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I bought a Pottery Barn rug in 2003 - imported from somewhere I'm sure - and it still smells. It was the perfect color and style for a newly refurnished guest room. At first I thought I was the only one who noticed but now - 3 years later - my guests ask me "what's burning?" I tried some baking soda and a freshening cleaning product when I first got it. I've tried observing when it happens: in sunlight? windows open or closed. There is no rhyme or reason to it - it just smells. I will really have to just get rid of it. I doubt Pottery Barn would want it returned after so long. If anyone has any insight or cures, please let me know.

We just bought a very expensive wool rug made in Nepal. It has been raining and very humid, and the rug smell became unbearable. We removed the rubber pad,and that seemed to help. Moisture was being trapped under the carpet, and the hardwood is over concrete slab. Turned on air conditioner and the smell seems to be going away. Am I going to have to run AC all the time? Hawaii..

To Ana, who has the smelly Pottery Barn rug: my neighbor and I are both in the same boat. We bought beautiful, brightly dyed, wool rugs for our children's nursery five years ago, and decorated their rooms around the rug. Figured the smell would go away, then figured it was the diapers in the room, a plumbing problem somewhere -anything except the rug (loved the rug!). Pottery Barn admitted that the rugs, made in India, are sprayed with a pesticide to kill bugs in the wool. They offered to pick up my neighbor's rug and give her a $100 credit (for a $600 rug). We think this is a SERIOUS public health issue - our three kids combined all have had nightime breathing problems and allergies, and we think the rugs have been a contributing cause. Does anyone else have any stories about Pottery Barn rugs? I can't believe they are still selling these stinky rugs, particularly for nurseries, without a warning to parents.

Ama and Mary...I couldn't believe it when I found your posting today. I have had a huge problem with a rug I bought from PB Kids about 6 years ago. I have fought the horrible odor for years now and have just about given up. The rug is in the garage now and I'm trying to decide if I want to invest yet more money into cleaning it (again!). I'm curious though...what does the odor smell like? My rug smells like a wet dog, but I don't own a dog. Another website said that wool rugs just smell that way, but I have known a lot of people who have owned wool rugs and never had a problem. Their wool rugs were thinner, though and my rug is fairly thick.

This is so true! I bought Pottery Barn Kids Sunflower rug and decorated the room around it as well. I loved the sunflower design very much, but the rug was stinking, it smelled of burned rubber or mold and I tried airing it for months. I did not feel safe to leave the baby in the room overnight because of the smell of the rug. I ended up taking the rug back to the store and they gave me $125 bucks for it because by this time it was on sale and discontinued. I am not sure if the smell problem is specific to sunflower rug collection or other collections as well. I think this needs to be brought to attention of PB Kids management. It is a health issue.

My Pottery Barn Kids rug stinks as well. Smell is similar to rubber. IT DOES NOT GO AWAY NO MATTER HOW LONG YOU AIR IT! I invited a rug cleaning specialist who said that he can not do anything. He said that what stinks is the glue that is used in tufting process. Pottery Barn must do something about it!

I am so glad to hear I am not the only one with the burning PB Kids rug. I have the 5x8 Jungle Animals rug (now discontinued) and have been so freaked out about the burning smell that I called in a heating guy to check out our radiator in my son's room. Now that I am sure it's the rug (I was beginning to suspect) I am going to take it out pronto. My son has been having allergy problems also and I am wondering if this has contributed. PBarn should really do something! This is a total health hazard!

I've had a 5x8 Pottery Barn rug for about 4 years, and it started stinking like burnt rubber after about a year. I thought maybe the vacuum was to blame until I was in a PB store and smelled the exact same smell coming from the hanging rugs! I'd really like my money back but doubt after almost 4 years they'd agree to that. I can't believe I found this site - my husband has a bad sense of smell and thinks I'm crazy. Our whole bedroom smells now. UGH!

So I have exactly the same problem. We bought two of these attractive pottery barn rugs (on ebay unfortunately) for the childrens rooms. The odor was at first ephemeral but became increasingly pungent. At first I thought something might be smouldering under the floor boards. But removing the rugs (into the basement) cured the problem. The smell is distictly chemical and I reallized that my daughter has had nasal stuffiness for months. I suspect this is a health hazard.

We bought a Pottery Barn Kids Animals rug for our nursery about a year ago. The rug still stinks! I think the smell is worse when it gets warm/humid in the house. I called PBK customer service, and the woman told me that she would not recommend wool rugs for kid's rooms! SHe said that the wool sheds alot and can cause trouble with allergies. I could not beleive she would say this! Why would PBK make kid's rugs out of wool, and then tell me they would not recommend wool rugs for kids' rooms?

I was thinking of purchasing a Pottery Barn wool and cotton Kilim rug for my living room and wondered if anyone has had problems with this type of rug from Pottery Barn? (I purchased a wool rug from the same store about 6 years ago and haven't had problems with it.) Thanks for any info!

I've had the same rubber smell from the PB rug I bought for my daughter's nursery. At first I thought something was on fire in the room, until I finally lifted the rug and smelled the backing only to realize that that was the origin of this horrible burning chemical smell. My daughter has some coughing problems as well and now I too am wondering if it is this darn (quite expensive) rug!!!!

I am so glad to know that I am not "smelling" things. I thought it was just me! My wool rug has also started to smell horrible- like strong chemical or rubber. I don't know what to do about it. I spent over $200 on it and cannot find any methods to wash a large rug like this. Has anyone been able to remove the smell, or am I just wasting my time? And, has anyone been able to get any information on these rugs being a health problem?

I wish somebody in Pottery Barn management is reading this. I tried to get rid of my Pottery Barn kids rug smell in many different ways, including professional washing for $100, but nothing helps. When I tried to return it to the store they offered to take it back for only 20% of its original price. A rug cleaning specialist told me that it could be mold because rug was probably stored incorrectly wrapped in plastic wrap instead of cloth or paper. He said there is no way to get rid of mold in a rug.

Well, it sounds as if no one has been able to get the smell out of the rug :( What a dissapointment that a product like this would even be sold. I am going to try one method I found at eHow.com, but is says it is only for small to medium rugs. Mine is 9ft x 4ft, but I guess it is worth a try. I am so upset because I spent so much money and have a worthless product. I will be going to the sellers web site and writing a lenghty complaint letter. Thanks for all of the input. I will let you know how the rug washing goes. I can say one thing, airing it out in the sun for 3 days does not help at all. I have also wasted a lot of money on dry cleaning solutions that are recommended for wool rugs; they do not work either.

I just did a google search about how to get burnt rubber smell out of a rug and found these postings! This is crazy, I have had a pottery barn rug for almost three years and it has started smelling like burned rubber a year ago. I thought it was the pipes, the vacuum, and the paint. But then I realized it is the rug. Do you return it? Or do you just get a new rug?

Wow, I thought I was going crazy...smelling rubber/latex-like smell - and have comfirmed it's coming from my WOOL rug...but I thought wool would be pure and natural - there is no rubber backing and I do not use a pad...
So - why does it smell? What kind of chemical is in it?
So - we throw them away and get synthetic rugs?

I too have had this odor eminating from our adorable PBK rug. I am devastated. My worry is that the chemical nature of the smell may have some harmful effects over time. Does anyone know about this? We have had ours for two years in our baby's room. :(

ME TOO! I've spent a year trying to figure out what smelled like burnt rubber in my daughter's room. I was so glad when we moved that the smell would be gone - but of course it followed us. Eventually I discovered that it was the rug. But the story gets better. I spent the weekend in Aspen at the St. Regis Hotel, in a luxury 3 bedroom suite. When I walked in the door I was hit in the face with... the smell. One of my friends was with me, and (knowing nothing of my Pottery Barn rug discovery), immediately volunteered "It smells like your daughter's room". After some investigating and a discussion with the engineer, we discovered it was the wool rug under the dining room table. An equal size and quality (but non wool) rug had no odor. But the wool one smelled identicle to the PB rug. And the fancy suite stunk for the entire stay. (I'm sure other vistors notice this as well). Big question: Was the rug purchased at PB? This was not a kids rug, and it was about 10 x 12 ft.

Thanks to all who posted. I've been concerned about the health ramifications for a year, not knowing what was in my kids room. Would love to know if anyone follows up.

My rug with this problem is 5x8 regular Pottery Barn rug. I paid to have it professionally cleaned and it smelled better for about a week. It's now been banished to the basement. I was in a Crate and Barrel recently and noticed the same smell coming from their hanging rugs. Like a crazy person, I went over and smelled each one. The solid, light colored rugs didn't seem to smell. The ones with brighter colors (more dye?) did. Could it be the dyes they use? Are your rugs patterned?

Yeap ... I searched for that burning smell too. It turned out to be the pottery barn carpet. I phoned a local carpet retailer/cleaner who told me I had a pottery barn rug as I discribed the smell. They've had numerous calls.
Lesson learned .. just cause it's cute in the flyer doesn't mean it is a good buy.

Please do your self a big favor!!!!!!!!!!
Do not buy wool rug from Owerstock.com
They wool rugs are stinks, and only have 20-days
to retur the item.

It's not just Pottery Barn. Got a beautiful contemporary wool rug from Warner's Rug store, from whom we've bought terrific orentials in the past. It did not seem to smell when we got it, nor for the first few weeks. The store claims the burning rubber smell is normal, can be accentuated by humidity and will dissipate over time. From these postings, it appears not.

We have had exactly the same problem with a PB wool rug that we have owned for four years. About 8 months ago we placed it in a small bedroom, and over the past several months have noticed the infamous "burnt rubber" smell that everyone else seems to notice. It took us forever to figure out that it was the rug. Today we called the PB operator, and she said, "we haven't really gotten any complaints like that, but the smell can be caused by the adhesive." So I guess all the people who were calling weren't "complaining", they were calling to compliment PB on the wonderful new fragrance they discovered.

OK. I've found some valuable insights into the fact the We are not the only ones with a rug that smells like it's been on a NASCAR race track! We have had this wool rug, purchased at COSTCO for 5 years and it just recently began smelling. Never spent much time on the floor until our Grandaughter arrived so maybe it smelled priviously and the large size of our room made in unnoticable. We've tried EVERYTHING and it's now in the Garage waiting for us to decide what to do with it. It wasn't cheap and we love it and hate it all at the same time. We tried sealing it with cedar chips, Febreeze, anything we could think of on seperate attempts to save it. Probably going to be used either on the back porch or in the garage. If anyone comes up with a magical potion to save it, be sure to let us know

Amazing that PB still sells this junk. In 1997 I started dating my wife and couldnt stand the smell of her dining room. I thought she had an electrical problem and some wires had burnt. After a few years, I figured it was the RUBBER LATEX BACKING on the Pottery Barn Wool Rug. An interesting note is it got WORSE after it was professionally dry cleaned. When we got married, and we both sold our houses and bought another one, I made her throw it out in the trash. We have a close friend who's house smells very bad where she has a beutiful PB rug. My wife is too embarassed to tell her friend.

Sign me up for the class action lawsuit! We had our firsr PB rug that we purchased about 8 years ago that developed the burnt rubber smell. We returned to the store with our original receipt after it owning it for 3 years. They did give us full value for in store credit which we used to buy another imported wool rug. After 4 years, it too smells like burnt rubber. We have just moved from our living room into out daughter's room, which is more confined. I hadn't noticed the smell when it was in out living room, but now her room really smells of it. Has anyone had any environmental testing done about this?

My neighbor was getting rid of a Pottery Barn rug, so I bought it off her. She spent $600 for this beautiful rug. I placed it in my basement. You cannot sit there for more than 10 minutes. The smell is horrible. Your nose and eyes burn. I dont want to tell my neighbor, but I need to get rid of the rug. I sprayed and kept the windows open, to no avail. Will Pottery Barn accept the responsibility of this problem?

I bought 5 Pottery Barn rugs to cover our entire bedroom and hall floors and, like the rest of you, I'm ready to throw them out because of the horrible smell. My brother had a similar experience with one from Restoration hardware which he eventually gave away. I tried shampooing them just before guests came and I had some temporary success essentially masking the odor with another fragrance but it didn't last more than a few days.

