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Nerdy Science in the Kitchen

Best Shelf Liner for Pantry

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Keep your cupboard extra organized and safe with shelf liners.
Keep your cupboard extra organized and safe with shelf liners.

When moving into a new home, putting in new cabinetry, or simply trying to dress up your kitchen, you may want to seriously consider putting down shelf liner in order to prolong the life of your cabinets.

They’re incredibly useful for multiple reasons. Shelving liner can help improve the aesthetics of your cabinetry, protect them from any damage, and also hold all of your belongings – whether that be dishes, cookware, ingredients and food and more – safely in place. They may not be the first thing you think of when revamping your kitchen, but they’re certainly a worthy investment.

Compared to years past, shelf liners are available in a wider range of patterns, colors, textures, and materials. They have also become multi-purpose. With so much variety, choosing the right shelf liner can be tricky. But we’ve got you covered.

We reviewed dozens of shelf liners to come up with our recommendations as to the best shelf liner for the pantry. Hopefully, you’ll learn what features to look for based on your needs, and then narrow your choices according to your preferences. We’ve ranked the best shelf liners in different categories to help you with your task.

I like the Con-Tact liner from Amazon. It won’t directly stick to (or ruin) your shelves, but its non-slip surface will keep all your kitchen goods nice and secure.


Best Shelf Liner for Your PantryWhy We Like It
DII Non Adhesive Cut to Fit Machine Washable Shelf Liner Paper For Cabinets, Kitchen Shelves, Drawers, Set of 2, 12 x 10" - Aqua Dahlia1. DII Non Adhesive Cut to Fit best for pots and pans
DuraLux Black Shelf Liner (one 12" x 10' roll) | Drawer Liner | Non-Adhesive | Felt-Backed for Dual Use | Non-Slip | Durable & Waterproof | Home & Office2. DuraLux Black Shelf Liner tough smooth vinyl
Gorilla Grip Ribbed Top Drawer and Shelf Liner, Non Adhesive Roll, 12 Inch x 20 FT, Durable and Strong, Grip Liners for Drawers, Shelves, Kitchen Cabinets, Storage, Kitchens and Desks, Clear Ribbed3. Gorilla Grip Ribbed Top Drawer and Shelf Liner, Non Adhesive Roll well known brand, adhesive free, 19 colors
Smart Design Shelf Liner Adhesive - (18 Inch x 20 Feet) - Drawer Cabinet Paper - Kitchen [Metro Gray Lattice]4. Smart Design Shelf Liner Adhesive most stylish, wide variety of designs
Elodie Essentials Scented Drawer and Shelf Liners - Royal Damask Print - Six (6) Large 14 x 19½ Inch Sheets - Non-Adhesive Paper Sheets for Closet Shelves and Dresser Drawers (English Lavender)5. Elodie Essentials Scented Drawer and Shelf Liners lavender scent is not only pleasant, it’s an insect and rodent repellent
Con-Tact Brand Creative Covering Self-Adhesive Vinyl Drawer and Shelf Liner, 18" x 9', Virtu Mist6. Con-Tact Brand Creative Covering Self-Adhesive Vinyl Drawer and Shelf Liner comes in 17 different colors and patterns to make designing your pantry easy and fun
Self Adhesive Shelf Liner - 2 Pack - Lexington Dove Gray,18" H X 120"L/1.5ft X 10 ft each (APPROX 30 SQ FT)7. Self Adhesive Shelf Liner – 2 Pack self-adhesive, grid pattern for cutting
Duck Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner Select Grip EasyLiner, 12-Inch x 20 Feet, Grey Geo8. Duck Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner Select Grip EasyLiner, 12-Inch x 20 Feet breathable weave construction
Con-Tact Brand 08F-C8A46-04AZ Grip Prints Non-Adhesive, No Slip Counter, Drawer/Shelf Liner, 18" x 8', Beige Granite9. Con-Tact Brand 08F-C8A46-04AZ Grip Prints Non-Adhesive cushioned
Duck Select Grip Easy Liner Shelf Liner, Top Cabinet Multipack, 6-Rolls, Each 12" Width, 10' Length, Brownstone10. Duck Select Grip Easy Liner Shelf Liner, Top Cabinet Multipack, 6-Rolls best non-adhesive we tried
Quartet Cork Rolls, Strips, 24 x 48 inches, Corkboard, Bulletin Board, Natural, 1 Roll (103)11. Quartet Cork Rolls, Strips, 24 x 48 inches best cork type
Con-Tact Brand Cork Self-Adhesive Shelf and Drawer Liner for Crafters, 18" x 4', Natural, 6 Count12. Con-Tact Brand Cork Self-Adhesive Shelf and Drawer Liner for Crafters cork and self adhesive
Shelf Liners for Wire Shelf Liner Set of 4 - Graphite (18-Inch-by-48-Inch)13. Shelf Liners for Wire Shelf Liner Set of 4 best for wire shelving

