facilitate removal of a desired length alternatively the laminated strip 40 may be scored or perforated at intervals such as shown at 54 so that a desired length may be torn from the strip along one of the score lines or perforations it is also contemplated that the laminated strip may be packaged in pre cut lengths which may be uniform or assorted the width of device 10 is not critical provided that there is a sufficient quantity of absorbent material to absorb the amount of fluid that may be anticipated to drip down the fluid container for most household applications the width of device 10 is preferably in the range of approximately u215c inch to 1 inch the preferred thickness of absorbent material 24 is likewise a function of the anticipated volume of absorbed fluid however it is important that the thickness be sufficient so that the gutter 14 will be large enough to receive a drip of fluid if the gutter is too narrow i e if absorbent layer 24 is too thin drips will have a tendency to flow across the gutter and down the side of layer 20 thereby defeating the purpose of device 10 in some applications particularly for relatively viscous fluids such as paint honey syrup etc a layer of absorbent material 24 may not be necessary a gutter 14 alone may be sufficient to collect drips of such viscous fluids fluid that collects in the gutter may then be removed with a sponge or towel in such case absorbent material 24 may be replaced.