I emailed Olfa as Leakus suggested and they confirmed what Mitch's Mom said. It was a very lengthy email. I was pleased. This is from the email:
Here are a few suggestions to help alleviate the smell:
OLFA recommends that you use a mixture of warm water and dishwashing detergent to wash your mat.
Please use a lemon or other citrus based dishwashing detergent, as this type of dishwashing detergent will help neutralize the smell. You may have to do this several times. You may also wipe the mat down with Pine Sol or Murphy's Oil soap.
Soaking your mat, in cool water, with white vinegar, an abundance of white vinegar, lying flat, so the mat doesn't warp for about 30 - 45 minutes, will also help alleviate the smell.
Also, you may want to allow the mat to air out.
What I mean by that is place the mat where it can receive plenty of air.
Do not place it in direct sunlight or stand it on its end or roll it up. These things will cause the mat to become warped and it will not go back into its original shape.
Lie the mat flat and allow it to air out and with time and the wiping down of the mat, the odor will start to subside.
ed with the response.
Thanks again everybody,
lots2do