Skip to content
Home » Sinks » Best Under Sink Mats for Protecting Cabinets (COMPLETE Guide)

Best Under Sink Mats for Protecting Cabinets (COMPLETE Guide)

Best Under Sink Mat

Looking to the best under sink mats to protect your cabinets? We have a complete guide to the best products on the market.

The place where all the plumbing lines under the sink are always susceptible to water leakage. As a result, the area becomes damp quickly and damages your stored valuables as well as the cabinet.

Using the best under cabinet sink mat will keep you from damp cabinets and let you bring some freshness to the interior of your kitchen sink.

If you don’t use an under sink mat or tray, wastewater from a faulty sink or p-trap can penetrate the cabinet and cause your kitchen to stink, be messy, and dirty.

An under sink mat holds a good amount of water and allows you to drain the water before they reach inside cabinets. Silicone under sink mats should be on top of your choice list as they are highly flexible and durable. You should also keep an eye on the maximum holding capacity, sidewall height, and texture of the mat.

In this article, I’ll go over some of the most popular under the sink mats on the market.

But, if you need a very quick and expert suggestion I found, check this mat on Amazon: Kaze Silicone Under Sink Mat.

Best Under Sink Cabinet Protectors

Top 10 Under Sink Mats

Best Under Sink Mat

1. Xtreme 31″ 1/4 x 22 1/4 under kitchen sink cabinet mat

Key features:

  • Material: Thermoplastic Vulcanizate
  • Dimensions: 31.25 x 22.25 inches
  • Maximum Holding Capacity: 3.3 gallons
  • Sidewall height: 1 inch
  • Color: Gray

The under sink mat from Xtreme Mats will hold those liquids, up to 3.3 gallons, and a sensor will warn you to clean the area before any damage happens. It also channels the liquid to protect your belongings from being wet.

The waterproof under sink mat will hold water to even protect the kitchen floor from being slippery.

It is flexible enough so that you can place the mat for the kitchen inside small cabinets. The mat fits snugly into any cabinets, thanks to its amazing build quality.

It comes in six different sizes and three different colors. You can choose from an array of options depending on your requirements.

The sidewall of this under sink liner is high enough to hold the liquid.

There is a sensor at the back of the under sink protective tray which you need to buy separately. The sensor will activate once the mat holds a certain amount of liquid.

Pros:

  • High-quality TPV build for better protection
  • Excellent liquid holding capacity
  • Can be fitted with a sensor
  • Fits snugly to differently sized cabinets
  • Liquid channels lift your belongings
  • Waterproof and durable

Cons:

  • Cleaning can be difficult due to channels
  • Sensor doesn’t come with the package

2. BASIN premium 1.5 gallons large silicone waterproof under sink mat

Key features:

  • Material: Silicone
  • Dimensions: 28.25 x 22 inches
  • Maximum Holding Capacity: 1.5 gallons
  • Sidewall height: 1 inch
  • Color: Taupe

This silicone under sink mat prevents your kitchen from stinking up with wastewater from sinks. This mat will hold up to 1.5 gallons of liquid before overflowing.

As the name suggests, it feels so premium to touch. The silicone construction makes this under the sink mat extremely flexible and lightweight. So, the mat will easily fit into your cabinets without warping.

There are no channels on the mat. Though it reduces the liquid holding capacity, it will be a lot easier to clean. You can simply wipe off the excess liquid.

As the sidewall is flexible too, you can easily make a lip to drain water from the mat. This silicone under sink tray is BPA-free. And there will be no VOCs in the environment of your kitchen, nor any off smell.

Pros:

  • The silicone mat is far more flexible than plastic mats
  • Resists almost all stains
  • Fits into kitchen cabinets without warping
  • Plain surface for easy cleaning
  • BPA and odor-free to keep the kitchen fresh
  • Lasts longer than regular mats

Cons:

  • Holding capacity is lower than many other mats
  • Only suitable for 30-inch cabinets

3. WeatherTech waterproof 34*22 inches under sink cabinet protector

Key features:

  • Material: Plastic
  • Dimensions: 34.25 x 22.5 inches
  • Maximum Holding Capacity: 1 gallon
  • Sidewall height: 0.5 inches
  • Color: Black, Tan

This plastic under sink protector mat from WeatherTech might be what you are looking for. It has a low-profile build to easily fit into any cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom.

The mat will protect your cabinets from any type of spilling, leakage, etc., and keep the environment of your kitchen or bathroom fresh.

I loved the flexibility of the under sink drip tray, though it is made of plastic. It comes in one size, but interestingly, you can trim the edges of the bathroom sink liner to fit it into smaller cabinets. Raised edges can be used as markings to trim the mat.

