A sink protector is a handy accessory usually installed inside the sink’s bottom surface to protect it from unnecessary scratches from sharp utensils. However, some homeowners prefer using a sink grid as an alternative to the sink mat because it is more practical and resilient.

Sink mats, unfortunately, can curl upwards over time or if neglected. You might notice the edges of your newly purchased sink mat curling up after removing it from its pack. This is probably because of how it was packaged. Remember that most plastic and silicone sink mats come rolled up tight in a packaging box for easy shipping. Hence, the folded corners.

So, do not worry anymore if you have a sink mat that won’t lay flat because this guide looks at how to make a flat sink flat using the most effective method at home.

You can apply a few simple techniques to flatten a sink mat.

Is a sink mat necessary?

Yes. A sink mat is necessary to protect your kitchen sink from scratches or extend your sink’s service time.

Most stainless steel, porcelain, granite, fireclay, and composite sinks are prone to scratches from sharp utensils. Therefore, installing a precisely fitting sink mat should improve the sink’s surface protection.

Today, sink mats are available in several durable materials and designs. Nevertheless, these materials have their advantages and disadvantages.

Here are two of the most common materials in the market today.

PVC sink mat:

A PVC sink mat is a cheaper alternative if you are on a budget. This particular accessory is also easy to maintain and fits precisely inside the sink. You can wash away grease from the sink mat with warm or hot water.

Unfortunately, PVC has a few physical weaknesses, like melting if exposed to excess heat and cracking after a while of no use. A PVC sink mat will not last as long as you want.

Silicone sink mat:

Silicone sink mats are modern accessories you should consider for your kitchen sink. Note that silicone is a durable alternative compared to plastic. Moreover, cleaning a silicone sink mat is much easier than cleaning other materials.

Silicone is also among the most sort-after sink mat material on the market today.

Here are three simple steps to install a sink mat correctly

1. Make sure to clean the bottom of the sink with a dry cloth
2. Measure the bottom of the sink and ensure to pick a precisely fitting mat
3. Carefully place the sink mat allowing enough space for the drain hole

How to Make a Sink Mat Lay Flat

There are several techniques you can use to flatten a sink mat. Nonetheless, you must consider the most efficient method that guarantees satisfactory results.

Here are five simple ways to make a sink mat lay flat.

1. Fight Curl with curl

You must first try rolling the mat on the opposite side.
  • Unroll the sink mat and flip it to the other side
  • Slowly roll it in the opposite direction
  • Tightly hold the mat with a rubber band and leave it for a few hours
  • Unroll the mat and check if it is straight
  • Repeat the process in case the sink mat is still uneven
Try option 2 below if this recoil technique does not work effectively.

2. Place the mat under direct sunlight for a few hours

Sunlight is a natural source of heat easily absorbed by plastic and rubber. So, you need to place your PVC or silicone sink mat under direct sunlight for approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on the amount of impairment.

Remember to lay the mat on a flat surface to help it absorb more natural heat from the sun.

Placing a sink mat under direct sunlight will soften its form before lifting heavy weights.

3. Place heavy objects to weigh down the mat

Putting heavyweights like books or flat boards on top of the softened sink mat will keep the sink mat level.

This process should take as much time as possible, depending on the amount of impairment. The more the impairment, the more time you need to leave the weights on top.

Repeat this process if you notice the corners of the sink mat are still curled out. You can leave the weights overnight and check the outcome the next day.

4. Tape the edges

Taping the four edges with duct tape or a similar tool should guarantee effective results.
  1. Place the sink mat on a dry flat surface like the floor or tabletop. You can either place it upwards or upside down, depending on how much the carpet is curled.
  2. Cut four pieces of the duct tape up to the recommended length (you can cut approximately 6cm long)
  3. Stick each tape along the four corners against the floor or table
  4. Leave the sink mat overnight and carefully remove the tape the following day
  5. Repeat the entire process if the edges do not lay flat

5. Install not-slip gripper pads

You can install a non-slip gripper pad or an underlay if the heavy objects do not take the curl out of a sink mat.

Although underlays are designed for flooring material, they can still work perfectly on sink mats.

Expert Tips:
  1. Never use a heat gun or a hairdryer to try and make a sink mat lay flat because they might cause permanent damage to it.
  2. Repeat methods 2 and 3 above until you achieve successful results

Conclusion

Making a sink mat flat can be challenging without the correct guide. Placing a sink mart under direct sunlight is among the most effective method of working for homeowners. However, unrolling the mat on the opposite side and setting heavy objects along the edges guarantee effective outcomes.

The above guide has looked at how to make a sink mat lay flat using natural techniques. You do not need to purchase expensive commercial products anymore. Try any of the discussed methods today to give your sink mat a new, improved look.