Why Do I Need a Shelf Liner for My Pantry?

A shelf liner doesn’t just protect the shelves and drawers in your pantry, but also protect the items you place upon them. Liners can keep pretty much any kitchen items in place so they won’t bump against one another (causing scratches and damage to expensive dishware and tools) whenever you open or close drawers and cabinets.

With the many patterns and colors that liners now come in, these can be inexpensive and subtle means to update the look of your kitchen.

Best Shelf Liner: Pots and Pans

1. DII Non Adhesive Cut to Fit Machine Washable Shelf Liner Paper For Cabinets, Kitchen Shelves, Drawers, Set of 2, 12 x 10″

DII Non Adhesive Cut to Fit Machine Washable Shelf Liner Paper For Cabinets, Kitchen Shelves, Drawers, Set of 2, 12 x 10" - Aqua Dahlia

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These shelf liners are the best liners for your pots and pans shelves because they are machine-washable. Cut the liner to fit the shelf, put your pots and pans, remove and throw them in the washer.

These shelf liners come in 14 fun patterns and colors. What’s more, they are reversible. Use the side with the pattern to add color to your shelves or the other side with fun geometric patterns.

PROS:

  • Machine-washable
  • Cut to fit shelves
  • Non-adhesive making it easy to reposition

CONS:

  • Will slide around if not properly cut

Should You Get These?

This is a thicker option for a shelf liner. It is non-adhesive so you can easily put it on drawers and shelves. Its being machine-washable will make cleaning up easier. They will also be great in protecting your non-stick pans. Additionally, you can use these everywhere else in addition to the pantry–refrigerators, cabinets, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

2. DuraLux Black Shelf Liner (one 12″ x 10′ roll)

DuraLux Black Shelf Liner (one 12" x 10' roll) | Drawer Liner | Non-Adhesive | Felt-Backed for Dual Use | Non-Slip | Durable & Waterproof | Home & Office

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This shelf liner features a dual-sided design. One side is made of a tough smooth vinyl that’s perfect for lining your cabinets to hold kitchen pots and pans. The other side is composed of a non-fray felt material that is perfect for your more delicate glassware or china collection.

It has a precut front edge to give it the perfect and professional look. But you can easily cut it to fit any size. I like that it naturally lays flat so you won’t see any wrinkling when installed. You also won’t have to use extra adhesive with this brand.

PROS:

  • Dual-sided design
  • Waterproof
  • Easy installation

CONS:

  • A bit pricey

Should You Get These?

This liner may cost you more than some other shelf liners, but you’ll find plenty of uses for it. It has an elegant appearance and a unique dual-sided design. The vinyl side has waterproof backing so it can be cleaned easily. It is the perfect choice for heavy-duty uses in the kitchen.

3. Gorilla Grip Ribbed Top Drawer and Shelf Liner, Non Adhesive Roll, 12 Inch x 20 FT

Gorilla Grip Ribbed Top Drawer and Shelf Liner, Non Adhesive Roll, 12 Inch x 20 FT, Durable and Strong, Grip Liners for Drawers, Shelves, Kitchen Cabinets, Storage, Kitchens and Desks, Clear Ribbed

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Here is an adhesive-free shelf liner that has an excellent grip. It will keep your cookware and dinnerware locked in place, no matter how high they’re stacked.