The outer-most edge is about 0.5 inches high, so the liquid holding capacity of this under sink liner is a bit low. It will hold about 1 gallon of liquid. Draining the liquid is quite easy due to its flexibility.

Cleaning the surface of the protective tray is also easy as there is no texture.

Pros:

  • High-quality plastic build with ample flexibility
  • Customizability is better than other mats
  • Cleaning the surface is very easy
  • Trimmable sections for plumbing system
  • Resists almost all stains
  • Highly versatile and suitable for kitchens or bathrooms

Cons:

  • Sidewall height is a bit lower than other mats
  • Maximum holding capacity should be better

4. Xtreme 31″ 1/4 x 19 1/4 under sink bathroom cabinet tray liner

Key features:

  • Material: Thermoplastic Vulcanizate
  • Dimensions: 31.25 x 19.25 inches
  • Maximum Holding Capacity: 3.3 gallons
  • Sidewall Height: 1 inch
  • Color: Beige, Gray

I would like to introduce you to this excellent bathroom sink liner from Xtreme Mats. They produce some of the most effective and aesthetic under sink liners that prevent water leakage and keep your bathroom fresh all the time.

This under sink tray is made with TPV, a polymer that is highly resistant to stains.

The tray can hold up to 3.3 gallons of liquid before overflowing. If you tend to store your belongings under the sink, it will keep them dry in the case of a leakage.

The channeled surface of this under sink mat is suitable to hold more liquid than plain surfaces. Its sidewall is high enough to hold the water until you get warned by the sensor.

The sidewall can easily be bent to drain the liquid. But wiping the surface dry might be a problem because of the texture.

It has different size options, so you can choose according to your requirements. Two color options are available to match your kitchen or bathroom interior.

Pros:

  • TPV mat for ultimate protection against leakage
  • Channeled surface for better holding capacity
  • Very flexible and durable
  • Draining excess liquid is very easy
  • Comes in different sizes and colors
  • Produces low VOCs and odor

Cons:

  • Wiping surface is a bit difficult
  • Cracks may appear if bent frequently

5. Famous rhino adjustable 34″ x 22″ under sink cabinet protector for kitchen sink and bathroom

Key features:

  • Material: Silicone, Plastic
  • Dimensions: 34 x 22.5 inches
  • Maximum Holding Capacity: 1.5 gallons
  • Sidewall Height: 1 inch
  • Color: Gray, Light Brown, White

This mat will fit into your bathroom or kitchen cabinets under the sink and prevent the cabinets from being wet.

The build quality of the mat is spectacular. You can instantly feel the rustic character of the under sink protector, which delivers excellent waterproofing and keeps your belongings safe down there.

This under sink liner is extremely flexible. You can even trim the edges of the under sink mat to fit it into smaller cabinets. A gap at the center of the back can also be made for the plumbing system.

As it is made of silicone, the edges of the mat won’t warp. But you can bend the edges to make lips for draining liquid. Before overflowing, this sink cabinet mat will hold about 1.5 gallons of liquid.

The mat surface is stain-resistant. And it won’t slip from side to side inside the cabinet, so everything will stay in place. The plain surface is very easy to clean. If you want a clean bathroom or kitchen, you should definitely invest in this sink cabinet protector.

Pros:

  • A combined construction of silicone and plastic
  • Better durability and flexibility than other mats
  • Comes in three color options
  • Edges can be trimmed to fit different cabinets
  • Suitable for bathroom and kitchen sink cabinets
  • More affordable than other mats

Cons:

  • Holding capacity could be better
  • White mat can catch stain faster

6. Rev-A-Shelf under sink base drip tray mat for 33-inch or 36-inch cabinets

Key features:

  • Material: Polystyrene
  • Dimensions: 34.5 x 23.25 inches
  • Maximum Holding Capacity: 0.44 gallons
  • Sidewall Height: 0.75 inches
  • Color: Almond, Silver

This waterproof under sink liner from Rev-A-Shelf keeps your kitchen and bathroom cabinets from spilling, leakage, and other issues.

The polystyrene build of this under sink protector is very robust. It has almost no flexibility, so you can’t bend the mat.

One benefit of this is the under sink liner won’t crack even after heavy use. And the glossy polystyrene used to make this under sink cabinet mat is waterproof. So, the mat will protect items from being wet inside the cabinet.

The versatile fit of this mat is very useful for homeowners as they can slide the mat into a wide variety of kitchen or bathroom cabinets. You can also trim the edges to alter the dimensions of the mat.

