Help! How do you get the skunk smell out of the cutting mats??
08-27-2011, 06:14 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Plainfield, IN
Posts: 390
Don't be surprised if you can't remove the smell. Synthetic materials will continue to offgas for some time after manufacturing, and sealing them up in plastic just prolongs the stink. It's the same as new car smell, new shoe smell, new carpet smell, etc.
It will dissipate over time, however. Eventually it won't smell anymore. But exchanging it for a newer mat won't help--you'll just start the process all over again.
It will dissipate over time, however. Eventually it won't smell anymore. But exchanging it for a newer mat won't help--you'll just start the process all over again.
08-27-2011, 06:39 PM
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: TN
Posts: 1,443
How to de-skunk a dog: http://www.kountrylife.com/content/how157.htm
This really does work on dogs and is safe for Berber carpet and velveteen upholstery. Ask me how I know.
As for your mat - what you are smelling is the manufacturing residue. Get some good degreaser like 409, Fantastic or Greased Lightening. I used 409. Put your mat in the bathtub and spray the whole thing, front and back, with the degreaser and let it soak for about 2 minutes. Use a soft cloth to lightly scrub the mat and the hottest water you can stand to rinse it off. Rinse for a few minutes to get all the residue off, dry with a clean soft cloth. The smell should be gone.
This really does work on dogs and is safe for Berber carpet and velveteen upholstery. Ask me how I know.
As for your mat - what you are smelling is the manufacturing residue. Get some good degreaser like 409, Fantastic or Greased Lightening. I used 409. Put your mat in the bathtub and spray the whole thing, front and back, with the degreaser and let it soak for about 2 minutes. Use a soft cloth to lightly scrub the mat and the hottest water you can stand to rinse it off. Rinse for a few minutes to get all the residue off, dry with a clean soft cloth. The smell should be gone.
08-28-2011, 02:49 AM
#24
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Medford, Wisconsin, up north in God's country
Posts: 146
Originally Posted by Gladys
I've put it in the sun, over an air conditioner vent (stunk up whole house!) sprayed the back with Febreeze and even put fabric dryer softener sheets with it sealed in a black gargage bag.
It's been 6 mos now and it still has an odor. I really need to be able to use it now that I know how!!
I'm sensitive to odors and have to leave church sometimes because of strong perfumes but this green cutting mat is going to be the death of me!!!
It's one of the large Olfa ones. Granted the smell is not as strong as it was at first but I can still smell it.
Thanks for any help from anyone.
It's been 6 mos now and it still has an odor. I really need to be able to use it now that I know how!!
I'm sensitive to odors and have to leave church sometimes because of strong perfumes but this green cutting mat is going to be the death of me!!!
It's one of the large Olfa ones. Granted the smell is not as strong as it was at first but I can still smell it.
Thanks for any help from anyone.
08-28-2011, 02:55 AM
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,203
Get a bag of clay kitty litter, open it, and put it (still in its paper bag) in the bottom of a plastic garbage bag. Set the mat on top and close the bag securely. Leave for at least two weeks. It should come out OK. If not, time to throw it away and get a new one.
08-28-2011, 03:45 AM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Orfordville, WI
Posts: 363
Try wiping with lemon juice. That removes most smells quickly. Or, if it is truly skunk, use tomato juice. If all else fails, wet it and use table salt. A lot of salt. Rub the salt all around and rinse. Salt is a cure for all smells. I even use it in the same manner to clean my wooden chopping boards. Gets rid of onion smell and fish!
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