How do I get rid of the smell my new flat woven rug is emitting? It is a zig zag rug from West Elm and it's been outside since I received it (about a week ago). The smell had faded so I brought it in and then placed back outside because there is still a smell. Does it ever completely go away? Should I return it? How do I even care for this rug (all my other rugs are pile, so I feel like it's easier to clean them). Help! I want to keep my rug, but I don't want it to make me sick!
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I have a rug that has always emmitted an ammonia smell. I love it and kept it. It is now 6 yrs old and has no odor unless you get close up & sniff it purposely. I think the only way is to allow it to air out. If it's too strong & you're really concerned about the chemicals that might be off-gassing, you might consider just returning it.
A friend of mine bought a rug at Pottery Barn several years ago that had a bad smell after purchase and later found out that PB was replacing the rugs. Apparently some glue had been used in it, the smell of which never went away.
Could you take it to a dry cleaner (if it is able to be dry cleaned). Our dry cleaner is a "green" cleaner, and leaves no smell on our clothing.
We used to have a West Elm woven rug that smelled like burlap for a few months. It never bothered me too much since it seemed like a natural smell associated with the fibers. Also, be careful when cleaning the rug because the colors on ours (also natural/black) bled considerably.
I have this same problem and asked a friend about it - they had rented a steam cleaner for the day to do their bedroom carpets and did the rug too - apparently it worked. I don't know if all rugs/materials can handle the steam though - so if you try it, do a small test in the corner before doing the whole thing.
I hate that awful smell and haven't had the time to rent one for my own rug - I'm hoping to do it soon and hopefully it works.
If it's a wool/cotton blend like the website says, it shouldn't be off-gassing! Your wool/cotton sweaters don't off-gass; why should the rug? I'm wondering if it's either the black dye they used or the wool wasn't properly treated before spinning to remove all the lanolin.
If it was me, I'd take it back! You don't want to mess with your health.
i have this rug and have never noted a smell. wonder if there is something weird about your particular rug.
I have a West Elm wool rug and it's the biggest big purchase I regret making for our home. The rug WILL NOT STOP SHEDDING. We've had it for two years and fibers either pop up and need to be pulled out or fuzz rolls off it like tumbleweeds. I absolutely abhor it, but my husband adores it, so I'm waiting for someone to ruin it by spilling something unsightly on it so we can chuck it. Maybe I should call BP?