Though there are straight channels on the mat surface, the liquid holding capacity of this mat is too low. It can hold only 0.44 gallons of liquid. But cleaning the drip tray is very easy due to its simple texture.

Pros:

  • Rigid polystyrene build for better durability
  • Waterproof and stain-resistant
  • Fits differently sized cabinets
  • Comes in two stunning color options
  • Perfect non-slip base for extra protection
  • Doesn’t warp or crack over time

Cons:

  • Holding capacity is very low
  • Plastic can wear after heavy use

7. Kaze silicone under sink mat

Key features:

  • Material: Silicone
  • Dimensions: 31.25 x 22.25 inches
  • Maximum Holding Capacity: 2 gallons
  • Sidewall height: 1 inch
  • Color: Jade

This silicone under sink mat comes with sloped construction which will help you detect water leaks earlier.

Before damaging your cabinets with leaking water, the under sink liner will hold up to 2 gallons of liquid. It is made of high-quality silicone, so the sink cabinet mat is highly flexible and durable.

You can even fold the mat to place it into cabinets, and it won’t warp at the edges. The sidewall height is about 1 inch, which is good enough for holding the liquid for a long time.

You can easily bend the edges to drain excess liquid. Due to the slope of the mat, the liquid will always accumulate in the front of the mat.

There is a dedicated space for the sensor to be placed. But you need to buy the sensor separately.

The color of this under sink cabinet mat is not very common. You can bring a bit of variety to your bathroom or kitchen interior with this classy-looking mat.

Its textured surface is easy to clean, and the non-slip base will give waterproof protection to your cabinets under the sink.

Pros:

  • High-quality silicone build for better flexibility
  • Very durable, and the edges don’t warp
  • Mat surface is easy to clean
  • Highly resistant to stains and spilling
  • Sloped surface for early leakage detection
  • Spreads no VOCs in the air

Cons:

  • No trimmable options
  • Comes in only one color

8. Spear 34.25”x22” under sink mat for kitchen cabinet

Key features:

  • Material: Silicone
  • Dimensions: 34.25 x 22 inches
  • Maximum Holding Capacity: 2 gallons
  • Sidewall Height: 0.78 inches
  • Color: Beige, Gray, White

This under sink mat comes with a perfectly smooth surface for easy cleaning. The silicone build of this under sink protector is highly durable and waterproof.

This protector comes in three different colors. It will fit into 36-inch cabinets. The sidewall height of the under sink cabinet protector is a bit lower than the standard size. But it will hold more than 2 gallons of liquid.

It comes with a small silicone tray that you can use as a soap organizer or sponge holder on the sink. The tray can also be used to remove excess water from the mat.

As the under sink mat is completely smooth, you can easily wipe off excess liquid from the mat.

Both the under sink protective tray and the smaller tray are highly flexible and durable. White and Beige colors might be prone to stains, but the gray mat will show fewer stains than the others.

Pros:

  • Made of silicone with no toxic compounds
  • Both the trays are very flexible and durable
  • Smooth surface has versatile uses
  • Waterproof and stain-resistant
  • Fits large cabinets of 36 inches
  • Comes at an affordable price

Cons:

  • Sidewall height is a bit lower than the standard
  • Scratches can develop over time

9. Resilia premium 24 x 48 large universal size under sink cabinet mat

Key features:

  • Material: Polyvinyl Chloride
  • Dimensions: 48 x 24 inches
  • Maximum Holding Capacity: <0.5 gallons
  • Sidewall Height: 0 inch
  • Color: Beige, Black, White, Sandstone, Silver, Slate Gray

This shelf liner for under kitchen sink is a bit different from the mats we have seen before. It has no sidewall, so the holding capacity of this mat is the lowest. You will have a flat mat with a diamond pattern on the surface to make it look like a metal mat.

But the effectiveness of this plastic sink liner in keeping your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, drawers, etc., waterproof. It prevents water, dirt, or other spills from reaching the wood surface beneath the mat.

It has a length of 48 inches and a width of 24 inches. You’ll also get other size variations with a lot of color options. And the size is customizable according to your needs.

As there is no sidewall, you need to trim the under sink cabinet protector in a larger dimension than the cabinet. This way, the edges will warp a bit to create somewhat of a sidewall. The base of the shelf liner is slip-resistant, so your belongings will stay safe even if the mat is filled with liquid.