I'm not crazy! My wife doesn't have a very good sense of smell and I've been telling her that our first floor smells like burning rubber for the past couple of months. It was getting so bad that I was embarrassed to have people over. I finally traced the smell to the backing on the two year old PB rug under our kitchen table. I put the rug outside, to air out for a week, and it still smells. I hate to throw the rug away because I love it but tonight it's going in the trash.

hey everybody----has there been more info re the health hazards here----I just found your listings (a little too late I'm afraid)---bought the rug and yep, burnt rubber----I get a headache and I can feel what feels like fumes on my face----it's terrible.

so NOTHING works!?!?!?

I have been fighting a terrible burning smell in my sons room all year. I finally realized it is from his four year old PB kids rug. We have had the plumbers here to check the radiators, we have had the electrician here to make sure nothing was burning in the wall. We were considering ripping out the floor and wall where we thought the smell was coming from, but we weren't ready to spend that kind of money.

We have been leaving my son's windows open all winter to keep the smell away. Today I was on the floor looking for a small piece of a toy and bingo - the smell hit me hard. Finally I realized it is the carpet.

I am FURIOUS!!!! I can't even imagine what chemicals my son has been breathing in since he was born. I am going to raise hell.

I had a similar smelly problem with small PB rug so I took it to Coit, a industrial carpet cleaner company, and they did a full wool rug cleaning. The process took about 5 days but the smell is gone only cost me $25 too. Hey everyone, here is an idea ... instead of spending all of your time complaining about your problems, go fix them. And as for the people making the giant leap from bad smell to health disaster for your children... grow up. Bad smells do not mean toxins or breathing problems and as parents you should know that! If your kids have breathing problems, take them to a doctor for allergies or sinus infections, don't just sit around and blame a rug - how irresponsible. Stop the frivilous law suits people - not everything is some corporation's fault!

Same thing in our house too. A cross between burnt rubber smell, and a diaper pail containing 2-3 days of wet and dirty cloth diapers and rubber pants.

I talked to a professional today. Wool rugs that have a backing on them (canvas or other) are hand tufted, and are use a latex rug backing. The latex is what has the burnt-rubber smell, and there is nothing that will remove it, including expensive cleaning. He told me to return the rug because the smell will never go away. He said that he gets this question over and over again from people who buy a rug with backing. He said to buy a machined rug instead of a hand-tufted rug, although they cost a bit more. I'm returning my rug today.

Yes, my Pottery Barn Harrison rug stinks like burnt rubber now after 6 months. (It wasn't really noticeable at first, but got worse over time.) I am going to take it back to the store, and print out this whole web page of stories for them to see. What a health hazard!

I too have an 8 x 10 Pottery Barn wool rug and the matching runner. Both smell terrible and have since I received them. I kept hoping they would air out but its been at least 8 months and I'm about ready to toss them.

Anyone with this stinky wool rug problem in the San Francisco Bay Area? I'm wondering if this might be a regional problem, or particular to certain PB stores...?

I recently purchased a 10x14 wool, hand-knotted Iranian rug from a rug dealer. We placed it on a hardwood floor and once the weather became humid, my husband was noticing a burning odor. We couldn't figure out where it was coming from and thought we had a problem with something in the house. After determining there was nothing wrong in the house, we figured out that the odor didn't appear until we had the rug in the house and didn't have the A/C on. The initial odor I smelled was stale cigars, however, as time went on, I definitely detected a burning odor. The rug dealer said he would pay the shipping back to have the rug cleaned free of charge (only had the rug 1 month). I don't want to go through that hassle to ship out-of-state and would like to know if anyone has another proven method to remove the odor.

My rug smells of rubber too. Now that it is hot outside (and inside), it smells even worse. If there are no solutions, I think we should all file formal complaints w/pottery barn (or wherever the rug was purchased). It's just awful and an expensive mistake...they should be accountable for selling lousy products.

I too have a burn rubber smelling Pottery Barn rug that is driving me crazy...I purchased arm and hammer carpet and room odor eliminator and used it on top and in between the rug and padding, and it has seemed to have helped a lot over this past week.

It may be amusing to note, that I too was looking for a solution and yet I am a proffessional carpet cleaner with 20+ yrs experience.

Right now I have a clients area rug (burnt rubber smell) in a closet in my house with a commercial ozone machine running for about a week now. this will accelerate the natural oxidation process or all organic materials.

I am a bit concerned about the extreme ozone effecting the rubber before it stops the odor. In time it can react like bleach on spandex rubber, loosing it elasticity and eventually making it stiff. That may take years of extreme ozone or sunlight.

Ozone is created by the sun and is how nature deodorizes and kills molds outdoors. To smell ozone, go outside immediately after a thunderstorm. It's that fresh clean almost odorless scent.

For those who hear that ozone is bad or a pollutant, you have been mislead. Ozone is an easily measurable compound and naturally increases it's levels depending upon the real pollutants in the air. To measure benzine and hundreds of compounds would be difficult, but taking a measure of Ozone is easy and is why the misunderstanding. It's simply a indicator of existing pollution, not the pollution itself. Ozone is good for you. I know of asthma sufferers who run to breath in front of their home ozone machine to stop an attack.

Also interesting to note, the levels of ozone right after a thunderstorm is perhaps 100 times what I could produce by machinery.

I use a tiny ozone machine in my refridgerator to eliminate odors and to stop mold growths (another benefit). Strawberries last for more than a week witht that tiny bit of ozone in there.

I have not come up with any liquid chemical way of stopping the burnt rubber odor on that rug. Sure, I can cover it up with a solvent based deodorizer, but really that's just adding one more scent when I don't want any odor whatsoever.

I have many other ways I can try. We'll see what eventually works and let you all know.

Tom K
Charlotte, NC

FYI.... Pottery Barn will accept returns on anything purchased within a year. I am having my two stinky rugs picked up tomorrow.

I can't believe the mystery of the "burnt rubber smell" has been located to our wool PB rug!!! Now does anyone know how to neutralize the oder? Temporarily would even be okay for now!

How grateful I am to have read these posts. I bought an all wool oriental rug -- the price drastically reduced -- from Lowes. After six months, in the middle of winter I started to notice a "burnt wire/rubber" and/or "straw" odor. Okay, it was so strong I thought I was being visited by ghosts. Well not really, but I couldn't figure it out. I've tried everything. Now I am in the midst of removing the foam padding beneath it and will put in the AC. At least there is temporary relief on the way. I have a call into the rug company (not Lowe's) for advice. Hopefully a permanent and acceptable solution will be offered.
Thanks again.

I'm amazed! I bought at PB wool 8 X 10 rug 8 years ago. For the past four years it has been stinking up my dining room. I kept smelling something burning in that room, so I replaced the light switches and even the chandlier...but still didn't solve the problem. Then I realized it was the rug! I had it cleaned. And it didn't even fix the problem. I recently bought a Capel 9 x 12 wool rug & am having the same problem. I'm taking it back! I talked to someone at Pottery Barn & they said they had never heard of any problems. I decided to look online today for solutions for the smell. I was amazed to see that so many others, unfortuantley, have had similar issues. It's an awful smell, like burnt rubber or something electrical.

The problem with the stinky Pottery Barn rugs is this: The rugs are made by a process known as "hand tufting". This is different than a rug made by individually hand tying the knots. A macine is used to insert the wool yarn into a canvas or polypropylene backing. To keep the yarns from coming out, a layer of latex is used to laminate the face yarns, the primary backing and the secondary canvas back that you see on the outside together. In the US, there are regulations about the use of natural latex in various household items because so many people have latex allergies. SB latex (synthetic rubber)has been used in rugs and wall to wall carpet made in the USsince before WWII. PB (and other rugs) made in India, etc. don't have to conform to those guidelines. Latex found in backing may be partly synthetic, partly natural...there is no labeling that says what is in it. They use whats available. The natural latex can develop bacterial growths for a variety of reasons and the odor can be rather like about a hundred cats urinating on your rugs on a hot day or a mild "burnt rubber" smell. Because it is inside your rug, the odor will never, ever go away. There is no cleaning process, deodorizer, enzyme treatment, etc that will work. Check with the store where you purchased your rug and see what their return policy is. Some places won't even accept them as donations because of the smell.

We've been cleaning area rugs for about 100 years. This isn't a plug for our business, anyone who tells you that this can be removed by cleaning
is trying to pull a fast one on you. We've had client bring rugs straight from PB and ask what was wrong before the rugs ever got home.

Oh, I'm so glad to have stumbled across this site!! I too thought I was just imagining things. I bought my 9 x 12 white wool rug from Crate and Barrel about sixteen months ago and it stinks - rubbery smell all the time. Have we all decided it is the imported wool rugs that smell? Would we be better off with sisal? What kind of area rug can I get that won't stink?

This is in response to Kathryn posted on 5/19:

I find it interesting that yours is the only posting with a positive result for your efforts. I'm curious if your rug is still smell free after over a month has passed since you had it "fixed".

My allergy and asthma history coincides with the purchase of my beautiful wool rug. I was 33 when these health problems began and after being "responsible" enough to see my doctor, I went on the appropriate medications to help me breathe easier. Still, I couldn't help notice that I being in the same room as the rug tightened up my chest and I would have to use my inhaler. About a year after being on the medications, I finally rolled the rug up because of the smell and stored it away in the attic. Maybe it is coincidence, but my breathing has only improved.

I'm not looking to pursue a law suit; I just don't want to hand off this problem to an unsuspecting person. I have already printed off these comments from this site to include with the rug as I try to sell it at my garage sale this weekend.

Hope you can continue to enjoy your rug. Some of us are not so fortunate.

This is in response to Kathryn posted 5/19.

While I agree that action is the only way to fix a problem, I disagree that "complaining" is not worthwhile. Let me share a pearle. Just because it's stinky doesn't mean its toxic, but toxins that absolutely are dangerous to children, pets and adults are often stinky. Rugs and carpets alike are treated with preservatives & pesticides and come out of a factory full of everthing from formaldehyde to narcotics-- yes, narcotics.
These chemicals are known carcinogens and contribute to allergies, asthma and multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome.
As a professional carpet cleaner, I specialize in toxic carpet remediation. Every day, I go into homes and offices with new (3 years old or less) carpet and rugs.
I use products manufactured for people with chemical sensitivities in order to prevent this auto immune disease in people who just want the "stink" out.
As yet, it is difficult to find companies who specialize in this work. However, you can go to www.afmsafecoat.com and locate a distributor (hopefully) near you. Ask your local professional steam cleaner to use AFM's Carpet Shampoo as a pre-spray. When they are finished cleaning and the carpet is still damp, use a common garden sprayer to spray on AFM's Carpet Seal. Finally, after the carpet is dry, apply AFM's Lock Out.
The products are available in quarts and are not expensive. Doing it yourself saves money, too. Be sure to have a professional steam cleaner or rent a "professional-strength" steam cleaner. It must have a dual-stage vacuum and at least 100 psi pump.
I have seen children's allergies disappear and babies who were sick since birth, get well. I have seen people with constant fatigue, stomach aches, black circles under their eyes and a continual stuff nose, get healthy again!
I am passionate about my work because I know just how toxic "stinky stuff" can be.
So! Yes, take action! But keep talking and maybe a class action law suit would be enough to generate some action in the FDA. They know how bad these chemicals are, yet have repeatedly refused to regulate it.
We need more people willing to "complain" to each other AND take action.

I also have a STINKY Pottery Barn rug!! It is not from their childrens products, but from their regular line. I couldn't figure out what the horrible smell was coming from, and finally realized it was my beautiful rug :o( It's now in the garage as I hate the thought of tossing it, but no more horrible odors in the house now. Has Pottery Barn every addressed this issue publicly?
Diane

Well, "Whadda ya know"! At this very moment, my dining room rug (I don't know if it's a Pottery Barn rug or not. It just stinks!) lay upside down in the dining room where a de-humidifier and window fan are running on high in an attempt to dry the revolting thing out after its' "treatment". About a month ago, as the heat and humidity were turning up, my visiting niece was down on this rug when her sweet scrunched up face looked up at mine and said, "Iris pee-ed here." "What? Iris has never pee-ed in the house. That's not Iris (Oh PLEEEEEAAAAASE, don't let that be Iris!)." Well, this passed weekend I discovered for myself what the rest of this sorry bunch knows. That suffocating, burning stench is coming from the back of my rug! YUCK!! I mustered up all my strength and courage and hauled that thing outside and stretched it out upside down in the baking sun. I promptly deposited two cans of Lysol disynfectant spray (Fresh Linen scent!) on the backside. It helped a wee little bit, but I knew it wasn't going to be good enough. That's when I thought, "I'm sealing that bad disgusting boy up!" So, I pulled out a gallon of exterior primer and preceeded to paint the underside of that rug as if I was preparing a huge canvas on which to paint a landscape.....and that's where I am today. When I awoke this morning, the rug was still damp and smelled of primer, but...BUT my house was no longer consumed by that wreched, repulsive stink of burning rubber! I think I nailed it! I'm giving it a week or so. If the smell resurfaces, I'm off to the dumpster!

