Alternatives for Vinyl Under Kitchen Sinks

Food Wrap

• Using items that are already on hand in your kitchen is one option for the busy cleaner. Heavy duty aluminum foil, placed under your cabinet shiny side up helps protect the area from spills. It also reflects light, allowing you to see any small messes before they grow into bigger ones. Wax paper, plastic wrap and other sheets of this sort also create a barrier between wetness and your cabinet. Replace the sheets as soon as they get wet or dirty to ensure that moisture does not get trapped underneath them.

Plastic Bins

• Plastic bins do double duty under kitchen sinks. Buy ones that fit your cabinet's dimensions exactly so you have protection and extra space. When you buy new cleaners and sponges, move the older ones towards the front and slip the new ones in back. If you are the type of decorator that likes even her hidden elements to match, choose plastic bins in the color of your kitchen's decor. Another option would be to dress them up with decals. Use decorative labels to see what you have inside the bins at a glance.

Linoleum Tiles

• Linoleum tiles are a popular flooring material because they come in a wide variety of styles and they are a cheaper alternative to other types. Buy a box that complements the colors of your existing cabinets, countertops and floors to use exclusively underneath the kitchen sink. Cut them to size, adhere them to the bottom of the cabinet and replace them whenever they get scratched or damaged. Otherwise, simply wipe them clean on a regular basis to keep the area mold and germ free.

Decoupage

• Create your own custom mats for under your kitchen sink. This ensures that you have the exact size that you need, as well as the visual appearance that you want. Cut cardboard, cardstock or other heavy material to the dimensions that you need for the mats. Clip old advertisements, postcards, photograph copies or other decorative papers to create a collage. Glue these items in place on your mats using decoupage medium, which is found at any craft store. Seal them with the same decoupage medium or a couple coats of clear polyurethane. Even if you store nothing under your sink, anyone taking a peek will get an interesting surprise for how you keep things clean.