"I switched it out for a breathable mesh liner—basically just cut-to-size shelf liner material—and the difference was noticeable almost immediately."
Totally agree with this. I went through something similar when we replaced our sink last year. Thought silicone mats were the smart choice because they're waterproof and easy to clean, right? But after a month or so, I noticed the same dampness and discoloration issue you mentioned. It was pretty frustrating because I thought I'd done my research.
Ended up ditching the silicone mat and going with a simple roll of breathable shelf liner from the dollar store. Honestly, I was skeptical at first—seemed too cheap and flimsy—but it worked surprisingly well. The airflow underneath really does make a huge difference. No more weird smells or moisture buildup, and it's easy enough to replace whenever it gets dirty or worn out.
One thing I'd add though: if you're worried about leaks or spills, maybe consider placing a small plastic tray or shallow pan under the pipes themselves. That way, if there's ever a drip or leak, it catches the water without trapping moisture against the cabinet floor. I did this after a minor plumbing mishap (long story...) and it's saved me from potential water damage more than once.
Also, if you're still leaning towards silicone mats for whatever reason, maybe try cutting some small ventilation holes in them? Haven't tried it myself, but seems like it could help with airflow and moisture issues. Has anyone experimented with that? Curious if it'd actually work or just defeat the purpose of having a waterproof mat in the first place.
Anyway, just thought I'd share my experience since it sounds like we're all dealing with similar headaches here. Good luck!
Yeah, silicone mats always seemed like a good idea to me too, until I ran into the same moisture issues. Mesh liners definitely breathe better. Glad you found something that works—sink setups can be surprisingly tricky to get right.
I've run into similar moisture problems too, and found that adding a little airflow underneath helps a lot. If you haven't tried yet, maybe prop up the mesh liner slightly with some small spacers...makes drying out way quicker.
Good tip on the spacers—I did something similar but ended up using those little rubber furniture pads instead. Worked pretty well, plus they're cheap and easy to find lying around the house. Honestly though, moisture under sinks seems like one of those universal homeowner headaches...no matter how fancy your sink is, water always finds a way to cause trouble. Guess it's just part of the luxury kitchen experience, right?
"Honestly though, moisture under sinks seems like one of those universal homeowner headaches..."
Definitely agree with this. Have you checked if your cabinet ventilation might be contributing to the moisture buildup? I noticed that adding a couple of small vent holes in the back or side panels can really help airflow and reduce dampness. It doesn't solve everything, but it made a noticeable difference for me. Might be worth giving it a shot if you're still having trouble.
