I recently purchased a set of Lloyd's Rubbertite Mats for the winter season. Although they fit perfectly and actually look quite cool in lieu of the luxurious pile mats, they stink of chemically rubber. It's been over one month since they've been in the car and the smell is still overwhelming. I tried airing them out for a few days in the garage but the pong remains. Any suggestions?

Lloyd's makes good stuff.

I've had that problem, but it would seem that something on the mats is volatilizing. Maybe giving them a good scrub with a strong detergent will help. Like Dawn in hot water. Then maybe spray them down with a plastic protectant like 303 Aerospace.

Time and hot weather will probably cure the problem. If the only problem is the odor, then maybe a car deodorizer will at least make it smell better.

Thanks Steve, I have both of those products so will try it today. Hopefully I can post some good news in the next few days.

Update: I soaked and scrubbed the mats this morning in a hot water Dawn solution then let them bake dry in direct sunlight. Followed up with a misting of 303, both sides, let them dry again and was pleased that I could barely smell the strong plastic odour. I've reninstalled the mats and will smell the difference tomorrow morning. Good advice!

How's the odor today, Harv328is?

What smell? ;)

Great. Glad it worked out.