Its open-weave construction will prevent slipping and bunching. But this is not the only amazing about it: it also prevents dirt and debris from accumulating on its surface to keep your pantry shelves nice and tidy.

The Gorilla Grip original drawer and shelf liners come in 19 colors and patterns. They also come precut in popular sizes, or you can trim them to custom fit your drawers and shelves.

PROS:

  • Excellent grip
  • Prevent items from shifting and slipping
  • Prevents dirt and debris from accumulating

CONS:

  • Limited precut sizes

Should You Get These?

This liner is one of the better choices on the market. It’s versatile in that it protects both your cabinets and the belongings that you store in them. Aside from the kitchen, it’s also perfect for laundry rooms and other workspaces. It’s a great help in organizing and beautifying your home.

Best Decorative Shelf Liner

4. Smart Design Shelf Liner Adhesive – (18 Inch x 20 Feet) – Drawer Cabinet Paper – Kitchen

Smart Design Shelf Liner Adhesive - (18 Inch x 20 Feet) - Drawer Cabinet Paper - Kitchen [Metro Gray Lattice]

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If we are to base choosing the best shelf liner on aesthetics alone, this will be the runaway winner. It has a wide variety of colors, sizes, and designs that would match any kitchen design. It’s also easy to cut and install.

This shelf liner has other selling points aside from looking beautiful. It has a cushioned bottom with a plastic layer on top. It has an amazing bonded grip to prevent slipping and sliding of your items. It is also slip-resistant.

PROS:

  • Comes in a wide range of colors and designs
  • Easy cutting and installation
  • Amazing grip technology prevents slipping of items

CONS:

  • May not adhere very well on some surfaces

Should You Get These?

If you’re looking for a decorative adhesive shelf liner, this will be your best bet. It can be used in kitchen shelves, drawers, cabinets, and even countertops. Its plastic layer top can protect and extend the life of your drawers and shelves.

5. Elodie Essentials Scented Drawer and Shelf Liners – Royal Damask Print – Six (6) Large 14 x 19½ Inch Sheets – Non-Adhesive Paper Sheets for Closet Shelves and Dresser Drawers (English Lavender)

Elodie Essentials Scented Drawer and Shelf Liners - Royal Damask Print - Six (6) Large 14 x 19½ Inch Sheets - Non-Adhesive Paper Sheets for Closet Shelves and Dresser Drawers (English Lavender)

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These shelf liners are infused with five different scents – English Lavender, French, fresh linen, rose, and sandalwood. The scents slowly diffuse when exposed to the air. The liners are also insect repellant that makes them more suitable for linen drawers and closets.

One box contains six non-adhesive paper sheets that you can easily cut to the desired size. The shelf liners have soft padding that will help in controlling the objects placed on them from sliding. Since it not adhesive, it can easily be repositioned.

PROS:

  • Infused with different scents
  • Easy to cut, install, and reposition
  • Padding reduces sliding and slipping of objects

CONS:

  • Need to flatten them before using

Should You Get These?

If you are looking for shelf liners to use on kitchen drawers and shelves, these might not be the ones to buy. They are more ideal to be used as shelf liners in your linen drawers, closets, or even musty cabinets.

They also come in relaxing and calming scents that are more appropriate in the bedroom than in the kitchen.

6. Con-Tact Brand Creative Covering Self-Adhesive Vinyl Drawer and Shelf Liner, 18″ x 9′, Virtu Mist

Con-Tact Brand Creative Covering Self-Adhesive Vinyl Drawer and Shelf Liner, 18" x 9', Virtu Mist

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For those who want fashion-forward designs to brighten their kitchen, you may be happy with these shelf liners from Con-Tact. They come in sophisticated colors and patterns that you can mix and match to your liking.

They are also easy to install. The backing paper has a measure-to-cut grid for easy application. Then, simply peel the backing and smooth a liner onto the surface. It will not slip or slide as long as you clean and dry the surface before putting it on.

A durable adhesive comes with the liners so you don’t have to worry about repositioning the liners if you need to. When you need to replace the shelf liner, it can be removed cleanly and does not leave a messy residue.

