An article for protecting a countertop surrounding a sink is comprised of at least a top layer of absorbent material, capable of absorbing liquids, and a water-resistant layer. The article has at least three primary segments: one bottom, transverse segment, and two side segments generally arranged in a “U” shape and defining an opening between them. The width of the article is adjustable to fit sinks of different widths or diameters. To make the article narrower, a portion of the bottom, transverse segment is folded and fastened with at least one manually releasable fastener that has been previously affixed to the bottom transverse segment.