This is in response to Kathryn posted on 5/19

Many people are affected by off-gassing of furniture and carpeting in their homes. It is not unrealistic to think that a 4 x 8 layer of latex that is breaking down daily would make someone feel sick or feel allergic. Our homes are insulated so well and closed up tight most of the year that they are often our most toxic environment!

I purchased two PB Kids rugs for each of my childrens rooms-one from ebay and the other from the Pottery Barn outlet. My daughters rug smelled up the entire upstairs almost immediately. I thought it was just that "new rug" smell but it never went away. I felt dizzy every night when I would rock her to sleep. I disclosed the smell and sold it on ebay, (after reading these posts I feel bad). It took about a month for the smell to go away after I got rid of the rug. My son's rug has started to have the same burnt rubber smell and it gets worse as time goes on. I purchased wool rugs because natural fibers are supposed to make a healthier home environment than synthetic-but I guess it depends on who is manufacturing them. I have heard that IKEA makes more "healthy home" products-I'll check it out.

Update from 7/3/06: I never thought that heaving $350.00 into a dumpster would feel so wonderful! I'm convinced nothing can cut that stink. The rug is gone and I have my house back...Hooray!!!

I am laughing so hard that I am crying...it is frankly very reassuring to know that I am not alone in my stinky rug issues. I too, have a dreaded Pottery Barn Kids rug that has been sent to the basement because it smelled so bad...this was years ago. Think I would have learned my lesson..but no. Stupidly, I bought another wool rug - not from Pottery Barn....it is now smelling up my library/office...found this site looking for "a cure". Guess there isn't one...
Should have learned my lesson the first time...
Am going to begin a series of cleanings..will let you all know how it goes!

My less than a year old PB rug started to smell last winter. It's sweet-smelling burning type,esp when we don't open our windows during winter and summer because of the humidity. When we moved out-of-state to a low humidity area (it's almost dry heat here) the smell is still there but not as bad. I'm thinking of returniong it before it hits a year. Hopefully PB will give me a full refund as I don't plan on buying another rug from them again, ever.

Wow! Like all of the others, I am AMAZED by all of the posts for a stinky problem with a Pottery Barn Kids rug!!! Ours is 3 years old and we rolled it up a few months ago thinking it may be causing an allergic reaction in my daughter. She was tested by an allergist and is free from allergies, but the rug is not going back in her room! When a guest slept for a weekend in there, it made her sneeze and gave her a headache as soon as she walked in the room! I did contact PB, but, as it was past their retun policy mark, would not offer any help to me. I was going to try to sell it at a garage sale or on eBay, but now, after reading all these posts, don't think I can do so in good conscience. There goes $575 down the drain...

Oh lord. I have an India House rug that I bought in December `05 (not PB) that is just beginning to smell. I am really surprised and dismayed to read about everyone's troubles here! I have just emailed the dealer to ask for help, mentioning vaguely what I've read here. I hope they have a suggestion that works or, if not, will take the rug back. I'll let you all know, but I must say I'm pretty discouraged tonight. : (

Are you people BRAIN DEAD? A "hand tufted" rug is NOT handmade, only shaved (yes, SHAVED) with a tool like a mans electric shaver. These rugs are MACHINE MADE with wool machine woven into toxic latex and other synthetic rubbers.
If you're going to buy anything with latex or rubber backings, be assured it will stink permanently and possibly emit noxious fumes dangerous to your health.
Why anyone would buy this garbage made in 3rd world countries is beyond me. READ up and do your homework BEFORE you shop on any household item or decor.
Get your acts together and start a CLASS ACTION SUIT against PB and other retailers selling this dangerous garbage. NO, Im not a lawyer looking for clients, I'm a consumer who DOES MY HOMEWORK first. If I bought something that smelled like what you describe, I'd return it IMMEDIATELY and not stop harrassing the retailer until they made a full refund.
Stop whining and endangering your selves and children and DEMAND restitution from these a-holes.

I'm both relieved and angry after reading these postings. I bought a wool rug from Overstock.com, and after about a year, started to really notice the horrible smell. After blaming the dog (which I feel bad about now), I realize it's just the rug and, apparently, the smell is not going to go away. What a waste of money - no more wool rugs for me. I'm so glad I stubmled across this site.

We recently purchased an 8x10 Capel rug from my aunt who was moving overseas. This rug retails for $1800. She had only had it a bit over a year. She said she had noticed a peculiar smell that seemed to emanate from the rug, but would come and go. We noticed no odor ourselves until it had been in our home for a couple of days. The smell is driving us crazy. I emailed Capel customer service and explained the problem. They told me to lay the rug - backing side up - in the sun for 3 or 4 days. That sometimes the backing has not been allowed to cure properly in the manufacturing process. No easy task hauling this rug in and out for 3 or 4 days, but we are on our 3rd day. We look like idiots going outside and smelling this rug. Sometimes we think the smell is dissipating, then other times certain places seem just as bad. I don't have much hope now that I've run across this website. I'm so disappointed. We've purchased new furniture to go with this rug. We only paid my aunt $500 for it, but still it was a lot of money to us. I may forward this page to the Capel customer service. They were very quick to respond and very nice, but I'm not sure the problem can be solved.

Well, folks, like you all, I have been searching to find a solution for my stinky rug, which I bought in the bay area from a specialty rug dealer but now live in the midwest where it is very humid, so I am only just detecting this problem. I found the site that follows, which basically says that the odor is a maunfacturing flaw and to return it and that washing can make it worse. My problem, however, is that the oder didn't turn up until now and I am half a country away from the store. If anyone has found a solution that even worked a little, please share, because I love the rug.

http://www.cleanfax.com/article.asp?IndexID=6635724

It is not just Pottery Barn. It is also Ballard Design. I have purchased 2 rugs from them. Both imported. Around 3 years of age, they start to really stink. I am now $2,000.00 in the hole. I am sending this last rug back to them whether they want it or not.

There is no cleaning solution as indicated previously. However,like everyone else I was looking for a solution or the dumpster. I read Keely's on 07/03/06 and modified it as follows. Removed bottom canvas which was glued to the latex backing. The latex is thin and crumbles easily and is covered with a heavy cheesecloth material. Don't remove that layer. I then painted the "cheesecloth" and latex underneath with a heavy oil-based paint - TremClad or Rustoleum. Wanted to really saturate that thin layer of friable latex to seal as much of it's surface area as possible. I let it dry in the sun for 2 days. After 2 weeks the only odour noticeable is the paint - but that will dissipate. Better than stale latex! The latex odour is gone, at least from my rug! Sure it's an extreme solution but it was going out with the trash.

Follow up to message posted 7/18 re: Capel 8x10 rug. Laid rug out in sun - back side up - for 4 full days. Still has odor. Capel customer service suggested I might try a product called "Capture." Rep said they handle these things on a cse by case basis, but she would talk to her manager about doing something for us toward the purchase of a new rug. I really didn't expect it since we are the "second" owners so to speak. But we shall see. I do not think I want another hand tufted rug from India. We are putting the rug out in the garage. We might try the Capture, but I'm not confident it will do any good. Website for this "Capture" stuff is www.captureclean.com in case anyone is interested.

wow-- i found this sight while i was doing some research to see why an almost new gorgeous pottery barn rug i got from a neighbor's yard sale smelled horrible and won't abate. it actually made me feel sick to my stomach when we had it inside-- for one day. i had professional carpet cleaners out to clean and sprayed with lysol. it's been outside in the sun. still smells really bad and we need to just get rid of.

I bought a PB 8x10 rug 2 years ago. The smell really started this spring with the humidity and became overwhelming as the summer progressed. I called the catalog who informed me that the natural latex backing was causing the smell and that all of their rugs would be soon backed with a synthetic latex starting with the Fall 06 rugs. I returned mine at my local PB store. They offered to replace it (after alot of complaining on my part) with a new one. I'm not sure I wan't to get a new rug from them to be perfectly honest, however I do want a wool rug and am thinking that this must be a common problem across all manufacturers since they are all made overseas.

Check out this website. Great info. re: rugs!
http://www.obeetee.com/

Is the consensus that all wool rugs are ok unless they're backed with latex? I ask because I'm not clear if it is the wool, being a material cut off of sheep and the animal dander is giving people allergic reactions (a lot of people above mentioned winter or humid weather affecting them) or if it is the latex. A friend of mine can't wear any wool, even a wool scarf sets her sneezing and itching all over, so maybe people are allergic to sheep! Thank you all for bringing this up because I'm in the market for rugs! Also, please look for the new certification on the backs of rugs to ensure that no children were used as slave labor in the weaving process. I read about it recently - it seems karmic that so many of us consumers are having problems from items that have often devastated the lives of children. And we're worried about our kids being exposed to toxins! Let's take care of everyone in the chain ... On a different note, can we buy sisal rugs, seagrass, etc.? Is it just wool/latex? More feedback needed!

I also bought a rug from PB a couple of years ago. I just started getting the smell of burned rubber too. I also thought it was something electrical. Tonight me and my daughter were sitting on it playing cards and I reliazed it was from the rug.
I was just doing a search to see if this was me or a common problem with wool rugs. I see that it is. I also bought a wool rug because I thought it was better.

I bought some rugs for my office from Leows. I can't remember if they are wool,I think they are some kind of synthetic but they don't smell as of yet. I was just going to look around for a rug for my dining room but this has turned meoff to rugs and I think I will not put anything in there unless one day I run across a non smeller.

I am going to call PB and insist they give my money back even though it was 2 years ago. This is very upsetting. No one in my family seems to have any allergy problems from it. I hope there isn't anything cancer causing in it though.

I just got new window treatments that had a horrible outgassing smell. I had to keep the windows open for a few days. That has gone away but betwen that and the rug I wonder what my family has been breathing in.

It's such a shame thse companies have to put us at risk. I wish I could afford one of those green houses!

A rug I purchased from Kitchen Kaboodle in Portland OR six years ago began to smell like burning rubber soon after I put it under a computer tower to protect the wood floor. I assumed the odor was caused by the heat, and moved the rug to the basement where I thought the odor would eventually dissipate. Having forgotten about the problem, I bought a large rug from Pottery Barn in 2003. This year, it suddenly began smelling like burnt rubber. I spoke to a Pottery Barn rep, who was not helpful. My daughter-in-law, who has a Ph.D. in materials science, was certain the smell was related to the latex used in the backing, and suggested I move the rug to an area with more air circulation, which I did without any improvement. Then, she suggested that I put it outdoors where it would have heat as well as air circulation, but the odor remained. Two days ago, I took the rug to a highly-regarded rug-cleaning company whose technician said he'd been hearing similar complaints for several years. Despite his warning that cleaning would not get rid of the odor, I left it to be cleaned. Today, after I read the postings on this site, I called the cleaning company, hoping the rug hadn't been cleaned, but I was too late. However, thanks to this site, I'll never be tempted to buy one of these uncommonly attractive rugs again. I can't help but be reminded of the beautiful apple that's rotten to the core.

Our rug was purchased at Sam's about a year ago and I noticed a chemical smell from the start. I figured it would go away eventually but it has not. Before finding this thread today I suggested to my wife that we move it to the garage to air out. When we moved the rug, we found that the off-white carpet was yellowed beneath where the rug had lain.

Has anyone noticed any discoloration from this outgassing? We haven't tried cleaning it, but I'm afraid it may have ruined our carpet.

I kept smelling a burnt smell in my son's room. I removed his computer and every electrical item I could find. To no avail! We finally emptied the room while he was away and found the smell to be the rug also. We took it to be cleaned professionally today and was told, the glue used in India is an inferior glue which emits and odor. I am on the phone with Ethan Allen now for a refund!