The liners are waterproof so you don’t need to worry about water seeping through and damaging your drawers and cabinets. Simply wipe to dry any moisture.

PROS:

  • Comes in sophisticated patterns and colors
  • Easy to install with its measure-to-cut grid
  • Waterproof

CONS:

  • Backing paper may sometimes be difficult to peel off

Should You Get These?

It comes from an industry leader like Con-Tact so expect a high-quality shelf liner. Plus, the colors and patterns are so beautiful to look at. Aside from lining drawers, cupboards, or closets, they can be used for craft projects. Stuff like covering a lampshade, resurfacing a table, or updating the finish of a frame.

7. Self Adhesive Shelf Liner – 2 Pack – Lexington Dove Gray,18″ H X 120″L/1.5ft X 10 ft each (APPROX 30 SQ FT)

Self Adhesive Shelf Liner - 2 Pack - Lexington Dove Gray,18" H X 120"L/1.5ft X 10 ft each (APPROX 30 SQ FT)

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These shelf liners are very attractive and easy to work with. Each liner has a grid pattern at the back that you can follow to cut it to your preferred size.

The adhesive at the back is not so sticky so you can easily reposition the liner if you make a mistake the first time. It won’t peel any paint off in the process. It also can stick well to most surfaces.

PROS:

  • Attractive design and color
  • Grid pattern at the back can be used as a guide in cutting
  • Can be repositioned easily

CONS:

  • A bit thin

Should You Get These?

There is plenty of it on the roll and it is obvious in how it is actually bigger than most shelf liners. It looks great, easy to apply on different surfaces so you’re probably getting your money’s worth on this one.

Best Shelf Liner: Fragile Kitchenware

8. Duck Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner Select Grip EasyLiner, 12-inch x 20 Feet

Duck Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner Select Grip EasyLiner, 12-Inch x 20 Feet, Grey Geo

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This non-adhesive shelf liner features a grip bottom and top to prevent itself and the objects you place on it in place. It is ideal to use with delicate kitchenware that could break from the impact of shifting together.

Its weave construction allows air to circulate. Plus, it provides cushion and protection. The grip is made from food-safe and PVC-free materials.

You can cut, install, and reposition it without hassle. It is also easy to remove once you want to replace it. It is washable for a quick and easy clean-up. Simply wash in cold water and lay flat to dry.

PROS:

  • Non-adhesive grip top and bottom prevent shifting and sliding
  • Weave construction allows it to breath
  • Easy to cut, install, and reposition

CONS:

  • It can wrinkle since it is non-adhesive and lightweight

Should You Get These?

Yes since aside from the kitchen, you can also use these shelf liners in medicine cabinets and vanity drawers. They keep medicines, cosmetics, and other beauty items from sliding every time you open the cabinets or drawers. Did you know you can open jars that are difficult to open with this grip?

9. Con-Tact Brand 08F-C8A46-04AZ Grip Prints Non-Adhesive, No Slip Counter, Drawer/Shelf Liner, 18″ x 8′

Con-Tact Brand 08F-C8A46-04AZ Grip Prints Non-Adhesive, No Slip Counter, Drawer/Shelf Liner, 18" x 8', Beige Granite

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This non-adhesive shelf liner provides the ultimate cushioned protection and is specifically designed to have a non-slip feature. It keeps your kitchen utensils, dishware, and even your fragile kitchenware to stay in place inside your shelves and drawers.

It has a durable print at the top and a non-stick, slip-resistant grip backing. It provides the perfect balance between style and functionality. The top is washable and stain-resistant.

It takes very effort, if any, to cut and install. You simply have to position the liner where you want it and cut off the excess.

PROS:

  • Provides ultimate cushioned protection
  • Non-slip
  • Washable and stain-resistant

CONS:

  • No guide for cutting is printed at the back

Should You Get These?

If you want to protect your more fragile kitchenware inside drawers or shelves, get this liner. They will keep your items safely in place. At the same time, it will make your drawers and shelves look good too.

