a mat assembly is provided for absorbing liquid , such as oil , that may be spilled near a machine or automotive vehicle . the mat assembly includes a mat with at least an upper layer formed from a woven or non - woven array of fibers . the mat assembly further includes a frame formed from strips that can be cut to match the periphery of the mat . each strip has a bottom surface with an attachment tape that can be engaged releasably with the woven or non - woven fibers of the mat . the restraining strip may include an array of resilient hooked filaments that can engage the fibers of the mat . the strips hold the mat in a planar orientation . however , the strips can be separated from the mat easily when the mat has become saturated . the mat then can be discarded and replaced with a new mat , and the same strips can be fixed to the upper surface of the new mat .