun Cleaning Mat |
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| #2 Real Avid Handgun Cleaning Combo |
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| #3 UsefulThingy Gun Cleaning Mat |
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| #4 TekMat AR-15 Cleaning Mat |
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| #5 Real Avid Handgun Smart Mat |
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| #6 Drymate Handgun/Shotgun Gun Cleaning Pad |
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| #7 Real Avid MSR Smart Mat |
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| #8 Glock AD00073 Perfection OEM Cleaning Bench Mat |
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| #9 Raiseek Pistol Cleaning Mat |
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| #10 Distressed Flag Gun Cleaning Mat |
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Most Frequently Asked Questions
What to Consider When Buying a Cleaning Mat?
When you’re purchasing a gun cleaning mat, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.
Size
The first thing you should consider is the size of your gun. Even if you have a smaller firearm, you might want to consider purchasing a larger gun cleaning mat because you will have more space for your gun cleaning materials.
Materials
The materials used to make the cleaning mat make a major difference in its functionality. They effect the mat’s absorbency, its ability to stick to your work surface, its usability, and more. Check out our list above to compare mats of different materials.
Functionality
Another aspect you should consider when buying a firearm cleaning mat is any additional features you want your map to have. For example, if you want to keep your gun parts and cleaning materials organized, consider purchasing a gun cleaning map with a side tray attachment.
Design
Last but not least, we can’t ignore the importance of an aesthetic design. There’s a style component to almost anything you buy, and with so many options available, might as well pick the one you like best. Some mats even contain helpful diagrams and tutorials to help you disassemble and clean your gun.
What are the Benefits of Using a Cleaning Mat?
Using a gun cleaning mat has a ton of benefits. One of the top benefits of using a gun cleaning mat is having peace of mind knowing any gun cleaning solutions you use won’t seep through your mat and ruin your bench or table.
Another benefit of using a cleaning mat is knowing your gun is protected from any damage, such as scratches. If you clean your gun on a rough surface, your gun can easily be scratched.
How to Clean a Cleaning Mat?
There are a few ways you can clean your gun cleaning mat. Some gun cleaning mats are machine washable, which means you can simply throw it into the washer machine. As for mats that aren’t machine washable, simple use soft cloths, such as microfiber cloths to wipe away any potential spills.
How Do I Know When It’s Time to Replace My Cleaning Mat?
Gun cleaning mats don’t necessarily have a designated lifespan. Instead, the appearance and function of your gun cleaning mat are huge indicators when it’s time to replace your gun cleaning mat.
If you regularly spill chemicals on your gun cleaning mat, you should consider purchasing a new mat after a few times you have cleaned your gun. Otherwise, once you notice your mat starting to feel rough or the appearance of the pattern or color is starting to fade, consider replacing your gun cleaning mat.
Unless I missed it, the reviews don’t indicate where these are made. Where these are manufactured would be a nice addition to the reviews in order to allow those so inclined to support American made companies/ products. Just a thought.
Thanks for the thought Bryan, this is a good point ill be sure to add to the reviews.