Best Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner

10. Duck Select Grip Easy Liner Shelf Liner, Top Cabinet Multipack, 6-Rolls, Each 12″ Width, 10′ Length, Brownstone

Duck Select Grip Easy Liner Shelf Liner, Top Cabinet Multipack, 6-Rolls, Each 12" Width, 10' Length, Brownstone

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This comes in a pack of six non-adhesive shelf liners. In total, you will have 60 feet of the product that is enough for a whole room. They are 12 inches wide which is the standard for top cabinets and small drawers. This means you just have to cut once for how long you need the liners to be.

These liners are thicker and so they do a better job in providing cushioning for both the items and surfaces. It also prevents the items from slipping when they are on the shelf.

PROS:

  • Comes in 6 rolls that is equivalent to 60 feet
  • Thick and provides more cushion
  • Machine washable

CONS:

  • May bunch when not cut close to the dimensions of drawers

Should You Get These?

I like that it immediately lay flat easily even coming from a roll. It is easy to cut to size. It is thick but not too thick that the items on it will be difficult to lay flat too. You will be getting six rolls so I think it’s a good buy.

Best Cork Shelf Liner

11. Quartet Cork Rolls, Strips, 24 x 48 inches, Corkboard, Bulletin Board, Natural, 1 Roll (103)

Quartet Cork Rolls, Strips, 24 x 48 inches, Corkboard, Bulletin Board, Natural, 1 Roll (103)

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This cork shelf liner is great for lining drawers and shelves. Made from quality natural cork materials, it is durable and absorbent. Amazingly, it is capable of absorbing sound so it can be used as a sound insulator among its many uses.

This cork roll can easily be cut into any size or shape to fit your individual needs. If you wish to use it for decoration, you can simply stick it to a wall and use tacks to put up whatever you want. The cork is self-healing so you won’t have to worry about unsightly pinholes.

PROS:

  • Durable and absorbent
  • Can easily be cut into any size or shape
  • Self-healing so it won’t retain unsightly pin holes

CONS:

  • You may find it a bit thin

Should You Get These?

It may be thin but it will hold up well with daily use. If you use it to line a drawer, the items will not slide around when it is opened and closed. If you don’t want to use a shelf liner with adhesive backing, this will be a good alternative.

12. Con-Tact Brand Cork Self-Adhesive Shelf and Drawer Liner for Crafters, 18″ x 4′, Natural, 6 Count

Con-Tact Brand Cork Self-Adhesive Shelf and Drawer Liner for Crafters, 18" x 4', Natural, 6 Count

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Another cork shelf liner that aside from working best in shelves, drawers, or cabinets, can be used in a lot of different ways. You will be amazed at how it offers solutions to everyday problems and DIY projects.

You can use the Con-Tact self-adhesive cork liner for science projects, photo boards, and even as doormats. You can cut them into size to use as coasters, prevent chairs from scratching your expensive floorings, or as your own message center. The possibilities are truly endless.

For everything that you can do with it, this shelf liner comes at a very affordable price. It is very durable and can last a lifetime.

PROS:

  • Multi-functional
  • Easy to cut and work with
  • Affordable

CONS:

  • Doesn’t have a great hold on things to keep them from sliding in drawers

Should You Get These?

If you get this to use as a drawer and shelf liner but it doesn’t work that great for you, there can still be a lot of great uses for it. It wouldn’t be a total waste of money since you can find a better use for it.

Best Shelf Liner for Wire Shelving

13. Shelf Liners for Wire Shelf Liner Set of 4 – Graphite (18-Inch-by-48-Inch)

Shelf Liners for Wire Shelf Liner Set of 4 - Graphite (18-Inch-by-48-Inch)

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Wire shelving has become popular because they are more economical, durable, and versatile. But, small items can slip through the open spaces between the wires. A shelf liner like this one is needed to avoid the problem.

The great thing about this shelf liner is it is designed to fit perfectly around the poles. It is stiff so you can stow just about anything on its smooth surface. It is waterproof so it is easy to wipe clean.

Although it is made from heavy-duty polypropylene, it can still be cut to fit on any surface you want it. The material is thick enough to make small items stand upright.

PROS:

  • Specifically made for wire shelving
  • Tailored to fit around the shelf poles
  • Made from heavy-duty material

CONS:

  • Needs some time to flatten out

Should You Get These?

