It's happened to everyone, you buy some brand new rubber matting, put it in place and then realise all you can smell is rubber. In this guide, we will share practical methods to remove the smell of rubber mats using simple household items like white vinegar, soapy water, and a clean cloth. With these tips, you can ensure your mats are fresh and odour-free.
So without further ado, here’s how to remove the rubber smell from your mats.
Why Does Rubber Matting Smell?
Before we get into how to get rid of rubber smells, let's understand where the rubber smell comes from
This unpleasant smell is often due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are strapped inside the matting and that can permeate your space when unrolled and laid out, especially in areas with poor ventilation. Another reason for the smell is vulcanisation. Vulcanising is the process of hardening rubber via a high-temperature sulphur treatment.
Regardless of how rubber gets its unpleasant smell, it has the potential to drive people away; not very good if you're running a business.
Non-toxic Rubber Smell Removal
A lot of our customers use our rubber matting for their stables, and whilst the rubber matting smell isn't terribly apparent there is a way to remove the smell of rubber (and other stable related smells at that).
Fieldguard Green Gloop has been used and recommended by many people who have horses and use matting, and it's economical too, you dilute the gloop with water and it will last you, and then simply clean the stable as you would normally.
Home Remedies to remove the smell of rubber
Sometimes we want the job done right there, right now and removing the smell of a rubber mat is not an exception. Using ingredients you already have at home is a quick and efficient method of getting the job done quickly.
You will need:
- a clean cloth
- 1 cup (240ml) of white vinegar
- dish soap
Instructions
- Fill your sink or a bathtub with warm soapy water and add the white vinegar
- Submerge your mat(s) in the water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes
- Scrub the mat(s) with a clean cloth and then rinse with clean water
- Leave them outside to dry, preferably in the sunlight for at least 3 hours
Or if the smell doesn't bother you that badly you can try and spray your rubber mat rolls with Febreeze outside
Natural Method of getting rid of rubbery smells
One way of removing and preventing the smell of rubber is to make sure your rubber matt is in a well-ventilated area. Poor ventilation can cause the rubber smell to build up and get stronger over time. Make sure to keep windows and doors open, especially in small spaces. Fans are also a good option to increase the air circulation in a space.
For odours caused by VOCs, placing your rubber mats in the sun speeds up the process of releasing these compounds. Simply place your rubber matting in a sunny location exposed to direct sunlight for a day or so and you’ll have odour-free rubber matting.
Buy High-Quality Rubber Matting
Avoiding a rubber odour in the first place is far easier than removing the smell afterwards, so it's crucial you invest in high-quality rubber mats for your space
At ESE Direct, we pride ourselves on providing the finest and highest quality rubber matting, flooring, and entrance mats available. Whether you need anti-fatigue mats to boost productivity, electrical safety matting for electronic workshops or entrance matting to maintain the cleanliness of your space, we have the perfect solution for you.
Ready to improve your space with high-quality rubber matting solutions? Explore our complete range to enhance the functionality, safety, and overall productivity of your commercial or domestic setting.