I had the bad burnt rubber smell from a 8-11 Chi-Per rug, J-13, made in China, which follows all the comments above in the discovery process. I aired it out in the hot summer sun, for one full day and it smells even worse. I purchased it from Norwalk Furniture. I doubt the problem is specific to India, but who knows where the rugs are made. A made in China rug could be made in India or other places. It apparently is hand tuffted and it will go back to Norwalk Furniture tomorrow. I agree with the writers that say, take it back. If they won't take it back, then there are other ways of getting justice--eg local attention via publicity, contacting home office of Norwalk or BBB etc. Most of the comments are about Pottery Barn above, but no comments about how anyone resolved his/her complaints with this organization. I am surprised. Did anyone dispute their credit card charge--as I understand you have three months to do this.

I have a Restoration Hardware rug that smells like rubber. I took it to an Oriental rug dealer, thinking something was wrong. He told me the rug is constructed with a layer of latex between the wool and the backing.

He suggested I call Restoration Hardware to ask them if there was something I could do to get rid of the smell. I called yesterday and the customer service rep took my number and said someone would get back to me.

I hope they call and have a solution. The order hits you immediately when you walk in the door or walk downstairs to the first floor (the rug is currently in the living room, but soon may end up in the garage).

Wow I am so very glad I found this sight. I only wish I had 3 years ago. I have an 8 x 10 Pottery Barn rug that I love but the dining room always smelled like burnt rubber. We thought it was the furnace ducts or hose from the central air. Everything. And then one day my sister came over, dropped something on the rug and said that the smell was just awful and that it was the rug. She insisted I remove it immediately which I did and wow the room smells great. Problem is I bought the rug so long ago I no longer have he receipt. I will call and see how far I get with customer service. I'm out $800 dollars so I plan to be aggressive. I'll let you know how it goes.

Follow up to message posted 7/21 re: Capel 8x10 rug. Capel customer service Rep spoke with manager, but as I suspected, since we are really the "second" owners with no receipt they can do nothing for us. I didn't think it was possible for the rug to smell even worse than when this whole thing started, but it does. We have had it rolled up in the garage and the smell is horrible as soon as you open the doors. I cannot believe we are throwing it away. Never again for a hand tufted rug with that backing - I don't care what country it comes from.

I am another owner of a smelly PB children's rug, and went through all the various things others on this website went through trying to figure it out. Our carpet cleaner said what others' have said here: that the smell is due to the latex adhesive, and that it cannot be removed.

I called PB to complain, and guess what? They said they are aware of this problem and are in the process of changing the backing on their rugs. They will give me a full refund for this rug I've had for 4 years in the form of a merchandise certificate.

I still think this should be better publicized. I wonder how many kids (or anyone, for that matter) with allergies who may be sensitive to latex have these rugs in their bedrooms.

I have two tufted wool rugs made in India and purchased from Costco. Three hand knotted wool rugs made in Iran and purchased from Ikea. Had them for about 10 months and none came with a bad smell nor developed a bad smell.

I just bought a hand knotted rug made in Pakistan from T.J.Maxx. It had an odor in the store and it's even worse in my home. It's now in the trunk of my car waiting to be returned. I really thought spraying it with Febreeze would neutralize the odor. Beautiful tribal rug, but smells like a very dirty animal. I've concluded from everyone's various postings that this smell will remain - whatever the reason for it. Glad I ran across these postings while I was searching for a solution.

I just purchased a wool rug from The Company Store for my future daughter's room. The entire house smells like cat urine. We don't have a cat. I don't actually smell it on the rug but didn't have this awful oder in the house until I put down the rug. Any suggestions? The Company Store suggested I put it outside, but not in direct sunlight to see if that helps. Nope, I just brought it back inside and I smell it already. I may just have to return it.

I'm in shock finding this website! The smell is driving me CRAZY and I did a search for burnt rubber smell! Pottery Barn Rug here as well and it's just getting worse and worse. It is also in our front room so it's the first thing our guests smell when they walk in the house. We had it dry cleaned and it smelled fine for a week. Ours is an 8 x 10 and was pretty pricey but I've had for over 3 years.

In response to BG, WHO DO I CONTACT at Pottery Barn for a refund????????????????

We had the same problem and went through a few diaper pails before we realized it was our baby's adorable pottery barn kids rug. PBK WAS GREAT ABOUT RETURNING IT. We bought the original rug on sale but they replaced our rug with one not on sale. This rug does not smell. The first rug had a multi colored pattern all over it (squares with letters in them) the non smellly rug has a solid middle and a border of cars. I have a hunch that it is those rugs with patterns all over it that smell the most.

Someone asked for a follow-up about what was done with everyones rugs. As I stated above I purchased a rug from Pottery Barn about 2 years ago. I called them and told them about it. I aksed them if they have ever had anyone complain about it and they said no. But they were more than willing to take rug back with the receipt(which I luckily had). I returned it a couple of weeks ago and got my money back,no problem. I am assuming that they are aware of the problem by the ease of the return but didn't want to admit it to me.

I than bought an olefin rug in Loews. I would much rather have a wool rug because they are softer and richer looking but I don't want to chance it again.

I need another rug for my dining room. I saw a big hand-tufted one in a local rug store. It cost $500. I was tempted to buy it and asked them if they have ever had this problem and they said no. But I didn't buy it because I am sure they won't take it back in the future.

So I will keep searching.

I just bought a wool rug from PB (the Shag Rug) and rolled it out on the floor '- guess what, it stinks like sheep!! We thought it was because the rug is new and, well, made out of wool '- i.e. sheep '- but now I know better. We are returning this rug ASAP.

I also have a stinky kids carpet from Pottery Barn. I am so frusterated that PB is still selling these smelly carpets. I have been dealing with this terrible smell for the last three weeks since I purchased the rug for my baby's room. I called Pottery Barn and they acted like noone has ever had such a complaint and they were completely surprised. They better give me my money back or I will be extremely upset!

I too have a stinky wool rug, but this was purchased from Goldsmiths which is now Macy's over 10 years ago. It seems the odor has increased over the years and is much stronger in the summer. possibly humidity here in the south. To me it smells like moth balls, probably the same chemical used in the PB rugs. It was too expensive to throw away, i wonder if there is anyway to counteract or destroy that chemical.

I bought a wool rug at a big furniture outlet in the Philly area called "The Dump". About one month after putting it down, I noticed a funky pungent bateria smell coming from the one end of the rug that receives full sun. It really peaks when the weather is hot and humid. I don't smell burt rubber, so I'm thinking it natural latex experiencing a bacteria bloom. I'm obviously dismayed after reading the info on this site, but at least I know what I'm dealing w/. Anyway, Iraq is a problem... it's only a rug. Peace!

Same thing, beautiful 100% wool rug from Home Decorators Catalog. Burnt rubber smell even after spending $110 getting it cleaned. The 9x11 rug cost around $800. Looks beautiful but the smell... almost intolerable.

Update - I went back to "the Dump" in suburban Philly where I bought my rug two months ago, explained the situation and the manager agreed to take the rug back. I looked at the rugs in the store and the majority of rugs do not have the latex backing that my stinky rug has. The more expensive one's definitely do not. The manager said that he had heard of the situation. I am going to get a rug w/ out latex backing. You can tell by seeing the print of the rug on the back side. The back of my current rug is white due to the latex/fabric backing. Going forward, I'm never buying a wool rug w/ a backing. It's good to know customer service still does exists.

I cannot believe I found this website. I just had a carpet cleaning company come to my house to tell me what to do about my PB 8x10 Kilim wool rugs that were purchased more than 2 years ago. I had them professionally cleaned last year (using enzymes and anything else that might kill the smell) only to have the burnt/wet dog smell return in a week. This company told me there was nothing they could do and that they have gotten this complaint before. The smell is constant in my house (we have one rug in the dining room and one in the family room). After I read this site my husband and I immediately removed them threw them in the basement. I thought for sure it was my dog causing the smell! I will be boycotting PB and trying to return them. Has anyone had any luck returning them with out a receipt?

I have the same problem as everyone here. My stinker is the PB 8x10 Emerson rug. Pottery Barn is aware this is a problem and will gladly accept the rug as a return but a receipt is necessary. If you do not have the receipt and purchased the rug within the last year via catalog or internet, they can look you up in the computer. If you purchased it at the store within the last year, you can return it to the same store and they will look up the purchase in the computer. If the rug is older than a year, I am afraid you are out of luck. This info. came directly from Pottery Barn Customer Service within the last week.

So glad (but sorry!) to hear that others are having the same problem with their PBK rugs! I honestly thought I was the only one who could smell it. I bought a 3'x5' PBK animals rug in 2004. For the first year, it was fine, but then it really started to smell. Like others, we couldn't figure out what the chemically smell was! We finally figured out that it was the rug. I called PBK, and they said they had no complaints about the smell of their rugs (which is obviously NOT true!) But they took the rug back and gave me a full refund, even though the rug was discontinued.

Stupid me, I thought that I had bought a defective rug because the PBK rep said that there were no other complaints. So, since the rug was discontinued, I bought a 2nd rug on eBay! It stunk too! It's been sitting in our basement for over a year. Unfortunately, I just bought a 3rd smelly rug (kept hoping that I was just unlucky). Now, after reading all of your stories, I realize that I will never win with a PB rug, and I'm now stuck with 2 PBK animals rugs.

Thanks for sharing your stories and attempts at getting the smell out.

OMG! I'm amazed at these postings! I just bought a PBKids 8x10 rug (unfortunately) on eBay for my daughter's room. I kept smelling what I thought was cigarette smoke - I thought maybe the eBay seller was a smoker and I just needed to give it some time for the rug to air itself out. Coincidentally, my daughter started complaining of having a stuffed up nose at night! My husband usually puts my daughter to bed while I put the baby to bed, but two nights not long after we put the rug in her room, I had bedtime duty and BOTH nights, while reading stories, my nose completely stopped up! It must be the rug! Ugh! I am SO upset by this!

Like others, I was surprised to come across this site as I figured I was the only one who noticed the strong rubber smell emanating from the Pottery Barn Kids rug in my young daughter's room. I am so MAD to discover that it is not uncommon AND that PBK knows about it. I just hope that there have been no serious negative health effects from my daughter's exposure. I contacted the CSPC (consumer safety group) today and will update you on any response I get.

Patty

UPDATE-

I just filed a complaint with the US Product Safety Commission. I urge all others with the same complaint re smelly Pottery Barn rugs to do the same. File an 'incident report' here:
https://www.cpsc.gov/incident.html

Let's keep this potentially hazardous rugs out of our homes!!!

I have been selling PB rugs on Ebay for over 5 years. I was always told the smell was from the chemical treatment given to the rugs during the exportation process. I have had many many rugs in my own home over the years, and the smell always dissipates. I will offer this suggestion: We use Zeolyte to absorb odors. It's like rocks in a mesh bag. We have bags hanging in the warehouse, home and even occasionally the vehicle we use to transport rugs. I was skeptical at first, but I'm a believer now!

I hope this product works for everyone else. I used to get it at Home Depot, but they stopped carrying it and I got the last batch on Ebay (of course).

Lisa

We bought a Pottery Barn run in 2002. We recently moved and the new house has a heat source (wall vent) that is next to the rug. The rug began to smell like burnt rubber.
This odor is giving us headaches and I have read that others had health problems related to it. Why would the Pottery Barn or any US run manufacturer allow this to happen? Is this toxic?
Pottery Barn did not return our money (the rug was over $800) but they did offer to replace it with a new rug. We are going to see if they can sell any rugs that do not have a latex backing.
Pottery Barn seems to know about this problem. They said that this happens to any tufted/ latex backed rug and that they are not meant to last for years. The manager at PB used the analogy of a rubber band - anything wil latex gets dry rot over time.
Sounds like a bunch of baloney. They should not be selling these products.

