7 Easy Steps to Completely Remove Rubber Mats Smell
Having a rubber mat that smells unpleasantly is such a turnoff for anyone willing to workout. It’s funny how this single smell can determine whether you’re going to workout or not. But you don’t wanna miss your workout, at least not today. So, that means you have to get rid of the smell on your mat and get stretching on it again—just the way it should be.
Some smells can be so stubborn to get rid of. But don’t worry, we got you. In this article, we will explain 7 easy steps to completely remove that taint smell off your mat.
Let’s get started.
1. Let Your Mat Breathe
The very first step is to let your mat get some fresh air. When a rubber mat is new, it can hold many smells inside. To help the odor disappear, take the mat outside or place it in a room with plenty of open windows.
Leave it there for a few hours or even a full day if you can. Fresh air helps remove the chemicals and reduce bacteria.
2. Wash It Gently with Soap and Water
Next, give your mat a good, gentle wash. Use warm water and a mild soap to clean the surface of the mat. This step helps to wash away the dirt and the chemicals that can cause the smell.
Here’s how to do achieve that step by step:
- Fill a large bucket or tub with warm water.
- Add a few drops of mild soap or detergent.
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the water and gently scrub the mat.
- Be sure to cover every part of the mat.
- Rinse the mat well with clean water until no soap is left.
The cleaning agent from your soap and the water will clean off any foul smell on your mat effectively. We can’t wait for you to have your mat smelling great once again.
3. Dry It Completely in the Sun
After washing, it is very important to dry the mat completely. Sunlight is a natural way to remove odors and bacteria. Place your mat under the sun. Don’t worry about your mat wearing and tearing from the harshness of the sun, it’s only going to be under the sun for a few hours.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do that:
- Lay the mat flat on a clean surface outside, such as a patio or in your yard.
- Make sure it is spread out evenly
- Let it dry under the sunlight for a few hours
- Turn the mat over if necessary so that all parts get enough sun.
The good thing about this method is when the vapour from the washing is evaporating, the bad smell on the mat is not left behind. They all leave together, leaving your mat smelling nice again.
4. Sprinkle Baking Soda Over the Mat
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that works like magic on smells. It can absorb the odor molecules from your rubber mat and leaves it smelling fresher than ever.
Here’s how to do that step-by-step:
- Once the mat is dry, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda evenly over its surface.
- Gently rub the baking soda into the mat with your hands.
- Let the baking soda sit on the mat for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight.
- In the morning, use a vacuum or shake the mat well to remove the baking soda.
5. Wipe with a Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is another powerful natural cleaner that helps eliminate odors. Although vinegar has its own strong smell at first, it will fade away once the mat is dry.
Follow the steps below:
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl.
- Dip a clean cloth into the mixture, then wring it out so it is damp but not dripping.
- Wipe down the entire surface of the mat thoroughly.
- Let the mat air dry completely after wiping.
6. Use Essential Oils for a Fresh Scent
After cleaning your mat, you might still want a pleasant scent to replace any leftover odor. Essential oils can be used to give your mat a light, refreshing fragrance. Now you don’t only have the smell leave your mat but replaced with fine smells that make you want to workout again and again.
Step-by-Step:
- Choose an essential oil you like, such as lavender, lemon, or peppermint.
- Add a few drops of the oil to a small bowl of water.
- Dip a clean cloth in the water and gently wipe the mat.
- Alternatively, you can put a few drops of oil on a dry cloth and wipe it over the surface of the mat.
- Let the mat dry for a little while.
7. Keep It Fresh with Regular Maintenance
Once you have removed the smell from your rubber mat, the final step is to keep it fresh. Regular maintenance can prevent odors from building up again.
Here’s how to maintain your workout mat and prevent future odors:
- After each use, wipe down the mat with a damp cloth.
- Make sure the mat is completely dry before rolling it up or storing it.
- Occasionally, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the mat and let it sit for a short time, then shake or vacuum it off.
- Store the mat in a cool, dry place with good airflow.
Why These Steps Work
These steps aren’t just researched, they’ve been tested and trusted to help remove smells from your mat. Let’s see why they’re effective.
- Air and Sunlight:
Fresh air and sunlight help to evaporate moisture and disperse smelly chemicals. - Soap and Water:
Washing removes dirt and chemical residues that cause odors. - Baking Soda:
Baking soda absorbs bad smells, acting like a sponge for odors. - Vinegar Solution:
Vinegar neutralizes odors and acts as a gentle disinfectant. - Essential Oils:
Essential oils add a pleasant fragrance, replacing the old smell with something fresh. - Regular Maintenance:
Consistent cleaning prevents new odors from forming and keeps your mat in top condition.
Each of these steps is simple and easy to do. Together, they create a powerful routine that can completely remove the smell from your rubber mat.
To Wrap It Up
A new rubber or an existing mat with a strong smell can be a bit off-putting and even affect your workout performance, but with these seven easy steps, you can remove that odor completely. The steps highlighted in this article will help you rescue your mat from bad smells. So now you can go ahead and start working out once again without anything to worry about.
Patience and regular maintenance are key. Sometimes, it may take a little time for the smell to completely vanish, but by following these steps, you can enjoy your mat without any unwanted odors.
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