Hi,
Looking for help to resolve the maritial discord this new mat has created... I bought a large Olfa mat a week ago, taking advantage of a 50% off coupon and it does smell like skunk. I keep moving it around to different parts of this not-too-big house and I'm still getting complaints. I told him the smell would 'gas off'. That didn't win any battles. Right now, it's in the basement on a flat surface out of any sunshine.
Any helpful tips other than return it?
Thanks,
lots2do

Some of these mats just have to air out... It appears that some brands are worse than others. :D:D:D

I wonder if wiping it with a water vinegar solution might help, just be sure to dry it well if you try it.

When I went to buy one I had the lady in Joanns smell it she agreed not the best deal in the store they were going to send them back. I went with a Fiskars Mat that didn't smell.

When you have a sunny day you might try laying outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

Put the mat in the shower. Using hot water and dish liquid with a good grease cutter in it - think Dawn - and a soft cloth wash the mat very, very, well. Don't skimp on the dish liquid. If you can lay it flat, let it soak for a few minutes. Rinse with more hot water, then a blast of cold water. Wipe dry.

I would use vinegar and soak it in the tub with hot water.

The dish liquid will remove the lubricants and manufacturing debris left on the mat. I don't know about the vinegar. Any thing is worth a try. Good luck!

Fabreeze? search more. i've read a lot about this being a problem. i have two Olfa mats but they are yrs old. one very old. no smell. they must be manufacturing them somewhere different now. i'd complain loudly!!

I had the same problem with an Olfa mat I bought last year. It did eventually stop stinking, but it took a while.