If you have wire shelving, this is almost like a prerequisite to have. That is unless all you need to put on the shelf are boxes or things with flat and wide bottoms which is unlikely. You will get a lot more use out of your wide shelving if you have this liner as accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reposition the shelf liner?

Most of these liners can be repositioned.

The adhesive liners are going to be more difficult to reposition, so it’s best to attempt to get it exact on the first try and make sure it is the design you want in the spot you want it. The best way to do this is to cut it out and place it without peeling off the layer over the adhesive side. If it looks right, go ahead and peel off the adhesive and stick it in place.

With the Sterling Shelf Liners, it’s not really possible to reposition them. They are precut to fit your metal shelves and should fit right in place to do their job. You shouldn’t have to reposition them, but since they just slide onto the shelf, I’m sure you could remove them at any time.

The others are non-adhesive sheets and easy to move if you need to.

Do shelf liners come in multiple design options?

Some of these do come with multiple design options.

The Sterling only come in one shade each, unfortunately.

The Con-Tact, DII, Smart Design, and Duck brands all come in multiple design options. This makes it easy to find a liner to go with your kitchen theme or add a surprise splash of color. The colors and designs they come in may be the deciding factor in which liner you select, so make sure to check all your options.

Will shelf liners provide a cushion for my shelves?

The Con-tact, Duck Brand, and the DII Liners boast about their cushioning ability. They each are designed to cushion and protect your shelves and whatever you put on the shelves.

The other liners, not so much.

The Smart Design and Elodie liners are both made of paper, there is only so much that can do to cushion your shelves and dishes. The Sterling liners are made of a hard plastic, meant to add stability, not cushion, to your selves.

If you want to add some cushion to your wire shelving, then get the Sterling liners and one of the three that add cushion. Simply layer one over the other to achieve your desired result! I’m assuming the cushioning liner atop the Sterling, but if you want some cushion between the sterling cover and the wire shelf, it would work that way too.

How well do shelf liners stay in place?

The Sterling liners are cut and designed to fit on the shelves. It stays in place pretty well.

There are some reviews on the non-adhesive covers saying that they each tend to slip and slide a bit. Some fixes for this include nailing it down in the corners of the drawers, which seems a bit extreme to me, or simply dealing with it and fixing it when it slides a bit. The reviews do say the best way to avoid this is to get them as close to possible to the exact dimension of the shelves.

There have been mixed reviews about the Elodie Lavender Scented liner not sticking as advertised, and the same is true with the DAZZ liner. The best way to ensure they stick is to make sure the surface is clean and dry before placing the adhesive.

Can a shelf liner be used as a countertop cover?

The Sterling is really only meant for wire shelves and probably wouldn’t make a good cover for countertops.

The adhesive options wouldn’t work for a countertop since, once you stick them to the counter, you are stuck with them, and so is the next person who owns the house. It can be a pain to remove these liners and difficult to get them right on the first try. In a pantry or a shelf, it is okay if it’s a little crooked, on the counter, on display for everyone, not so much.

The non-adhesive liners would be the best option for this, as you can shift them if they are not lined up and move them if you don’t like them or tire of them.

Wrap – Up

Not everybody likes to use shelf liners in their pantry or cabinets, but they are certainly an investment worth making. They make the area look much nicer, and they keep your shelves in better shape than they would be in otherwise. They also keep all of your kitchenware safe and organized. If you consider how much of a simple investment kitchen shelf liners can be to your kitchen cabinetry, it’s a no-brainer to grab some today.

My favorites are the DII Non-Adhesive Shelf Liners (Amazon) and Duck Brand Easy Liner Non-Adhesive Shelf Liners (Amazon). They’re both non-adhesive (which can be damaging and hard to maneuver) but give you enough grip and control to get a hold on your shelving. Give them a shot and get your kitchen shelves in order.

Additional Resources:

Kitchen Professor author
About the Author: David McLemore

David learned to cook at an early age after his mother told him that he couldn't live on pizza forever, Dave uses his modest kitchen skills to recreate sorely-missed recipes from home and to occasionally make new favorite ones from places he is visiting.

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