Hi, grrr... we have 3 of the same rugs from Pottery Barn, so that's about $1,200 for us, which is a lot! All three were bought on e-bay, 1 is miserable and is hanging out on a line in the back. I doubt if it'll ever come back in. It took us a really long time, over this past summer, to realize that our little dog wasn't pp'ing up a storm while we slept. This smell would take a lot of PP!!!! Does anyone know the # for the Pottery Barn to see if they have a solution (which I doubt) or a refund of some sort? Even a small one would be better than throwing a beautiful wool rug in the trash. I've never heard of buying rugs that only last a short time or knowing it'll have potential problems. A failing grade for Pottery Barn :(

Folks,
You should be buying better rugs. A rug with a latex backing is not a good quality rug. A 100% wool rug with or with out a cotton backing will not smell no matter where you place it or what the humidity conditions are. Wool is natures high-tech fiber and is durable, washable, easy to care for and is repairable. No wonder they grace the floors of dirt huts and stone mansions from Iran to Beverly Hills.
Tim

yep, same thing here... PB rug bought 3 years ago - bad smell from the beginning which I thought would gradually disappear. Looking for my receipt now - it's leaving the house tomorrow whether PB TAKES IT BACK OR NOT.

As a physician I had patients complain of feeling bad after exposure to certain industial chemicals - I now realize we have all felt worse over the last few years since THE RUG entered our home. I finally couldn't take it any more - so I googled "bad new rug smell" and it landed me here

I am stunned, I have been living with the smell in my rugs for about 5 years. I thought it was me or something my animals had done. I have cleaned the rugs both from Pottery Barn in their regular range, not childrens range, numerous times. the smell eases for a very short while but always comes back. I thought it was because they were wool, it is extremely embarrassing.

We have moved a lot and the first house I had them in I thought the smell was down to a damp smell in the crawl space. After we had the crawl space treated and fans installed the smell still remained. By the time we got to our next house we started to get what smelled like burnt rubber and it took me a while to fathom out that it was the rugs.

I have cleaned the top and the back of the rugs on numerous occasions. We have since move house again and I brought one of the rugs out and the smell is worse than ever, perhaps because I haven't had it around for a while.

I am stunned at the talk of asthma and reactions to the rugs. In the first house that we had the rugs I was having dizzy spells and trouble breathing and was diagnosed with athma at 38! It never occured to me that the rugs could be the culprit but all my problems started after I bought the rugs!

I will admit however, that I have since worked as a Design Consultant at a high end furniture store and come across the same smell on our rug display from a few of the rugs that we carried.

Having found this site, I am definitely going to have to give up the rugs and just throw them out, what a waste of money!!!!!

We call our stinky rug "The Goat" and have banished it to the basement where it sits covered in a tropical floral-scented baking soda carpet deodorizer. This has led us to dub it "Island Goat".

After reading this and another forum, it will go in the trash tomorrow.

My mother in law gave me a beautful 8x10 sage colored rug for my daughter's room. After driving around with it in the back of my Tahoe for a week, I thought my car was having mechanical issues because it smelt like burnt rubber. I was feeling sick for days while driving. When I took the rug inside, the bad car smell went away. Now every time I walk into our guest bedroom (where I stored it while getting her room ready), it smells horrible!!!! I'm not going to use the rug now in fear that it will make my daughter sick. What a bummer! It was an expensive rug that my mother in law decided not to use and give us instead... wonder if it was the smell??? :)

OK...I thought I was the only one. We bought the PB Sunita rug (8 X 10) in 2004 and about a year ago, it began to stink. I called the store about 6 months ago after consulting with some rug and carpet cleaners and they said they wouldn't accept it as a return because they had no other complaints like mine. Well, I'm calling them right now to tell them that I've helped them with some research. Now they can correct the issues with their stinky rugs and give us all the refunds we deserve. What good is a $800 rug when you can only enjoy it for a year? I'll let you know what happens. Wish me luck.

It's not just PB rugs, I think it's many thick wool rugs with a backing sewed on. I've had one from Target.com in my living room over carpet for 5 years, and it has stunk the whole time. But, I just moved it to a different room where it's on a wood floor over a concrete slab, and it's unbearable, it's GOT to go! We took it outside in the driveway and went over it twice with a steam cleaner, left it outside overnight, it did nothing, same smell when we brought it back inside. Then, we were at Lowes yesterday looking for a replacement and while we were standing there looking at the hanging rugs, we noticed the same smell! No more expensive ($600) wool rugs for me. I'm going with a synthetic flat one for a replacement, what a shame.

i have a "burnt-donkey" smelling rug from pottery barn as well. actually i have both an 8x10 and a 5x8 so both my living room and bedroom smell like death. i've had them professionally cleaned and it didn't help at all.

in my desperation i found these posts and decided to call up pottery barn even though they are 2yrs old and i have no receipt. they seemed to know that the rugs had a problem and UPS is coming to pick up my stinky rugs tomorrow and are going to ship me some new (hopefully non-stinky) rugs in a week!!!!!!

good luck everyone :)

I can't believe I found this site. Same exact problem here. I bought the 8X10 Henley rug from Pottery Barn 6 months ago and last week it started smelling like burned rubber. My dining room smells awful and I figured out yesterday that it's the rug! Yuck!

Oh my god, thank goodness i found this page. My Pottery Barn rug stinks to high heaven. not only that, but no matter how many times i vacuum it the pile builds up and ends up all over our socks and clothes, its so disgusting! plus i have a baby in the house, so now i am freaked out that its done damage to her little lungs. i am returning this piece of crap ASAP!! if anyone is filing a class action suit count me in.

I too am glad I found this site. A year and a half ago I bought a cotton loop rug from Pottery Barn. I selected it because my son has allergies and it was described as cotton loop with cotton canvas backing. Well I've got the smell now too. I've been checking our furnace, done research on CDC, NIH and EPA sites and consulted with the local health department's environmental health specialist. I finally concluded that it had to be the rug--though I aired it before putting it in his room and its been in there for 1 and 1/2 years! Got down on my hands and knees and was blown away by the smell. I"ve been airing it again outside with no reduction in odor. The backing on mine does say natural rubber latex has been used--though the PB description and general rug construction information did not provide that info.

To Kathryn who in her 5/19/06 post was so disgusted with complainers and dismissive of the idea that the rugs could be causing allergies, I would point out that the US government's Center for Disease Control (CDC) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) warn that natural rubber latex is a common allergen that causes symptoms like hay fever and hives in those MILDLY allergic to it and potentially anaphyllaxis in those severely allergic. They also warn that continued exposure for those with mild symptoms can result in development of asthma. While I am in agreement with her that our culture is too litigious, she is way off base on the toxins, allergic reactions front. And I think--given what is known about rubber latex--that it is reasonable to expect companies to cite the use of it in their products up front and PROMINENTLY.

I acknowledge that my son has had allergies since very young, but despite continued monitoring/screening by his pediatrician he had not developed asthma. Interestingly in the year that he seemed to be growing out of his allergies and was very healthy, he occasionally developed hives at night for which we could not identify a trigger and he had just one bout of significant illness--what ultimately proved to be an asthma attack. The hives and asthma are conditions he had not suffered from previous to installation of the PB rug, despite his history of allergic rhinitis. The asthma was diagnosed seven months after we placed the rug in his room.

Kids with allergic rhinitis are at greater risk of developing asthma but it is not inevitable. The risk can be reduced through effective management of medication and ENVIRONMENT (removal of allergans that trigger the illness). In a country with a growing incidence of asthma in the children, I think it matters that companies are marketing children's rugs that use materials known to trigger allergic reactions and asthma and possibly even--if an earlier post is accurate--foster the development of mold, which is yet another trigger for allergic and asthmatic illness.

I am so glad that I have not lost my mind! I just got done talking to a carpet cleaner because what seems like forever, I kept smelling this sour, rubbery, pee smell in the family room. He said that the rugs are attached to the pad with latex, and that is what you are smelling. he said that it will get worse with wetness, humidity, etc., but that cleaning it will not get rid of the odor. I used to work at PB and never remember anyone coming in or even co workers making a comment about the smell. It has been driving me crazy! Before today, I had the air ducts cleaned, scolded the dogs, was told I was losing my mind.

$2000 Air duct cleaning
$100 Rental of a steam vac
$300 Cost of therapy because my husband thought I needed it due to smell issues
$800 Cost of two wool rugs (with 40% discount)

Finding out that I am in fact not crazy PRICELESS

I have a Pottery Barn kids rug that is 2 years old. We have noticed a similar odor from the time we bought it, and assumed it would "air out". When we moved to a colder climate, the smell has become unbearable during the winter. Now after reading about the potential side effects, I think I will have to dispose of this expensive rug, as PBK customer service denies any compaints.

I own a new Capel wool rug I purchased from an old family store, Dunn Furniture, during their going out of business sale (tough competing with all the Wal-Marts and IKEAs of the world). I love the rug and saved substantially off its original cost, however it also had that same "burning rubber" smell, and is also made in India. Before purchasing it I checked the materials "ingredients" list, and was happy to find just one listed: 100% wool, no latex, even the backing is wool (so I'll need to get a pad, which will probably be latex, and will probably smell- any ideas there?). What I smelled was likely the chemical repellent used to protect the wool. That is scary, and I hope that the chemicals at the very least conform to US safety standards, and not India safety standards.
At the very least, I am thankful for having read this thread because I have two young nephews, and the last thing I'd want is for them to get toxic chemical exposure from the rug at Auntie's house!!
Everyone with these chemical-doused rugs should also be protecting their cat and dog family members, too; they're just as susceptible, if not more so.
After a week, I'm no longer dealing with the BAM! hit-you-in-the-honker smell. In fact the smell seems to be dissipating by the day.
Here's what I did. (The following works for 100 percent wool rugs. Not sure if it will work for a latex-backed rug but, I suppose it's worth a try).
1. Lay the rug right-side-up in a cold room for a few days then move to the room where it will stay.
2. Purchase a Yankee candle tart warmer and tarts. Light, and keep it going for a few hours each day.
3. Don't spray the rug with anything! Don't douse it with baking soda, don't wash it, just leave it, and three times a week, vacuum it thoroughly. You just don't know how the chemicals in the rug will react to the chemicals in the products you apply (even baking soda is a chemical).
4. If possible, use the rug in a room that has a fireplace or woodstove. That old "light-a-match" cure for "indelicate" smells of the bathroom really works. My grandmother always had pricey wool carpets (over a latex rubber padding) in her living room where the fireplace was.
I didn't really see any advice on what to do here, just people relating their frustrating experiences. I hope that my suggestions will help you, and would appreciate knowing if they've helped anyone with the latex backing problem.
For those who still want to purchase nice area rugs, Buidling 19 used to sell some good, reasonably-priced synthetic fiber persian/oriental style rugs that were hooked onto an open weave jute backing. I purchased mine 12 years ago before I went to college (have since given it away). No latex, and never smelled from day one.

I have a similar story related to a 10 x 12 wool rug purchased at a "store-closing" sale. Thinking the rug simply needed a good cleaning, I took it to the rug cleaning company I've relied upon for all my rug cleaning for many years. The manager took one look at the rug and immediately said, "Oh no, not the blue backing!". He explained that this cotton blue backing used on my rug stinks and the smells vary in intensity from day to day. He agreed to clean the rug, but promised me, no matter how many times he cleaned it, the smell would not go away. His advice was simply, "Never, never buy a rug with that blue backing!".

We have one, too. Red 10X12 PB rug that has a very chemical type of smell. Wife can't smell it for some reason; we went back and forth and it caused a couple of fights before I just threw the damned thing in the garage (she can't carry it).

Lawsuit here for marital difficulties .... thanks for this site, now my wife has a second opinion!

Come on, PB! It's obvious this has been going on for years.

I've found a way to deal with the burnt rubber smell from my Pottery Barn rug, albeit temporary. I placed our ionic air purifier in the room and sealed it off (closed the windows, shut the door)as an experiment. The next morning, the smell was completely gone. For kicks, I used some Arm & Hammer carpet powder for pet odors on it (safer for pets & kids), let it sit for about 1/2 hour and vaccuumed it up. I also set an air freshener out on a shelf in the room. Currently, this is the nicest smelling room in our home and there isn't even a hint of the nasty rubber smell. Since this a kids room, I have no problem leaving the ionic air purifier in there because it's probably healthier for them anyway and I expect that as long as the air is being filtered, the smell will be gone. As soon as the filter breaks down, however, I'm sure it'll only be a matter of time before the smell comes back. In the future, I will avoid purchasing imported rugs - which will probably save me money in the long run anyway!

