Every gun owner knows that it’s important to clean their guns and rifles.
Your cleaning area is probably a workshop or your garage but having a cleaning mat means that you can clean your gun anywhere in your house.
This review will tell you everything that you need to know to purchase the best gun cleaning mat; it will even have some ranked so you can choose from trusted brands.
Our 7 top picks:
- Sage and Brake Cleaning Mat
- Tekmat Gun Cleaning Mat
- Best For Rifle Cleaning: Ultimate Rifle Build Gun Cleaning Mat
- UsefulThingy Gun Cleaning Mat
- Best For Pistol Cleaning: Real Avid Handgun Smart Mat
- Rangetechnic Thermal Silicone Hand Gun Cleaning Mat
- Ultimate Rifle Build Distressed Flag Gun Cleaning Mat
Here’s The Best Gun Cleaning Mat, Backed By 10+ Hours Of Research
Sage and Brake Cleaning Mat
- HIGHEST QUALITY MATERIALS: Made from 12 oz. waxed canvas, heavy wool...
- OVERSIZED AND OVERSTUFFED: Once rolled out, our mat measures in at...
- HOLDS ALL OF YOUR CLEANING PRODUCTS: Built to hold all of your...
Why is it better?
- Made from high-quality materials
- Enough space for large rifles
- Designed to hold various gun cleaners
Our Top Picks For Gun & Rifle Cleaning Mats
With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.
Let’s dive into the specifics and review each piece of gear individually. You can use the list below to jump and review specific models, or you can read along and go through all the information.
Best Overall: Sage and Brake
- HIGHEST QUALITY MATERIALS: Made from 12 oz. waxed canvas, heavy wool...
- OVERSIZED AND OVERSTUFFED: Once rolled out, our mat measures in at...
- HOLDS ALL OF YOUR CLEANING PRODUCTS: Built to hold all of your...
If you’re looking for a gun mat that’s perfect for any firearm you have, then this is it.
It is on the more expensive end, but its quality can’t be beaten. Sage and Braker’s waxed canvas gun cleaning mat is made from extremely high-quality materials.
The interior of it is designed out of waxed canvas, which stops lubricants and oils from staining other materials.
The exterior is composed of thick leather and heavy wool. It comes equipped with pouches to hold all of your gun cleaning supplies.
You can fit your lubricants, brushes, bore snakes, and more. It’s both a cleaning mat and a case. You can roll it up and close it with its two leather straps that you can buckle it in place.
It’s the ultimate cleaning mat that can work for any gun. It has everything that you need as a gun owner.
While it is more expensive, the fact that it does it all makes it worth every penny.
PROS
- Made from high-quality materials
- Enough space for large rifles
- Designed to hold various gun cleaners
- Provides protection for your guns
- Rugged construction ideal for hunting
CONS
- More suited for rifles than handguns
EXTRA FEATURES
- Built by Hunters
- An Important Staple to Preserve Your Firearms
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Firearm Type: Universal
- Material: Wool and Leather
- Size: 69″ X 16″
TekMat Gun Cleaning Mat
- The soft thermoplastic fiber surface ensures your gun doesn’t get...
- Extra thick, 1/8” vulcanized rubber will protect your work surface...
- Keeps harmful chemicals, oil and dirt from penetrating down to your...
The AR-15 is one of the most popular firearms on the market for a reason – it is an ideal long-range tactical weapon for self-defense.
One of the contributing factors is reliability – the AR-15 performs consistently.
But to keep your weapon in peak condition you need to clean it regularly. And that is where a great AR-15 cleaning mat comes into play.
The TekMat AR-15 cleaning mat is designed specifically for use with your AR-15.
The surface of the mat is made from durable thermoplastic fiber, which guarantees it will hold up over time.
And as a bonus it is imprinted with an exploded diagram of the AR-15, which will ensure you never get stuck disassembling or reassembling your firearm.
PROS
- Does not stain easily
- Large size
- Not too heavy
- Well-designed rubber backing
- Easy to store
CONS
- Print is small in some places
EXTRA FEATURES
- Lifetime quality
- Black mat
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Firearm Type: AR-15
- Material: Thermoplastic fiber surface
- Size: 12″ X 36″
Ultimate Rifle Build Gun Cleaning Mat
The Ultimate Rifle Build has a great rifle cleaning mat that would work for anyone looking for something unique.
It’s made from professional-grade material. It’s constructed with stitched edges to help hold the mat together for the long run.
The top has waterproof material, and the bottom is constructed to be non-slip. The design on the map is a diagram of an AR15 and all of its components.
