Welcome back to The Neighborhood! In this edition we’re going to discuss overlooked areas of the kitchen that would benefit from the use of kitchen mats. So read on if you’re interested in placement ideas for your kitchen, and if you want to learn even more about kitchen mats, you can read a more in Kitchen Mats 101: The Stylish Sidekicks Your Kitchen Never Knew It Needed.
Don’t Underestimate the Versatility of Kitchen Mats
Kitchen mats are often overlooked, but they are essential in protecting your floors and adding a touch of comfort. Sure, most of us think to place a mat in front of the sink or maybe the stove, but there are some other key areas in your kitchen where a mat can work wonders. Whether it’s for safety, cleanliness, or just keeping your floors in tip-top shape, let’s dive into three unexpected places you should have a kitchen mat—but probably don’t.
1. Underneath the Refrigerator: The Forgotten Zone of Drips and Spills
When we think about kitchen mats, the refrigerator doesn’t usually make the list. But it should! From condensation to occasional spills, your refrigerator area is more prone to messes than you realize. Not to mention, if you have a built-in ice maker or water dispenser, you’ve likely dealt with drips, stray ice cubes, and general chaos. These constant little water droplets can do serious damage to your floors over time.
Placing a low-profile kitchen mat or rubber-backed kitchen mat in front of your fridge can help protect your floors from water damage. Not only will it catch stray drops, but it also adds a bit of cushioning for when you’re standing there deciding what snack to grab at 11 p.m.
Why It’s Important:
- Protects against water damage from condensation and drips.
- Prevents scratches from moving the refrigerator.
- Adds a pop of style to an often overlooked part of the kitchen.
2. Underneath the Trash Can: Catching Mess Before It Hits the Floor
The trash can area is often messy, whether you like it or not. Crumbs, sticky spills, and the occasional leaky trash bag are par for the course. But surprisingly, most people don’t think to protect the floor under their trash can. It’s time to change that.
Placing a washable kitchen mat or a decorative kitchen mat under the trash can is a simple way to keep this area clean. It’s especially helpful in preventing liquids from seeping into your flooring and protecting it from scratches when you move the trash can around. Plus, it adds a stylish touch to an area that tends to be more functional than fabulous.
Why It’s Important:
- Protects floors from spills and leaks caused by trash bags.
- Easy to clean—just throw it in the washer!
- Adds a decorative element to a less glamorous part of the kitchen.
3. In Front of the Dishwasher: Your First Line of Defense Against Sudsy Drips
Think about how often you load and unload the dishwasher. It’s a constant part of kitchen life, and yet the space in front of it is prone to water splashes and the occasional soap suds mishap. Over time, water exposure can do a number on your floors, leading to warping or stains, particularly if you have wood or laminate floors.
A non-slip kitchen mat placed in front of the dishwasher acts as a barrier between your floors and the inevitable water drips. Not only does it protect your floors, but it also gives you a cushioned surface to stand on while you’re going through the motions of kitchen clean-up.
Why It’s Important:
- Prevents water damage from leaks and splashes.
- Adds comfort while standing for long periods.
- Reduces the risk of slipping on wet floors.
4. In Front of the Ice Maker: The Drip Zone You Didn’t Know You Needed
Ice makers are wonderful—until you hear that familiar sound of an ice cube hitting the floor and then slowly melting into a slippery little puddle. Whether you have a standalone ice maker or one built into your fridge, there’s no denying that stray ice cubes and condensation can be a recipe for floor damage and slippery accidents.
A low-profile kitchen mat placed in front of the ice maker is an easy fix. Not only does it catch those rogue ice cubes, but it also helps absorb any condensation that might drip down when you’re filling up a glass. Bonus: it helps reduce the risk of any unfortunate slips when you’re walking barefoot for your ice-cold drink in the middle of summer.
Why It’s Important:
- Prevents water damage from melting ice and condensation.
- Adds traction and prevents slips.
- Keeps the area looking tidy and polished.
Conclusion: Don’t Overlook These Key Areas for Your Kitchen Mats
Kitchen mats do so much more than just provide comfort; they protect your floors from damage, prevent slips, and add a touch of style. While we often think to place them in front of the sink or stove, don’t forget about the refrigerator, trash can, dishwasher, and ice maker. These areas see just as much action, and they deserve a little extra love too. So, if you’ve been neglecting these zones, it’s time to grab a mat and start protecting your kitchen floors in style!
A Little Info to Let You Know…
We like to give you, the reader, a little info as to who we are. At Matterly, our history is deeply rooted in matting and floor coverings; like 6 decades deep. From where we sit as we type out this article, a quick walk through one set of doors leads out to a manufacturing plant floor where thousands of floor mats are made every day. We’re making rubber, we’re extruding fibers, we’re printing on textiles, and it’s all being done right here in America.
