This may seem like a no-brainer, but I know personally, I've used my kitchen counter or table for something it wasn't made for . . . only to regret it later due to a scratch or impenetrable stain. I thought my daughter was going overboard every time she grabbed a paper towel, but it's been a game-changer. Adding a protective layer between the item and whatever surface I'm using is an easy way to keep things a little cleaner.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Levi Mandel