KMN -
I'd caution you on keeping the rug. We had two Pottery Barn Kids rugs, one in each of our kids rooms. My daughter was experiencing severe headaches when she woke up in the morning for almost a year. We ended up taking her to Children's Hospital in the fall last year for an MRI. We couldn't determine what was causing her headaches. After realizing that the rug had a very significant odor (depending on the weather conditions and whether or not her door/windows were sealed) - we removed the rug. She has been headache free ever since. We are just disgusted with ourselves that we never imagined that it could have been the rug! It wasn't until I decided to look up "Pottery Barn Rug Odor" on the internet that I really put two and two together.
I think this is a very serious health issue that Pottery Barn needs to explore. We are.

SAME EXACT THING! Pottery Barn 5 x 8 rug that we've had in our breakfast room for 4 years. A couple years ago there was a bad burning rubber odor. Have had the rug powerwashed even....no change. Finally just gave up and bought a new one at Target for about 1/4 the price and it is fine.

Upsets me that I waited 4 years to say anything. $500 rug. I've looked everywhere for some kind of solution. Rug cleaners told me the same thing....latex glue is used when they put it together and that's what smells bad. I kept waiting for the rug to air out. I looked everywhere for some kind of solution and finally found this site today.

My family thought I was completely insane because I constantly complained about the horrible odor. But, after reading these posts I'm beginning to wonder if this isn't the reason BOTH my sons (3 & 5) have been prescribed asthma/allergy medication since they were infants....and if that's the case then Pottery Barn HAS to do something.

Can't Pottery Barn do SOMETHING to adjust these out for those of us who have had this problem...which seems to be everyone that ever bought one?

Has anyone tried a 10-1 water and bleach combination and sprayed it onto the rug? I don't know if it will help, but I was told to use it once on walls that smelled of mildew and it worked. I then used it on the carpeting in case the carpet had mildew too and it did nothing to the color but I had no more mildew smell in the room. Not sure if this smell is bacterial or mold (spores) but bleach should kill the odor if it is either of those.

I am a manager at POttery Barn and had a customer call with a rug from 5 years ago with this same problem. I have not had anyone else come in, but urge anyone who feels the rug itself is the cause of the odor to return the rug to your nearest store. We stand behind our products 100% and do not know a problem exists unless customers tell us. Please please please return your rugs and we will do our bet to fix the error.
I will be contacting our corporate offices tomorrow to make them aware of these issues too. If you run into any problems returning your rugs contact corporate, see webpage for contact information.

I just spoke to Pottery Barn Kids Customer Service about new rugs in their catalog and I was told that Pottery Barn is aware of the rug smell problem and that the buyers have been trying to identify the problems in rug making process. While they do not guarantee that new rugs won't have that smell, they do offer full refund. Let's hope that they will eventually fix it and we could enjoy their beautiful design rugs without the stink. In the meantime, what do I do with my rug which I bought 3 years ago and have no receit?
Anyone succeded in returning an old rug?
Also, what other rug resellers/manufacturers can one recommend that carry kids rugs that do not smell? I heard Momeni rugs are very good but they do not have kids designs in pastel colors that I so much love in PBK rugs.

I found this site days after purchasing a Pottery Barn children's rug. I too, was searching for an answer to my stinky rug problem, and this was the first thing that popped up. After reading this, I promptly sent Pottery Barn a "Shame on You" email, for selling craptacular wool rugs that stink so badly you can't use them, especially in a child's room. I sent them the link to this site too. Funny thing, the tag on the back of my rug says that it will last a lifetime, and I'm sure it will, in a landfill, where even stray dogs won't lie on it. Shame on you Pottery Barn, keep your stinky rugs to yourself.

I bought 2 Pottery Barn Rugs on craigslist. They looked beautiful. Shortly after I found they stunk with a rubber odor and had to remove them to garage while assessing what to do with them. One was an 8 x 10 Salama and was not cheap.

I consulted a respected long time clearer of rugs in my area, and was told the defect was in the latex backing which was most likely applied in an inferior factory. I could try airing outside to stop oxidation but problem would return in a month or so, especially if rug was in sunlight. There is no cure!!!

I called my local PB manager in Northern Virginia and he told me basically that it was not purchased at his store and Pottery Barn had no responsibility since it was such an old rug. (Actually, he had no idea of the rug's age.) Strange coming from a Pottery Barn employee!!!

I asked him if he had viewed this website and he was evasive. I also told him that I would have to haul rugs to dump and he was not sympathetic or in any way interested.

I did, however, obtain the name of PB CEO: Ms. Sue Walsh, 3250 Van Ness Ave, California, 94109.

I plan to write her as I feel totally ripped off and am considering a bumper sticker that says "Pottery Barn Rugs Stink - Literally". I also think we should run warnings on craigslist furniture sites in different cities warning buyers of problem.

It might trickle down to new buyers and warn them to avoid this product, unless they have money to burn! Obviously PB will only respond when it hurts their pocket book, not ours!!!!

I bought 2 Pottery Barn Rugs on craigslist. They looked beautiful. Shortly after I found they stunk with a rubber odor and had to remove them to garage while assessing what to do with them. One was an 8 x 10 Salama and was not cheap.
I called my local PB manager in Northern Virginia and he told me basically that it was not purchased at his store and Pottery Barn had no responsibility since it was such an old rug. (Actually, he had no idea of the rug's age.) Strange coming from a Pottery Barn employee!!!

I asked him if he had viewed this website and he was evasive. I also told him that I would have to haul rugs to dump and he was not sympathetic or in any way interested.

I did, however, obtain the name of PB CEO: Ms. Sue Walsh, 3250 Van Ness Ave, California, 94109.

I plan to write her as I feel totally ripped off and am considering a bumper sticker that says "Pottery Barn Rugs Stink - Literally". I also think we should run warnings on craigslist furniture sites in different cities warning buyers of problem. It might trickle down to new buyers and warn them to avoid this product, unless they have money to burn! Obviously PB will only respond when it hurts their pocket book, not ours!!!!

Wow, unbelievable. I received a Pottery Barn rug about 4-5 years ago for my daughter nursery. In our old house, I had her carpet cleaned over and over, never imagining it was the rug. We moved into a new house 2 years ago. I painted and wallpapered her room around the rug (Julia) which I love. I was searching under her bed for some toys and literally died when I realized the odor from the rug. It smells like a cat urine or an old dirty diaper smell. I've always noticed the odor in her room and am constantly Febreezing, etc. After finding, it was the rug, I looked up how to get rid of the odor and landed here. I contacted eBay who said it was the latex and is not being used in their new rugs. That does me a lot of good. They also said they didn't have a record of my purchase. This was a baby shower gift from my family. What do I do with this expensive rug? I do not have a receipt. No wonder my daughter never wants to sleep in her room and usually ends up with us!!! Her room is beautiful but smells like a barn.

In my above post, I meant to say I contacted Pottery Barn Kids (customer service red, Lisa), not eBay. I was just on eBay looking for another Julia rug to buy and planning on asking if it had an odor! Sorry for the mixup. I obviously type faster than I can think. :)

Did you ever wonder why these Pottery Barn rugs are "discontinued" and end up on ebay as a "secondary" seller. Thereby, according to Pottery Barn, absolving them of any responsibility.

Did they know this stink problem was about to surface in a few years and best to dump the rugs first. Why is there such a market for "discontinued" Pottery Barn rugs? This situation clearly calls out for legal recourse. How many people have actually taken them to court, even small claims.

They might find it is cheaper to buy back your stinky rug than tie the store manager up in court for a day. Clearly, they think the consumer is an idiot who will accept any abuse.

Your local congressman have offices for just such cases. Also, has anyone consulted a lawyer for the psychological pain of having this tar baby rug in their house, while Pottery Barn stonewalls their misery.

Please, let's just hear one story of someone who used the numerous consumer offices to fight this abuse and inform other consumers. Use your local newspapers, consumer offices and, yes, your elected rep to direct you where to file. Anyone who bought a Pottery Barn Latex Backed Rug has a lemon on their hands!!!!

Did you ever wonder why these Pottery Barn rugs are "discontinued" and end up on ebay as a "secondary" seller. Thereby, according to Pottery Barn, absolving them of any responsibility.

Did they know this stink problem was about to surface in a few years and best to dump the rugs first. Why is there such a market for "discontinued" Pottery Barn rugs on various secondary sites? This situation clearly calls out for legal recourse. How many people have actually taken them to court, even small claims.

They might find it is cheaper to buy back your stinky rug than tie the store manager up in court for a day. Clearly, they think the consumer is an idiot who will accept any abuse.

Your local congressman have offices for just such cases. Also, has anyone consulted a lawyer for the psychological pain of having this tar baby rug in their house, while Pottery Barn stonewalls their misery.

Please, let's just hear one story of someone who used the numerous consumer offices to fight this abuse and inform other consumers. Use your local newspapers, consumer offices and, yes, your elected rep to direct you where to file. Anyone who bought a Pottery Barn Latex Backed Rug has a lemon on their hands!!!!

I have been dying to get a PBK rug for my nursery but am so glad I stumbled upon this site first! Thanks to everyone who took the time to explain their situation and warn the rest of the population before making the same mistake. I personally think this is a huge concern especially when you're talking about exposing your babies to such toxins at such a crucial time in their development. I would encourage everyone to stay on PB and demand they be held accountable!

This site was brought to my attention through a local craigslist and I will definitely be passing along the info to help warn other potential consumers. You know what they say about "word of mouth"!

Here I was looking for a new rug to replace my son's because it stinks. It's actually from The Company Store, 5years old, and is wool. I think that the burnt smell is from the glue on the back of the rug. I LOVE the rug except for the smell. I think the only way to go is NOT a wool rug, even though for allergies and asthma I think the wool is better than the synthetic. Cotton, maybe.

Again, glad that I am not alone.

Add me to the ranks of those with a PB Kids rug that stinks of burned rubber. Thank you to everyone who took the time to search for this site and write about your experiences. Although I only recently threw away my receipt, I'm taking a trip to PB Kids this week with my rug and demanding my money back.

Has anyone been successful in returning these stinky rugs to Pottery Barn without a receipt or purchased over a year....... or on the secondary market such as new at ebay? Since the next stop is the dump, what is PB telling them??? We need more info on this to take action.

My first Pottery Barn runner is in my car and ready to be dropped off at Goodwill. It stinks. It's a thick wool runner and I'd kept it because it was so pretty. My apartment-size broom vacuum could never clean it well enough, however. I have since bought two other PB runners, thinner wool ones that I can vacuum well. They do not smell, and I don't imagine they will come to smell. But the thicker runner has a different kind of backing than the thin ones. The thin ones have a soft brown canvas on the underside, while the thicker one's backing is lighter in color and feels like a more fibrous kind of binding. I would advise people to go with the thinner rugs and check for this kind of backing too. My first rug smells like rubber and like it’s older than it is. I didn't notice a smell when I had the rug down, but when I rolled it up, the smell was strong. Still, I didn't want to just throw the rug away. Yes, hopefully at PB they are paying attention to this problem.

Wish we had found this site a year ago! Our PB rug has had an awful, urine/burnt rubber smell, and, we like many others, tried Febreeze, steam cleaning, etc. We thought it was because it was a wool rug, until we purchased two Karistan wool rugs. Guess what ? NO SMELL.
Would be happy to join with anyone on consumer protection and/or legal actions.

Please don't "donate" these rugs to thrift shops or others! I am stuck with 2 of those terrible rugs that are stored away and cannot be used. I am working through process of finding who in Washington handles this through government agency.

You can also go to an internet site of an association of professional rug cleansers, ASCR, who answers (your) questions via email. The news is not hopeful. Be specific! The info on message board, as I understand it so far, is that they(latex backed odorous rugs) are probably unhealthy? Check it out.

I refuse to donate and pass this problem along to someone else, especially a lower income person who may purchase from these shops for their children.

I am a volunteer at one of these shops and know also how short handed they are and they just have to pay more to rent dumpster space to dispose of this kind of unuable junk.

We were victimized but let's not victimize other unsuspecting consumers. It is a terrible inconvenience to store my tar smelling rugs but I will not dispose to the dump until I have exhausted the agencies available.

Contact Corporate Pottery Barn in writing and preferably registered and save their reply before taking rug to dumpster. Any PB store has the address. Get it in writing!!

I personally emailed problem to Pottery Barn Customer Service a week ago on their net site and have not even received a reply!! Kinda makes one wonder about service for their other products. Right! Next time I will use registered mail.