Pros:

  • PVC build with no toxic elements
  • Crisscross pattern on the surface to create lift
  • Slip and wear-resistant
  • Waterproof so keeps cabinets dry
  • Very easy to clean
  • Spreads no odor in the environment

Cons:

  • Liquid holding capacity is too low
  • No built-in sidewall

10. Sshzen premium under the sink shelf liner

Key features:

  • Material: Fabric
  • Dimensions: 36 x 24 inches
  • Maximum Holding Capacity: <0.5 gallons
  • Sidewall Height: 0 inches
  • Color: Dark Gray

I would like to finish with this fabric sink base protector from Sshzen. It is made of an absorbent fabric that will hold a moderate amount of liquid to keep your kitchen or bathroom cabinets from damage.

Unlike other plastic or silicone liners, it has no sidewall to trap the liquid. Instead, the fabric absorbs the leakage or spills to protect cabinet shelves. The base of this custom under sink mat is slip-resistant, so the mat will sit firmly in place.

Cleaning the mat is very easy. You can machine wash the mat and even rinse it. As the mat size is a bit unusual as for the under sink mat, you can also place it inside drawers to protect your belongings from being damp.

I love how inexpensive the mat is. You can buy four of these mats at the price of a plastic or a silicone mat. The sizes are customizable, so you can trim the edges of the mat to fit your cabinets.

Pros:

  • Fabric under sink liner is highly absorbent
  • Very easy to clean and machine washable
  • Comes in many different sizes
  • Trim options are available
  • Stain, spill, and wear-resistant
  • Very versatile

Cons:

  • Very low holding capacity
  • Less durable than plastic or silicone mats

The best under sink liner: Things to consider before buying an under sink mat for cabinets

To guide you through the selection process, here are the factors you need to consider.

Flexibility

Getting the under sink protector into the cabinet can be difficult, especially if the cabinet opening is too small. You need to fold the mat while placing it.

Silicone mats have the best flexibility of all materials out there. Plastic mats are also common, but they aren’t as flexible as silicone ones.

As a result, the edges of plastic mats may warp or crack over time. You should always go for a flexible under sink shelf liner that will be durable at the same time.

Texture

Some under sink mats have a plain surface, while others have different textures to create liquid flow channels.

Though mats with a textured surface will retain more liquid than plain ones, they are a bit difficult to clean.

So, this factor depends on your preference. If you like to clean the mats regularly, a plain mat will be better. But if you want the mat to retain more liquid, a textured mat will do the job.

Sidewall height

Plastic or silicone mats usually have a sidewall around the perimeter of the mat. It helps the mat to retain more liquid than usual.

These walls are mostly flexible so that you can bend them to create lips and drain the liquid easily. Most mats out there have a sidewall height of 1 inch. These mats retain the maximum amount of liquid.

Maximum holding capacity

This is one of the most crucial factors when choosing a basin under the sink mat. If you want the mat to retain the leaked water or spills for longer, the holding capacity should be greater.

Most of the mats we have discussed can hold 1.5-2 gallons of liquid before overflowing. But some mats are capable of holding more than 3 gallons of liquid.

A general rule here is the greater the holding capacity, the better the mat.

Liquid sensor

Some mats are compatible with overflow sensors. These sensors will warn you if the liquid reaches a certain level.

But most mats don’t come with the sensor. You need to buy them separately.

Having a mat with the sensor is helpful when you aren’t aware of the leakage or spills happening beneath the sink.

Customizability

Checking the dimension of the mat before buying is utterly important. If you want a mat to be firmly placed inside the cabinet, it should be of the exact size as the cabinet.

Measure the dimensions of the cabinet before choosing the mat. Some mats come with trimmable options. You can use a pair of scissors to trim the edges of the mat to make it fit into your desired cabinet.

Interior compatibility

To align the mat with the rest of your bathroom or kitchen interior, choose a color that blends with the surroundings. Contrasting colors might also add a bit of character to the interior.

Why are under the sink mats necessary?

Setting up an under sink cabinet mat is pretty common nowadays. Let’s see why these mats are the ultimate necessity.

  • Under sink mat protects your kitchen or bathroom cabinets from being wet or damp.
  • In the case of a leakage in the plumbing system, the under sink mat holds the excess liquid and protects the cabinet material from contaminants.
  • The accessories you place inside a cabinet can get damaged from the leakage. An under sink cabinet protector will keep your belongings safe.
  • Excess liquid from leakage or spill may turn the kitchen or bathroom into an unsafe place. These mats hold the liquid until you drain them and keep the area dry and safe.

Different materials for under sink mat

Under sink mat is made of different materials like silicone, plastic, rubber, etc. Each of these materials has slightly different characteristics from the others. Let’s focus on their variety and how they suit your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.