While diagrams are common on rifle cleaning mats, this one has the name right next to the part, so you don’t have to cross-reference a specific number with a specific part.
It also comes with a separate magnetic tray to put your small disassembled parts in.
The Ultimate has unique features that allow it to be worth any gun owner’s interest.
PROS
- Good quality exploded parts print
- Neoprene rubber backing
- Waterproofed polyester top
- Large surface
- Non-slip backing
CONS
- Only ⅛ inch thick
EXTRA FEATURES
- Bonus magnetic tray
- Innovative design
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Firearm Type: Universal
- Material: Wool and Leather
- Size: 69″ X 16″
UsefulThingy Gun Cleaning Mat
- INFORMATIVE PRINTING - informative parts breakdown leaves you with no...
- QUALITY MATERIAL - non-slip bottom, strong, sturdy, durable and high...
- PROTECTION FROM SCRATCHES AND DAMAGE - protection from...
The UsefulThingy is designed for you to easily clean your rifle.
It’s made from neoprene which soaks up any lubricants or oil that you use to clean.
The material is different from others in that it absorbs liquids rather than repelling them and leaving them on the surface.
The thickness also helps prevent firearms from scratching the table.
The back is non-slip and rolls up easily.
It’s designed specifically to clean rifles and is large enough to fit all types of rifles.
It has a detailed diagram of an AR15 accompanied by a brief history etched on the mat.
PROS
- Made of durable and long-lasting material
- With its size of 36 in x 12 in it’s larger than most other gun cleaning mats
- A soft surface pad to prevent damage and scratches to both weapon and surface
- Comes with an informative printing
- Absorbs oils, lubricants, solvents
CONS
- It’s a bit thin and narrow
EXTRA FEATURES
- Non-slip base
- Rolls up when done
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Firearm Type: Rifle
- Material: Neoprene
- Size: 36″x12″
Best For Pistol Cleaning: Real Avid Handgun Smart Mat
- REAL AVID UNIVERSAL SMART MAT: premium gun cleaning mat with small...
- LARGE AND SPACY: oversized, 43”x16” workbench mat is perfect for...
- PROTECTIVE WORK MAT: work anywhere you want – this dedicated...
Real Avid is the best gun cleaning mat for those wanting to clean their pistols.
The Real Avid line has a mat for pistols and rifles, but this review will focus on the smaller size for pistols.
It’s a mat that is made of non-absorbent materials.
These materials mean that liquids don’t absorb into the mat but rather bounce off and sit on the surface.
The back is non-slip.
The side has a plastic part magnetically attached that is divided into sections, allowing you to store your tools and other gun components in them.
This way you don’t have to worry about losing pieces that you set aside.
The mat also has a diagram design that shows you step-by-step how to disassemble your pistol.
It’s a unique choice that is affordable, making it the best option for those who are uncertain about which one to choose.
PROS
- Good value for money
- Large for a good cleaning surface
- Oil and solvent resistant
- Contains a pistol cleaning kit
- Basic kit for beginners and pros
CONS
- The cleaning rod is not very strong
EXTRA FEATURES
- Has all the essentials for handgun cleaning needs
- Magnetized section for screws, pins, etc
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Firearm Type: Pistol
- Material: Non-absorbent neoprene, plastic, magnetic components
- Size: 19″ x 16″
Rangetechnic Thermal Silicone Hand Gun Cleaning Mat
- Thermal Resistance upto 482 degrees Farenheit - perfect for Hot...
- Protects your work surface or bench from chemicals and oils
- 11 x 17 inch mat size for hand gun and pistol cleaning
Like other pistol cleaning mats, the Rangetechnic is made from a material that is non-absorbent.
Unlike other pistol cleaning mats, the Rangetechnic isn’t made of neoprene but silicone.
The non-absorbent silicone rubber prevents lubricants from seeping in.
This ensures that liquids don’t stain the table underneath the mat.
It also allows you to easily clean off excess oil on the surface with a paper towel, rag, or any other type of cloth.
The unique element of the Rangetechnic is that it’s constructed to handle guns that are heated up to over 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
It has units of measurement printed on it, which is different from many other styles that have designs and diagrams all over them.
PROS
- Silicone is 100% waterproof
- Includes a ruler on the sides of the mat
- Rinses clean and rolls up to store in your range bag
- 11 x 17 inch mat size for hand gun and pistol cleaning
- Protects your work surface or bench from chemicals and oils
CONS
- Provides little cushion
EXTRA FEATURES
- UV Light Resistant
- Non Toxic
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Firearm Type: Pistol
- Material: Silicone rubber
- Size: 11″ x 17″
Ultimate Rifle Build Distressed Flag Gun Cleaning Mat
If you want a pistol cleaning mat that keeps your cleaning area free of stains and shows your support of the 2nd amendment, then this American flag cleaning mat is it.