YEARS AGO I MANAGED 3 DEPARTMENTS IN A LARGE DEPARTMENT STORE. MOST ALL MERCHANDISE CAME FROM ASIAN COUNTRIES. THE INFANT CLOTHING SMELLED SO STRONG I REFUSED TO SELL THEM . THEN I BEGAN TO NOTICE OILS COMING TO THE SURFACE. CHILDRENS AND WOMENS COATS REEKED OF THIS SAME ODOR AND I RETURNED THEM. I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY HAD BEEN TREATED WITH FORMALDEHYDE...A GAS USED IN A SOLUTION, AS A PERSERVATIVE AND DISINFECTANT. ALSO USED IN SUMMER FABRICS SO THEY WOULD BE WRINKLE FREE. CHECK OUT THE ODOR WITH A CHEMIST AND PERHAPS THESE HAVE ALL BEEN TREATED BECAUSE OF INSECTS AND TO KEEP THESE OILS FROM SURFACING.

okay...i am totally discourged...bought a beautiful rug (not at pottery barn) 5 years ago...smell started about a year after...everyone thought i was nuts...'do you smell that?...'what is that smell?' it's been in the garage for a year at least...now on the driveway in one last ditch effort to air it out. so here's my question...if i want a rug that will not stink, what do i buy? is wool ok if there's no latex? cotton only? HELP!

I don't know if I feel relieved or bamboozled. I bought a PB rug 5 yrs ago a blamed the dog for the burning urine smell on several occasions. Something needs to be done. There seems to be alot of worthless stinky rugs out there that people spent good money on. I googled stinky rug and got this site and so glad to know I am not alone.

I googled the same thing- stinky wool fugs. Maybe we need to alert PB to this site. I bought 2 matching rugs for my living room from there and it's been about a year and a half. I called to complain after a few months and they told me the smell would go away eventually. Not sure how to handle this, but I spent over $1200 on the rugs combined. They are hanging on my fence right now and I am totally discouraged after reading all of thes complaints!!

I bought a rug at Macy's two years ago. It started to smell about 6 months ago. (or perhaps before but I didnt notice it) I called Macys and they will not take it back for an exchange or refund and I contacted the manufacturer "Carpel" who said they wont do anything about it either. Nice company huh. It is now in my basement. I suppose I will have to replace it. I need some tips on how to purchase a new rug with the assurance it will not smell?

We purchase 3 hand hooked rugs made in India and distributed by Pine Cone Hill about 7 years ago. They are beautiful but stinky. The odor started about 5 years ago and smells like a burning tire dump. We couldn't figure out where the smell was coming from and after removing EVERYTHING from a bedroom we discovered the smell was from the rugs.They are now sitting in the trash. No wonder my daughter has had a stuffy nose! The carpet cleaning company said the odor is from the adhesive used to attach the backing to the rug and the smell never goes away.

I'm returning my wool PBK rug ASAP. My question - do the chenile rugs (that are reversible) stink too? Do they hold up like a wool rug? My daughter's wool rug from PBK (same sticker on the back), purchased 4 yrs ago has been just fine? Weird. The new one however, is horrible. My son has had a runny nose since the week we got it in September. He also stopped sleeping at night at the same time, and he had just turned one, so it seems too coincidental!

The burning tar odor is from the latex backing. I have 3 and all were made in India and have the Kaleen mark. I understand that is not good and no conincidence, they all stink to high heaven and are now in my garage. Don't waste money trying to clean or deodorize, the best professionals say it is not possible.

The odor is from oxidation of latex which was improperly applied. I am currently pursuing info through ICS and ASCR Textile Institure which I learned from a message board has a consumer handout on this problem.

I bought a Pottery Barn rug and I am having the smae problem. How do I get rid of the smell? I am glad I found this site because I thought it was juse me. Please email the company with the information.

If this is the burnt tar odor, one cannot get rid of it. Airing outside in wind will help temporarily but it always comes back. Don't waste your time paying for expensive cleaning. The only solution is to replace the entire backing which will cost more than the rug. That is the opinion of the best rug cleaners who are all too familiar with the problem.

One of these oriental rug cleaners told me it is how the latex was originally applied in inferior factories in India. My experience is with the Pottery Barn rugs only but others such as Pier One are also involved.

I have 3 of these rugs now in my garage. They smell terrible in the house and Heavens knows what problems these odors cause.

I am currently try to track information on this from The ASCR Textile Institute, which I told, has a consumer handout on these rugs and their problems. The ICS has also been recommended as a possibilty of for information. If unsuccessful there, I will contact a consumer lawyer and/or EPA. Beware the Pottery Barn rug that has Kaleen on the back. All 3 of mine have it.

What is amazing is that Pottery Barn knows of the problem and still refuses to accept returns without receipt and over one year. God only knows what health problems may be involved from this odor!!!!

Okay --- so everyone on this site totally rocks. For the record, and in case anyone ever does find a way to get remuneration out of this, here is my story:

I received a nice PB rug as a gift for Christmas last year. Initially all was fine and it looked great in our apartment. Then, I too, started noticing the famed burnt rubber smell. At first I thought it was something else, but quickly I homed in on the rug. I tried all the basics, air fresheners, febreze, carpet cleaner and nothing worked. My roommate couldn't really smell it, so I started thinking I was going crazy. Then, we had a guest who stayed with us for a few days, but immediately asked "what is with that smell?" So I realized it wasn't me, and committed to doing more. I called a carpet cleaning place and they quoted me $75 with pick up and delivery. No problem.

When they arrived, however, they said it would be $160, because it was wool and would have to be dry cleaned. Feeling committed to the process, I gave in and sent it off to have it cleaned. At least believing that it would finally solve my problem.

Wait, problem. Within 2 days of getting it back, it started to smell again. Impossible! I called the carpet cleaning place, but they had no answer. I was and still am very angry, mostly at myself for having invested so much time and money in the darn rug. At this point, it is now just rolled up and stored outside of the apartment, stinking up a storage space.

Perhaps there is a blog out there for people without a sense of smell. I wonder if they would be interested in a bunch of very nice rugs? Sounds like there quite a few available at a good price!

Re previous note, it is a shame the cleaners charged you. This problem is so well know that the two I called immediately laid it on the line. Nothing will help, Odor will come back in a few days because of oxidation....especially if rug is in sun.

I would report those cleaners. Perhaps local Consumer Protection Agency. At least get them on record, Better Business Bureau so warn others. This stinky tar odor is 101 for carpet cleaners and they never should have cleaned it. Mine told me it would be a waste of money. Check there door and see what cleaning organizations they belong to and go on internet to file a complaint. IF you put cleaning on credit card, you have a better case. You can fight it easily if that is the case.

I had the same problem with my 4 year old rug from Pottery Barn. I returned the rug and exchanged it for a new one on Friday 2/2. PB is aware of the situation and they sware they have corrected the problem by not using the laytex backing on their rugs anymore.
I have a new rug and it does not smell. If it starts to again I have the receipt and will return it again.
My advice to all of you that are concerned - CALL YOUR LOCAL POTTERY BARN, SPEAK TO THE GENERAL MANAGER. DO NOT CONTACT THE 1-800 NUMBER ON THEIR WEBSITE.
Good Luck!

I am also thrilled to find this website as I thought maybe I was just being too picky about the increasingly bad smell of my wool rug. I purchased it 1 year ago but the difference is that I bought mine from Restoration Hardware. Same horrible smell. I was calling it rotten leather smell, but burnt rubber fits too. Anyone out there who got one from RH and had any luck getting customer service to help? I have had it cleaned twice in the past year for an additional $250, only to have it smell worse afterward! Help!

I had the same problem with a Franklin style Pottery Barn rug--i.e., burnt tire smell. I was about to throw the rug out (after reading this site), but then I read about a product called ExStink. It is a mineral powder with no smell of its own. It is supposed to absorb and eliminate odors rather than cover them up. I am skeptical about such claims, but thought an $18 investment was worthwhile before disposing of the rug. I ordered through the company's website (exstink.com). I received a 4 pound pail of powder about two weeks ago, doused the rug with about half the contents, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuumed. So far it is working great. There is no more smell, even when you're lying on the rug. The only qualifier I'll add is that it is the middle of winter and I think the smell tends to be worse in summer. I don't know how long the smell will stay away, but I'm impressed enough at this point to want to share my experience. Oh, and coincidentally there was an article in the Washington Post this past weekend (Feb. 3) in which Exstink was suggested as a product to use to eliminate fireplace odor. Guess I'm not the only one whose had success with this product. Good luck.

We too purchased a PB rug 3 years ago and it started smelling this past fall. We found your forum and went to our local PB store and spoke with management about the issue, and they graciously traded out our 3 year old rug for a brand new one, which was more expensive than the original one. They told us to find the one we wanted and begin the process. Some advice for you out there. Talk directly to the store manager. Find the rug new rug you want. Take your old one back first b/c if you don't, they have to charge you for the new one and then credit you back when you take your old one in. This will tie up your money for weeks. Throw your old rug pad away - don't try cleaning it as it will not work. Overall, hat's off to them for stepping up to the plate. As they said "We'll make things right".

Thank you. We are so lucky to be able to share information like this. Thanks to you all, I will not be putting the rug I just purchased from Craig's list into my son's room. It has a very heave latex smell and gave me a terrible headache in less than 15 minutes. It's currently in the garage, but will soon be in the dumpster. :(
Lesson learned. Let us continue to spread the word and use our collective consumer power to end this practice of the use of these chemicals in origin manufacturing countries. Meanwhile, I'll be calling the lady that I bought the rug from and ask her where she bought it and when. I will call management and complain and strongly suggest they change their purchasing practice.

I had two older Pottery Barn Rugs, over 5 years with no receipt. The burnt tar odor was so bad that I had to put them in garage. I refused to try to see or pass on the problem. A highly reputable professional cleaner told me not to waste my money cleaning. Problem would be back in a month, since it is oxidation of latex backing, probably done in inferior factories in India.

The first Pottery Barn store that I called gave me the old song and dance of "over one year, no receipt", no exchange, credit or anything. Not even sympathy!!!!! What lousey customer service.

I called another store in area and told assistant manager related problem, along with imput on this website that customers with this problem were getting credits or new rugs. She was much more helpful.

She computed "current" value of my two otherwise perfect rugs at under $100 each and offered to up the amount by $100. I told her that was not reasonable or acceptable since others were getting full refunds (per this website)and declined the offer.

I told her I would investigate further with the ACSR Textile Unit or the ICS and EPA. (Check these out on internet.) I had supicions these odors could be unhealty and possibly toxic?

If you don't get the results you want for losing the use of your rug, these are powerful references that can possibly test these rugs and results of these odors. Let the store managers know you are serious about this and get names.

The assistant manager consequentely offered me a credit for the highest priced 8 x 10 wool rug on the floor, which was almost $700. I could use for any purchase at Pottery Barn or outlet.

I considered that a reasonable offer for the two rugs. One was 8 x 10 and one 5 x 7. I returned both rugs the next day for the store credit. The odor from the rugs in my van for 30 mins made my nose and skin burn.

Pity the poor child who has one of these cute stinky children's rug in his/her bedroom! And from what I read on this site, a lot of pets got a bad rap too.

I truly believe that Pottery Barn has now recognized the problem and is being reasonable and trying to repair the situation.

Unfortunately, I don't believe all store managers have gotten the word and you must be serious about asking these agencies where to test your possibly toxic rug.

I am grateful that I did not have to go that far. This applies to all stores with this latex backed rug odor problem. Good luck to all of you.

I can't believe I found this website! I had the same exact situation--my rug started to smell after 2.5 years. After reading about everyone's experiences, I called Pottery Barn and they immediately gave me a store credit. They said that after receiving complaints, they now offer refunds, as long as you can have a receipt. I didn't have a receipt, but I bought it online, so they were able to see the purchase. I never would have bothered to call PB had I not read the postings from everyone--so thanks!

I did not have the receipt when I was given refund. It is not reasonable to expect someone to have a receipt after 4 or 5 years.

It should not matter if Pottery Barn tag and SKU number is on the back. That is all I was asked for before my refund. It also should not matter if you bought it on secondary market either. I bought my rug on seconary market.

If you have these rugs tested for air quality or health problems, the only thing that matters is the label on the back.

I understand from the ASCR messenger board that some Pier One latex backed rugs....(and other manufacturers) have this problem also and Pottery Barn is of course specifically mentioned.