Silicone

It is arguably the most common material for under sink mat. Silicone mats are very flexible, so you can easily install them in any sized cabinet. These mats also have excellent waterproofing capability to keep your kitchen cabinets dry.

Plastic

Plastic under sink mat is also common out there. These mats are stiffer than silicone mats. But plastic mats are highly stain-resistant and will keep all the leakage and spills out of the boundary.

Under sink water protector made of plastic can wear over time. Bending these mats is a bit more difficult than silicone mats. So, you need to get the right-sized plastic mat to fit it properly inside your cabinets.

Rubber

Though rubber mats aren’t that common to protect under the sink, you can use rubber mats to prevent leaked liquid or spills from penetrating your cabinet surface.

Recommended reading: Best Sink Protector.

How to clean an under sink mat?

Keeping your under sink mat clean is crucial. Otherwise, it can catch stains and spread odor in the environment. Follow these simple steps to clean an under sink water protector properly.

Step 1: Take the mat out

The first step in cleaning is to take the mat out of the cabinet. Remove all the items in the storage and bring the mat out.

Step 2: Drain excess liquid

Any liquid collected on the mat should be removed at first. Bend the edge of the mat to make a lip and drain the excess liquid from the mat.

Step 3: Give the mat a rinse

You can lightly rinse the mat to get rid of any dirt or debris. But don’t squeeze the mat during the process.

Step 4: Brush the surface

Take a soft bristle brush and rub the surface of the mat. You can use a bit of dish soap to thoroughly clean the mat surface.

Step 5: Rinse again

After brushing the mat surface, rinse it again under running water to clean the mat properly. Make sure you clean the mat on both sides.

Step 6: Dry the mat and reinstall

Before placing the mat back into the cabinet, wipe off any excess water with a dry cloth. Then place the mat inside the cabinet and restore all the items you removed.

How to waterproof under a sink?

To waterproof under the sink, you need to follow these steps. With these steps, you can easily waterproof your sink cabinets without hiring a contractor.

  • First of all, seal the surroundings of the sink. You can use best caulk for kitchen sink to seal any possible leakage area. This will prevent liquid from penetrating your cabinets.
  • The sides of the cabinet should also be sealed. You can use the same caulk to seal around the cabinets. Make sure to seal the whole area so that no leakage can occur.
  • Reaching the corners of the cabinets is really tough. To seal these areas, you can use a polyurethane sealer. It will create a protective barrier to keep your kitchen or bathroom cabinets from being damp.
  • The same sealing process you have followed earlier should be applied to all pipe openings. If you make sure there is no leak in the plumbing system, the risk of your cabinets getting damaged will reduce drastically. Use a good sealer to seal all the pipe openings.
  • Even after all previous protective measures, leaks can appear, and wastewater can damage your cabinets. This is why you need to install an under sink mat inside your cabinets. A protective mat will hold a certain amount of liquid so that the cabinet surface remains dry.

FAQs

1. Can wallpaper be used as under sink mat?

Yes, you can use vinyl wallpapers as under sink mat. But we strongly recommend you don’t use wallpapers instead of silicone or plastic mats.

Wallpapers don’t have the holding capacity as the above-mentioned mats. They might protect the cabinet from small drips or spills. But a leakage can cause damage to the cabinet if a good mat isn’t installed.

2. How to cut a shelf liner properly?

Taking the right measurement of your kitchen or bathroom cabinet is the key to cutting a shelf liner for under kitchen sink properly.

Measure the dimensions of the cabinet first. Then, mark the mat with chalks or markers. Use a pair of scissors or a crafting blade to trim the edges of the mat.

3. How do I maximize the space under my sink?

Using a properly sized mat with a plain surface will allow you to have the most usable space under the sink.

Once you have sealed the cabinet and installed a good-quality mat, you can place your essentials inside the cabinet.

Kitchen accessories or non-abrasive utensils can also be placed under the sink. But don’t store sharp objects like knives inside the cabinet.

So, What’s the Best Under Sink Cabinet Mat?

Before drawing a conclusion, let me remind you once again that there is no alternative to placing a suitable sink liner. In my opinion, Xtreme under sink mat is the best under sink mat that outperforms all its competitors.

The water holding capacity of this mat is about 3.3 gallons. It is made of thermoplastic vulcanizate, which makes the mat highly durable. You can rely on this mat in terms of waterproofing.

The high side walls of this mat will retain liquid for longer. And if you fit a sensor in the mat, it will warn you before the cabinet gets damaged. The mat is very flexible, so there will be minimal wear even after heavy use.

You can choose from many different colors and sizes to fit your cabinet and interior. Give this under the sink mat a try if you don’t want a soggy kitchen cabinet.