If you’re a new homeowner, there’s a good chance that you’ve wondered, “what can I put under my kitchen sink to protect my cabinets?”
Fortunately, there are a lot of ways you can protect kitchen cabinets, from sealing your sink to waterproofing your current cabinets.
No matter what your budget is, there’s an option available for you.
You can put a water-resistant mat under your sink to protect your cabinets. This mat includes a felt fabric layer on the top to absorb the liquids or stains and can effectively prevent liquid from spilling out or seeping into the cabinets. So, it protects the cabinets from getting damaged and thus keep them dry and clean.
If you use the mat in conjunction with our other tips, like sealing your sink or waterproofing cabinets, then it can give great results.
Ignoring water damage is not an option, as it could lead to costly repairs further down the road.
However, if you’re proactive, you have a greater chance of preserving your cabinets for the long run.
So take these simple steps and start protecting your cabinets today.
Table of Contents
1. By Waterproofing Your Existing Cabinets
Waterproofing your existing cabinets can prolong their lifespan. It can also stave off problems like rot and warping.
The first thing that you should do is clean your cabinets from top to bottom. You can use whatever cleaner you’d like; just be sure to do as thoroughly of a job as possible.
After your cabinets are empty and clean, let them thoroughly dry.
Waterproofing your cabinets is a good weekend project because you should wait at least 12 hours between cleaning your cabinets and waterproofing them.
Apply your sealant to the inside of your cabinets first, then work your way out. Make sure that you cover every inch of the cabinets, including door hinges and other hard-to-reach areas.
When it comes to sealant, more is always better. Go over areas that get a lot of water exposure and wear and tear twice.
If you have enough sealant, you can always go over your whole cupboard twice. Make sure that you let the sealant fully dry for at least a day before stocking your cupboard again.
2. By Sealing Your Sink
Leaky sinks can cause problems that extend far beyond the lifespan of your cabinets.
So if you have a faulty sink, it’s a good idea to get it fixed as soon as possible. Fortunately, this is easy enough to do with some materials from the hardware store.
Use a putty knife to remove the old caulk or sealant from the edges of your sink. Make sure that you get all of the old sealants before applying a fresh batch.
Once you’ve done this, it’s time to clean up your sink area. Wipe down the exterior of the sink, then clean it thoroughly with the cleanser of your choosing. Let it fully dry.
Now, it’s time to apply a new silicone sealant.
Try to put it on in an even layer all around the base of your sink. Once that’s finished, you can spread the sealant using either your finger or a putty knife.
Clean up the edges and let them fully dry before turning on your sink again.
3. By Putting Water-Resistant Mats
Putting a water-resistant mat under your sink can certainly help protect your cabinets.
It’s a good idea to use the mat in conjunction with our other tips, like sealing your sink or waterproofing cabinets.
In addition, water-resistant mats tend to be cheaper, and you can cut them to fit your specific cabinet size.
Although they are going under your sink and will not likely be visible in the kitchen, you can even get them in different colors. The mat protects the top of the cabinet, and you can stack items on it so you don’t lose any storage.
Water-resistant mats are the easiest way to protect your cabinets. However, if you are not so handy and need a quick fix, they’re an excellent option.
FAQs
These common FAQs will help you extend the lifespan of your sink, cabinets, and even your kitchen in general.
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How Important Is It To Keep An Eye On Your Pipes?
Leaky pipes can wreak havoc in your kitchen. Sometimes, pipes develop leaks over a long period.
Alternately, they can explode, causing you considerable headaches in terms of time and money. Fortunately, there’s a way to offset both of these things by being proactive with your piping.
Replace your plumbing regularly. You can do this yourself or hire a plumbing service. Realistically, the minute that you suspect there could be a problem, you should look into fixing at least a portion of your piping.
Exploding pipes can damage cabinets, floors, and even foundations, so make sure you take it seriously. -
How Can I Waterproof Other Parts Of My Kitchen?
In addition to waterproofing your cabinets, you can refinish your floors with polyurethane. Polyurethane works well on both countertops and wood floors. Simply follow the exact instructions as you would with your cabinets.
Wash your floors thoroughly, paying attention to any cracks or neglected spaces. Make sure that all the grit is gone, and let them completely dry before applying the polyurethane.
Although it’s challenging to stay out of the kitchen for several hours, it’s essential to make sure that the floors are fully dry. Otherwise, you’ll just need to reapply. -
Does Rubber Coating Actually Work?
The rubber coating is a simpler, quicker alternative to applying a regular sealant to your shelves. It comes in a spray can, and it’s easier to apply a thin coating without missing any spots.
Follow the same instructions for cleaning that you would for traditional sealant, and allow it ample time to dry.
Although you can use rubber coating on floors, it’s best used for countertops and cabinets. -
Are Shelf Liners Worth It?
Waterproof shelf liners are a great way to keep mildew and water damage out of your drawers. You can pick them up from almost any store and cut them to fit perfectly in the drawer of your choice.
In addition, some shelf liners are made out of decorative paper so that you can customize and match them to your home’s decor.
Shelf liners are a simple, easy way to protect your drawers. They’re also inexpensive and require virtually no technical expertise.
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- Do Kitchen Cabinets Need Crown Molding?
- How To Cut Down Kitchen Cabinets?
Conclusion
The best and the cheapest way to protect your cabinets from getting damaged is to put a water-resistant mat under your kitchen sink. They are great in preventing any liquids or stains that can penetrate into the cabinets and thus, keep them dry and clean.
Protecting your cabinets from water damage is one of the best ways for you to preserve the structural integrity of your home.
It’s also a fantastic way to keep unwanted elements, like mold, from damaging your cabinets and sink.
