How to Get Rid of New Rubber Mat Odor

Your new indoor rubber mat or ramp is exactly what you needed, with one aspect you weren’t prepared for – the odor is strong and very rubbery. Although the rubber smell will fade over time, if you have a sensitive nose you probably want to cut that time right down. Here are a few tips and suggestions to quickly reduce the strong rubber odor from your new purchase:

Why Does My New Rubber Mat Smell?

That strong "rubber" smell is often associated with the materials and compounds used during manufacturing. New rubber products can release volatile compounds into the surrounding air, a process commonly referred to as off-gassing. The smell is usually strongest when the product is brand new and gradually becomes less noticeable as these compounds dissipate.

Because indoor air can allow odors and airborne compounds to build up when there is limited ventilation, one of the easiest ways to speed up the process is to give the rubber plenty of fresh air. The EPA recommends increasing ventilation when products or materials may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including opening windows and doors when weather permits.

Clean with White Vinegar

Although it might seem counterintuitive, mix water with about half a cup of white vinegar in a large, shallow container and submerge your new mat for about an hour. Pull it out and rinse it down, allowing it to dry outside completely before use. The vinegar will reduce the odor, and drying in the outdoor air will further reduce the smell.

Before cleaning your rubber mat or ramp, always check the manufacturer's care instructions. Some rubber products may have specific cleaning requirements, and not every mat or ramp should be submerged in water. If the product is too large to soak, wipe the surface with the recommended cleaning solution instead.

Vent the Area Well

Keeping a mat in an enclosed space such as a small entryway or breezeway is a surefire way to keep the smell lingering for ages! If the weather is nice outside, open up a door or window and properly ventilate the area so that the strong smell has a place to go.

If possible, create cross-ventilation by opening windows or doors on opposite sides of the room. A fan can also help move stale indoor air toward an open window or door. The goal is not simply to cover up the odor, but to help move the compounds released by the new rubber product out of the space. Increasing fresh-air ventilation is one of the EPA's recommendations for reducing indoor concentrations of pollutants.

Let Your Rubber Mat or Ramp Air Out Before Use

If the odor is particularly strong, consider giving your new rubber mat or ramp time to air out before bringing it into an enclosed living or working space. When the manufacturer's instructions allow it, placing the product outdoors or in a well-ventilated covered area can give the odor a chance to dissipate without filling your home or business with the smell.

For large ramps or heavy rubber mats that cannot easily be moved outside, place them in the best-ventilated area available. Keep doors or windows open when weather permits, and use fans to encourage air movement. EPA guidance recommends allowing materials that may off-gas to do so outside when practical and continuing ventilation after installation or use.

Harness the Power of the Sun

If you live in an area with strong sunlight, especially during the summer, you can make use of that energy by leaving your mat or ramp outside in a well-ventilated area while the off-gassing smell dissipates. The warmth of the environment may help the process along, but always check the manufacturer's use and care instructions before exposing your rubber product to direct sunlight or elevated temperatures.

If outdoor airing is recommended for your particular product, rotate the mat or ramp periodically so that different surfaces are exposed to fresh air. For products that can be safely exposed to sunlight, this can be combined with outdoor ventilation to help reduce the odor before bringing the product indoors.

Try Baking Soda to Absorb Lingering Odors

If the rubber smell has improved but is still noticeable, baking soda can be another simple option for helping absorb lingering odors. Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over a clean, dry rubber mat and allow it to sit for several hours or overnight. Vacuum or sweep away the baking soda afterward and wipe the surface according to the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.

Because rubber products vary, test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area first and check the manufacturer's care instructions before applying anything to the entire surface.

Dilute the Odor with Smell-Fighting Natural Scents

Peppermint oil and citrus juices or oils are great at cutting through strong smells. Apply one or the other to a dampened cloth and wipe down the entire surface of the rubber.

However, be careful when applying oils or other scented products to rubber. Some chemicals, oils, and cleaning products can affect rubber surfaces, so check the manufacturer's recommendations before using them. If you are unsure, ventilation and outdoor airing are safer first steps than applying an additional product to the surface.

Use an Air Purifier for Indoor Odors

If you need to keep your new rubber mat or ramp indoors while the smell dissipates, an air purifier may help improve the surrounding air. However, not all air purifiers work the same way. Standard particle filters such as HEPA filters are designed primarily to capture airborne particles, while gases and odors require a filter designed to address them, such as activated carbon.

The EPA notes that some air cleaners contain filters designed to remove gases or odors, while particle filters alone are not designed to remove gaseous pollutants. An air purifier should therefore be viewed as a supplement to good ventilation rather than a replacement for fresh air.

Give It Time

The good news is that even without these methods, the rubber smell will slowly dissipate by itself. New-product odors are often most noticeable when the product is first opened, and allowing adequate time for the material to air out can make a significant difference.

If you are using the mat in your business and don’t have time to apply the above tips and tricks or let it air out naturally, consider posting a few signs as a common courtesy to guests and employees, particularly those with sensitive noses.

When Should You Be Concerned About the Smell?

A noticeable rubber odor does not necessarily mean that a product is unsafe, but a persistent or unusually strong odor is a good reason to check the manufacturer's instructions and product information. If the smell causes discomfort such as irritation, headaches, nausea, or other symptoms, move the product to a well-ventilated area and reduce exposure. The EPA notes that some VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and recommends increasing ventilation and following manufacturer instructions when products may release pollutants into indoor air.

When in doubt, contact the manufacturer for specific information about the material, recommended cleaning methods, and whether the product should be aired out before indoor use.

How Long Does the Rubber Smell Last?

There is no single timeline for how long a new rubber mat or ramp will smell. The amount of odor can vary depending on the material, manufacturing process, product size, temperature, ventilation, and how long the product has already had to air out.

Instead of focusing on a specific number of days, concentrate on improving ventilation and allowing the product to air out until the odor becomes tolerable. For particularly strong-smelling products, giving them additional time in a well-ventilated area before indoor use may be worthwhile.

With a little patience and plenty of fresh air, that strong new-rubber smell should become less noticeable over time. Once the odor has dissipated, your new mat or ramp can provide the traction, protection, or accessibility you purchased it for without making the whole room smell like a tire shop!