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Help with stinky rubber yoga mat  

post #1 of 12
12/30/07 at 4:18pm
Thread Starter 
I gave ds an Eco yoga mat (gaiam) yesterday. It's made of 'natural rubber'.
This thing REEKS of fish. It smells so bad that it literally makes me gag.

Why does it smell like this?

What can I do to get rid of the smell??! (can't put it outside because I'm in an apartment).

Ideas?
Thanks!
post #2 of 12
12/30/07 at 4:23pm
Someone posted a "fabreeze" recipe in another thread a few days ago. I saved it becuase I thought it would come in handy at some point.
Quote:
Here's a home made "Febreeze" recipe:
8 drops essential oil of lavender
4 drops bergamot essential oil
4 drops clove essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil
1/2 cup vodka
1/2 cup distilled water

1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle, shaking well to mix.

2. In any areas that need freshening, simply spritz four or five times into the air.

Makes 1 cup.
Maybe you could try that. I have no idea why it would smell.
post #3 of 12
12/30/07 at 4:24pm
My mat instructions & my old instructor said you can just wash them in the washing machine and hang them to dry. I did it when mine started to lose its stickiness. I would imagine you could do it in the sink or tub too.
post #4 of 12
12/30/07 at 4:25pm
My yoga teacher said to wash in cold delicate cycle with a splash of vinegar then line dry (obviously). Works great.
post #5 of 12
12/30/07 at 4:29pm
I'd call Gaiam and ask them about it. If you wash it, they might not let you return it. They aren't there weekends. : I tried calling yesterday for an order I placed in early December and still haven't received.
post #6 of 12
12/30/07 at 4:35pm
Thread Starter 
I can't wash it in a machine anyway...I use OLD coin op washer/dryer which doesn't have a gentle cycle, etc.

Yeah, I'm going to call them on Monday before I trying doing anything to it.

I have tea tree oil, orange oil, and lavender oil. Can't buy anything else at this point so I have to make do with what I have.
post #7 of 12
12/30/07 at 4:51pm
I'd contact the company before doing anything to the mat- maybe it could be returend if something is truly "wrong" with it, and washing it may void that warrenty.
post #8 of 12
12/30/07 at 6:06pm
i work at a store that carries some rubber backed doormats, and they ALWAYS come in smelling like rank fish. It's really weird. But, they air out and then are fine after a little while. couple of days maybe? I dunno if that helps but good luck to you!
post #9 of 12
12/30/07 at 6:28pm
Can you try putting it in a sealed garbage bag with some wadded up newspapers and a cotton ball soaked with some of your essential oils? I had a garment bag that smelled like someone died in it and this little trick worked. Good luck.
post #10 of 12
12/30/07 at 7:56pm
Thread Starter 
Doh! I don't have any newspapers. Come to think of it...I don't have any cotton balls. hahahah.

Think I'll try airing it out in the basement storage area tomorrow.
post #11 of 12
12/31/07 at 4:41pm
I haven't tried it, but I heard soaking the mat in a tub of water with green tea works as a powerful deodorizer.
post #12 of 12
1/1/08 at 3:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by aniT View Post
Someone posted a "fabreeze" recipe in another thread a few days ago. I saved it becuase I thought it would come in handy at some point.


Maybe you could try that. I have no idea why it would smell.
:
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