Stall mat: rubber smell

[optimalG33]

Just got a stall mat from a local feed store ($45)--super sturdy!!

...however, the rubber smell is overwelming in my workout room, so much so, i am tempted to return it

1. Does the smell dissipate over time?
2. Can i wash the smell away somehow?
3. Am i better off buying puzzle-piece gym mats?

>>this sucks because the mat is freakin awesome

Thanks

[smithski]

I don't have any tips for making the smell go away immediately, but I can say that about 7-10 days after purchasing 8 of these 4'x6' mats that the 'chemical smell' did finally dissipate. I say stick it out...it should get better.

[michaelnel]

I don't have the stall mats, but something I got from Jesup Gym (4'x6'x1/2", weigh about 70lbs each). They stunk to high heaven when I first unrolled them and put them down on the floor, but I think within a week they stopped stinking. I don't smell the rubber smell in that room at all any more.

If you want to hasten getting rid of the smell, make sure you have a fan going and some cross-ventilation to blow unstinky air in and stinky air out.

[Kelaire]

I just washed mine with a mop and some Dawn detergent, cut the smell in half. I'm hoping the rest just airs out over time.

[fbank]

I purchased one of those 4X6 stall mats last May and like yourself, I was tempted to get rid of it because the smell was so bad. The smell did dissipate over time and now it's pretty much gone. Initially, I found that spraying some Febreeze made the smell more tolerable.

[KenF]

The smell fades. Give it a week or two and you won't notice.