Abstract: A carrier with anisotropic wetting surfaces for promoting more effective cleaning and drying of the carrier. In the invention, entire surfaces or portions of surfaces of a carrier are made to effect anisotropic wetting. In the invention, entire surfaces or portions of surfaces of a carrier are made to effect anisotropic wetting so that fluids flow off of the surface readily in a desired draining orientation. Surfaces having anisotropic wetting qualities can be used to ensure that small droplets of liquid drain fully from the surface or, alternately, can be used to help ensure that droplets are retained in areas where when they dry any contaminants are unlikely to cause harm.