Jim's Gem

I've got a blue colored "Duraheal" mat and I love it. The plus, no stink!!

Prism99

I don't think they all stink. I recently bought a 17" Olfa rotary mat (great mat, by the way!) and it had no smell out of the box. It's probably a good idea to purchase, in-person, only mats that are exposed to air so they can be given the "sniff test" before purchasing.

There are some plastics that outgas so much I won't have them in the house! Outgassing is a chemical process that can take a year to complete. Putting the mat in the sun will probably only increase the chance of it warping. It may need to be left outside to air for a year before it stops outgassing. This is similar to new-car and new-house outgassing. Google outgassing or offgassing of plastics for more info.

Panther Creek Quilting

Mine originally smelled like a skunk. I mean literally would almost run you out of the room. I have had it now for about 6 months and don't notice any smell. Hopefully yours gets better

Oklahoma Suzie

I have never had one with a smell to it.

wesing

Try sprinkling it with baking soda and leaving it on overnight. The next time you use the mat vacuum the soda off and it should absorb most of the smell.

Darren

blahel

Sorry to hear you are having such an awful problem with your mats. i have 2 olfa mats one is i think 17 x 24 and the other is 17 x 17 which is a rotating one and neither of mine have stunk. I am just a bout to go and buy a small one for piecing so will make sure it doesnt smell. I think the bicarb idea is a good one..maybe even leave a box of bicarb opened on top of the mat might help..put in a few drops of essential oil and maybe that will disguise the smell and dont forget to open your windows etc.

littlehud

I have heard of them stinking but none of mine ever did.

Julie Baird

Another possibility is to use a solution of half white vinegar and half water. Wipe down the matt and let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse and dry.

I haven't had a stinky one yet, but have had friends who have. It's not pleasant!

Julie Baird

sumfire812

I bought a Martelli (www.martellinotions.com) it doesn't warp. I do not like the very large white mats at Joannes the do not heal very well. I also have the Olfa, Fiskar.

sewgray

My 10 year plus Olfa mat has never stunk, but I had a June Taylor and they really dull your blades fast.