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Don’t let spills and splatters ruin your floors and furniture.

Professional painters wouldn’t even consider tackling a job without covering all of the surfaces that could potentially be spilled on or splattered—because, unfortunately, those messes are pretty much inevitable. While drop cloths are standard tools for painters, it's a good idea for home tinkerers and crafters to have them on hand, too. Drop cloths, in their simplest forms, are pieces of material that can be used anywhere to protect surfaces from mess. They come in multiple colors and materials: paper works best for dry messes, tarps work better for big oily messes, and canvas or plastic ones will do for most minor dry or liquid messes either inside or outside. Before you shop, check out our recommendations for the best drop cloths on the market today.

Drop cloths may seem like a purchase you don't have to put much consideration into, but they come in so many shapes and sizes that there’s a lot to think about before clicking “buy.”

Drop cloths range considerably in size; in addition to traditional square or rectangular shapes, they sometimes also come in long strips or rolls that you can cut to size yourself. Make sure you know how much space you’re covering before making a purchase.

Drop cloths can be made from light or heavy-duty plastic, canvas, and other fabrics. Think about how many times you’ll want to use your drop cloth, and whether you want it to be washable and/or waterproof.

Some drop cloths were engineered to be used outside, while others work best inside. Some can be used anywhere. Make sure that you're purchasing the proper model for your specific project.

We thought about all of the different uses people might have for drop cloths, and which sizes and materials would work best for specific types of painting or DIY jobs. We also consulted home renovation and painting experts, and reviewed hundreds of user ratings to determine the best drop cloths on the market.

This water-resistant, durable canvas drop cloth works wonders for both indoor and outdoor projects. While it works for practically any DIY project, its heavy-duty nature makes it an obvious choice if you’re painting or staining furniture, and it can be machine-washed and put in the dryer without its quality being affected. The reinforced, double-stitched hems mean it will serve you well for years to come, and can be used endlessly.

The cloth comes in 10 sizes, meaning you can find at least one that will suit the job you have in mind, and it comes with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

If you want a heavy-duty canvas drop cloth that's durable, water-resistant, and eco-friendly, look no further. This one is made from regenerated cotton fiber and pre-consumer waste, and it's reusable, recyclable, unbleached, and dye-free.

It’s also leak- and tear-proof, super absorbent, and extra reinforced, with seams and edges that are double-stitched and hemmed on two sides to prevent fraying. The rot-resistant tarp works well inside and outside, protecting floors, patios, carpets, and furniture from stains and splatters when work at home is afoot, and it's available in multiple sizes.

Reviewers say these “excellent” drop cloths also work well as floors on camping trips.

If you're doing a household project and need to cover delicate furniture or textiles, this clingy vinyl cloth is a wonderful asset to have around. It drapes well, but also adheres easily to surfaces, which makes it that much harder for spills and splatters to worm their way into cracks.

This cloth will stay put on pretty much any surface, protecting wood, vinyl, tile, carpet, cabinets, and furniture. It's also lightweight, reusable, and budget-friendly. Reviewers love using this drop cloth when they’re working in bare feet, saying there’s “never a slip or a slide.”

If you or a family member is a fan of messy arts and crafts projects, this Trimaco paper drop cloth is a must-buy. It comes in giant rolls that can be unfurled as needed, and it works well for catching finger paint, baking messes, clay, and other splatters.

Several reviewers say it is a sanity saver at meal times for young kids who are just learning the finer points of careful eating and drinking. The temporary surface protector/drop cloth can also be used as craft paper for avid doodlers and drawers.

These plastic drop cloths—which come in a 10-pack—are versatile, easy to use, and can be deployed to protect any number of surfaces from paint, water, or rust. The drop cloths are wrapped separately, which means if you only need a few for a job, the rest can be reserved for later.

The set comes with one pair of plastic gloves, which also helps keep your hands clean if you’re painting. These drop cloths can be reused a few times, and once finished, they can be recycled.

Reviewers love how these drop cloths protect surfaces, but warn that they’re delicate and can tear easily when being removed from their packaging.

This polyethylene tarp is strong, super-durable, and perfect for outside work. These tarps are suitable for all types of projects, and can even work in a pinch as a roof patch a a temporary pickup truck bed cover.

The lightweight tarp features border piping and built-in grommets for extra reinforcement, so it’s super durable. Several reviewers swear by this plastic tarp for outside paint jobs, and some even use it as a ground cloth for their pools.

If you’re doing a big paint job or home renovation and you have a fully carpeted floor, this large roll of plastic film will save you a lot of headaches. You can unfurl the film over carpet or wood floors to protect them from paint, debris, dust, foot traffic, and other minor disasters. One roll will cover 400 square feet.

You can also use it to meticulously cover up furniture. When you remove it, it’s a cinch to peel it away without worrying about any adhesive or stickiness. This film is made in the U.S.A. and reviewers say it's easy to install and works well.

This 100 percent canvas drop cloth comes in multiple sizes, and features a series of grippy rubber beads that make it slip-proof on floors, and help it cling to the furniture and objects it’s protecting. This drop cloth folds and conforms to surfaces, making it ideal for smaller projects.

When you’re finished, you can toss the cloth in the washing machine, fold it up, and stow it away for use in the future. Reviewers love how versatile these drop cloths are, saying they're great for making surfaces less slippery and are easily moved and positioned to protect practically any area of your home, from flat marble counters to carpeted stairs.

This UHaul drop cloth and dust cover can be used for any number of tasks, from covering floors to protecting tables, couches, rugs, and more. The cotton covers can be reused a few times, and will protect items from dampness, mildew, and water damage in addition to paint. However, some reviewers warn that these covers are more delicate than they look, and recommend that caution is used when removing them from their packaging.