The image on it is a distressed American flag and the 2nd amendment. It’s a nice touch for gun enthusiasts everywhere.
It’s just big enough for you to clean any pistol on it. Not only is does it look great, but it functions well.
It has a stitched border to help increase longevity. The other materials are waterproof and rubber backing.
While it’s not the best gun cleaning mat or the cheapest on the market, it can get the job done.
PROS
- Large surface
- Premium materials
- Non-slip backing
- Waterproofed polyester top
- 100% lifetime warranty
CONS
- Collects dirt and oil solvents hence
EXTRA FEATURES
- Stitched border
- Exclusive URB design
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Firearm Type: Pistol
- Material: Polyester, rubber
- Size: 11″ x 17
Why You Need Your Own Cleaning Mat
Learning how to clean guns and clean them properly requires a lot. You have to have willingness, practice, time, and expertise.
Until you’ve owned your guns for many years, you’ll find oil stains all over the place.
Most people clean their guns in the workshops or storage sheds that are really tidy and super-clean.
The benefits of using a cleaning mat are enough reason to purchase one.
There’s no reason for you to make a huge mess when you can have one made of materials that will prevent oil stains and other damage to the surfaces of your home.
The Benefits Of Using Gun Cleaning Mats
Gun cleaning mats are typically made with leak-proof, non-absorbent material that prevents oils, like CLPs, from leaking through onto your table.
The material also is easily cleanable. You just wipe away the grease and it’s clean again.
The other benefit of getting one is that you choose its size. Normally, you would set your gun on a towel, which might be too small.
A cleaning mat ensures that you get one designed for your gun, so you can lay it out along with all of its components. Having the best gun cleaning mat for your needs is so important.
You need to make sure that you know what you’re looking for. Are you looking for a cleaning mat for your pistol? Are you looking for one for your rifle?
Do you need both?
These are all questions that you need to address before choosing the one that’s right for you.
Choosing The Right Cleaning Mat
Any of these gun cleaning mats will do the job, but to find the right one for you, you have to ask yourself a few questions:
Is it practical?
All of the gun cleaning mats listed above are practical, but one might night be practical for your needs.
When determining what’s practical, you have to consider your budget, the guns you’re cleaning, and the cleaning area you’ll be using.
You might not want or need something that is expensive because it doesn’t fit your budget, or you don’t feel the features are worth the price.
You don’t want to be tricked by gun cleaning mats that are too cheap.
They’re not practical because they likely won’t do what they say, and they won’t last long.
Saving money is always great, but you need to be wary that you’re not actually wasting any money.
Does it check the major boxes?
You want to ensure that the cleaning mat that you purchase serves the major two functions.
You want to be sure that it won’t make a mess or that it will keep the mess contained.
The second thing you need to ensure is that your firearm isn’t sliding around your cleaning area. Your gun cleaning mat shouldn’t slide around at all.
Who’s selling it?
Whether it’s a big name-brand or a small shop that makes it, you want to make sure where you’re purchasing from produces great products.
A company should be able to stand behind their product.
You also want to know whether a company will provide good customer support if you have any issues.
If a company isn’t willing to openly communicate with you then don’t do business with them.
How To Clean Your Mat
The worst thing that could possibly happen would be your gun cleaning mat spilling oil all over the place due to the material not being leak-proof.
Just because the mat you have will keep you from scrubbing your table or floor doesn’t mean that you never have to clean it.
It doesn’t matter if your cleaning mat is made from a leak-proof and durable material. You still need to clean it to extend its longevity.
To clean, you can use a towel, rag, or paper towel. Wash and wipe down with soap and water.
Certain cleaning mats can be washed with detergents, meaning you can use a washing machine.
When you clean yours, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you’ve never used a gun cleaning mat before, here is a good YouTube video demonstrating one:
The Bottom Line
While not many gun owners buy a cleaning mat because they think they don’t need one, they make life so much easier.
A cleaning mat is beneficial to you, your workshop, and your family.
If you’re married, your partner will definitely appreciate the extra steps that you take to maintain cleanliness.
Before buying, always research the brand you’re buying from and ensure that the mat you’re interested in has all the properties that you want. Also check out our article where we discuss the top gun cleaning kits currently available on the market.
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