Don't be intimidated by this receipt bit. That is an inexperienced manager who wants you off the phone!

Who are they kidding about manufacturer when there are 3 or 4 labels on the back with store name. Go to another store where they are more consumer oriented.

This is not just about inconvenience and money, it is about possible health issues. And don't be afraid to let them know!!!!You want the rug gone or you will have it tested!!!!

Get the full name of person denying claim. It is not reasonable for a customer to keep a rug that may jeopardize their family health. Contact the agency for Indoor Air Quality if manufacturer not responsive. Go on website ASCR and do searches on indoor air quality.

PS to Above: Check out the IAQ Website and message board. Have some data before you call store managers and let them know they are forcing you to keep a potentially unhealthy product, if you cannot return their product.

I bought a rug from ShopNBC about 2 years ago. It was made in India with the pretty white backing.I to smell the burnt rubber smell. I called ShopNBC customer service and they said they could not do anything about it because it was over the 30 day return policy. And this was the first complaint. So if anyone else bought a Stinky Wool Rug from SHOPNBC please contact them. At least PB is taking your rugs back. I payed 400.00 for a rug that after two years smells like burnt rubber.

I purchases two rugs from Cosco about two years ago. We noticed a smell about two months ago. I thought it was electrical and had an electrician come in. I was also ready to call in the fire department. I kept the receipts and am hoping to call tomorrow to get some satisfaction.

I bought some beautiful microfiber couches at Filene's 3 years ago and they have the same burnt rubber smell. It's not too awful but in the summer with heat and humidity it is very noticeable.

We've got a $500 hand tufted wool rug from Overstock.com with the same problem. I'm fighting them right now about it. We recieved the rug in June and it began to stink in August or September. We finally found this message board and jerked the thing out of the bedroom last week. I really wish we had bought at a brick and mortar store now because I have a bad feeling about getting compensated from Overstock.

This is the rug we bought. They're still selling them!
http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?page=product&prod_id=840111

Well, after reading these posts, I have now found the reason for my stinken rug. It is my favorite because of the beautiful pattern and bright colors. I have blamed the dog, and my husband blamed the gas heater. The dog died 3 years ago, and this is a new house, and the problem has existed for 5 years now. My husband wants to ditch the rug, but I think I will put in on an outdoor porch, or peel off the backing and seal it with some water based clear sealer. At least on the porch if anyone comments I can then blame it on a neighbor's pet. If it gets wet and fades - who cares!!! Rather have it wear out that way. As a last resort, I think it could be donated to the local collage for their fall bonfire! Maybe create a seating area under a tree, and put lawn furniture on it. No need to just toss it right? Since this is a no win situation, let's all come up with new ideas for these stinky rugs. Maybe donate them to the local jail to dress up the cells. If this didn't cause a criminal to go straight, nothing would. That would be one jail no crook would want to revisit!! Another option would be a good pair of nose plugs, like the ones for swimming. You could hang them by the door of the stinky room for use to all who dare enter!

thanks for the validation from all, for what i suspected ... 1-year-old overstock.com wool imported rug, burning latex smell that my sensitive husband noticed first. 8 month old son who has been congested since 2 weeks old, and can't figure out why ... nothing seems to work for long. his crib was over the rug (in our room) for 5 months, and he's moved rooms but still plays/sits on it every day. we rolled it up a week ago, and i *just* moved it to the other room, ready for ... sigh ... disposal. i pray this is what has been causing his problems, and we shall see! can't believe the things that products are infused/treated/sprayed/mfg with, all in the name of 'safety and prevention'. if we have these problems, what's happening to the people who manufacture them? i'll be doing my homework next purchase, and doing my best not to contribute to the problem from now on, at least with my few $ of purchasing power.

thanks for knowing I'm not alone or crazy!

We are going to use our rug as a hockey puck catcher. My son loves to shot pucks in his net but once in a while he misses. A 400.00 Tarp?

This is so funny to read! I too have a stinky rug. Mine is 16 x 20, so I have a lot of stink. I notice it more when it is warm. I was told by a rug cleaning company that cleaning it would make it worse, so we live with it. Never again will I invest a large amount of money on a rug without doing my homework. I am glad to find out that it isn't just me who has this problem.

I love PB rugs and own three of them. However, the 100% wool hand-tufted rug is the one that has a terrible odor that I've never been able to get out. One of the other rugs is a Kilim and the other is a cotton blend of which I've had no problems. When I called my local PB store they said to just bring it in and they would take care of it even though I bought it four years ago. I've just had enough of the smell. It's ruining my beautiful living room so much so that I hate going in there just because of the smell. I would encourage those of you who have smelly rugs to call your local PB store and ask to exchange, return or receive a credit on your rug.

It's not just Pottery Barn rugs. "THE COMPANY STORE" also sells childrens rugs. After a year of having one of their rugs in my son's bedroom, they refuse to do anything about it. They said I've had it for too long. What they don't know is that I've spent a lot of time and money trying to make it smell better thinking that in time the smell would go away. Well, it hasn't. Don't buy anything from THE COMPANY STORE. Their customer service is terrible.

Yup. Include me in the ranks of stinky rug owners. Mine is an $800 4x6 Carpel bought at a store closing 2 years ago. After reading all of these posts, I have an amusing (or ridiculous) image in my mind of hundreds (thousands?) of stinky rugs rotting away in garages across America. I'm going to contact Carpel, but sounds like they will blow me off.

Judie

Overstock.com offered me $150 back on my rug. What a slap in the face. I wonder if there are any laywers intersted in this type of thing. They've got adverse health effects of decomposing natural latex and people with latex allergies. There's also obvious problems in materials and workmanship, just from the smell. I think there's a possible class-action suit here with the amount of rugs that have been purchased, and the deep pockets of places like Overstock who have sold them.

My wool rug from India is also from Overstock. I'm relieved to know I'm not imagining the bad smell as the rest of my family is not bothered by it. While not overpowering, the smell is a heavy, musty, unpleasant smell that irritates my lungs. I've had the rug for just over a year and have hoped the smell would go away, but it has not. The rug will soon be out on my porch. I am concerned how widespread this problem is and about the health of the workers as well as those who unknowingly live with these rugs. We are exposed to many products with toxic odors, but a toxic rug in your home is something you can't get away from. To begin with, I will contact Overstock.

I too have a PB rug, Franklin pattern 100% wool, beautiful but BAD odor. At first I thought the cat must have peed on it, though I never could find a pee stain or discoloration. Tried febreeze, anti-skunk liquid, baking powder. No luck. Got it professionally cleaned and now it reeks of burnt tired smell. The thing has no latex backing--where is the reek coming from?

I have a PB alphabet rug and just realized it was the thing smelling up my daughter's nursery. After reading this stream, I called PB and they advised they are recalling this item. If you have a PB rug with a latex backing that is reaking, try calling them. I'm amazed and appalled they have not sent an official recall...they are only planning to reimburse those who call them about it.

We bought a Susan Sargent wool rug. It was made in India and has a latex back. A professional oriental rug cleaner told us the smell is the latex. In India they try to dry the dyes quickly and as a result burn the latex. It usually shows up a couple of years after the purchase. Dampness makes it even worse. Whatever you do, don't use water on the rug. We now have a $700.00 stinker; no way can we use it in the house.

I am hoping there is a chemical or a coating that will eliminate the smell. HELP!

I too bought a VERY expensive rug from Company C, wool, of course. I thought wool was better for warmth and durability. Well, the first two weeks weren't too bad. Now however, after two months, there is a strong smell eminating from the wool rug. I've been down sniffing on my knees because I think I'm going nuts. I'm going to break down and buy some of the ExStink stuff someone recommended. Love the rug, but HATE the awful smell. Are we doomed to terrible feeling, synthetic rugs? Has anyone else bought Karistan rugs and had better luck with them as one poster mentioned? Thanks!

I cant believe Im reading all this about PB Rugs..this has been driving us crazy for months..Plumbers, electricians, nobody could figure it out. we were about to call the fire department cause the back of the house smells like its burning down, when I got on the floor to smell the rug (after smelling everyhting in the room twice!) & There ist was, clear as day! who would have thunk it?? a $500 PB Rug...as an FYI this was not from PB Kids..just regular PB

I wrote a few days ago. This is just an update. I've tried dealing with Company C, as this damn rug is only three months old. The customer service lady said they KNOW about problem with rugs coming from India (poor quality, terrible smell), but they haven't done anything to change their production. I would have to pay a $180 restocking fee AND pay the shipping fees to have their stinky rug sent back to them. Can you believe it? My "lovely new rug" is $1,600 worth of headache. DO NOT BUY FROM COMPANY C. They do not stand behind their products. Be forewarned.

We had the burning rubber smell--actually smelled skunky!! But this came from a rubber plug-in mat to keep your feet warm that the smell had penetrated into the carpet and pad! Not from a rug, but absolutely baffled us since we had moved away and had the house up for sale. Our realtor and friends told us we had a skunky odor so we thought that it was something dead in a vent, etc. It was not until we came back and found the spot the rubber mat had been on. We had the carpet cleaned, but this only lessened the odor. We are now looking at having to replace at least the pad and maybe the carpet. We have not found anything that will get rid of the odor completely. It is interesting to read that the same odor can be found in rugs! I am glad I had bought bamboo rugs instead!

who don't you all cut your losses and TOSS the RUGS. Many of you are commenting on "toxins", "allergies", "breathing difficulties" and then add, we're now storing the rug in the attic or basement. huh??

Save yourself--toss the rugs

Pottery Barn is accepting these rugs back. Just call the manager. Do not go through Customer Service. Just declare it a potential health hazard. They are. Arn't you folks reading previous postings!!!!!! You don't need receipt. I know because they took mine back.

Go to IAQ message board. Indoor Air Quality, that is and do your homework. There is a ton of info on these stinky rugs and it is a pretty dumb manager or company who will force one to keep a stinking latex backed rug in the face of legal liability.

Get names of personnel and threaten legal action. Just do it, even if it Small Claims Court. Do you really think a company will let their manager be tied up in court, rather than settle.

You are asking for refunds, when you should be demanding. Send them registered mail and directly to manager (real name, not "manager" and ask for a reply so you have a case. Give serial numbers and full disclosure of labels

This odor is pretty toxic stuff. Family health is more important! Remember, the last thing these companies want is bad publicity.

I am so glad I found this site! People kept saying it was just a wool rug smell and it would dissipate. Uh...not so much. I have a 8x10 PB rug. I just got emailed back from their customer service that they won't do anything unless I can show where it came from. it was a gift from a family friend of my ex husband. No way to contact them ro know where they bought it. I don’t even remember their name!

I'm a bit irate. They have knowingly been selling a product many customers have been having issues with and health concerns about and it is clearly their product with their label. Why des when and where it was purchased matter? I think it is time to take this to the media. I recommend everyone contact the consumer watch person at your local TV news stations.

I have been sick for over a month, after living with
two of these rugs in my room for 6 months.
I feel like my immune system must have been in
pretty good shape, tho now ... ? If it is an allergy,
it is the only one I have.

Does anyone know a chemist so we can find out what the
toxin is? There might be some antidotes or treatment
for faster recovery, better health.
And if there is to be a lawsuit, that will need to be known.

I'm floored by the number of other customers who have had the same problem with PBK rugs over YEARS! This is irresponsible that this has gone on for so long.

I bought an 8'x10' Taylor rug for my 2 year olds room in 2/07. Same thing happened. I complained to PBK, they admitted that it's a natural latex backing which is causing the smell. They said they would send me a "NEW STOCK" replacement that had a synthetic latex backing and it would alleviate the smell. Four rugs later, they claim I now have one with the synthetic latex backing, but it still smells! The only difference is the label on the underside does not say the product contains natural synthetic as the previous.

They ended up refunding me completely and telling me I could keep the rug as well. Even so I don't know if I want it!

I don't want to put it in my daughters room until I know for sure it's safe and stops stinking. My daughter has developed asthma type breathing issues shortly after the rug appeared.

If anyone has done further research please share.

OK, I just thought I would try to find out why my rug (Pottery Barn) smelled soooo bad. Imagine my surprise when I see all the entries regarding PB rugs. It is to the point where I must throw it out. It does smell like something is burning.

Afterthought. . . My rug does not have any kind of latex backing. It seems that it is something in the fiber itself.

I have some area rugs purchased from Room Board. They are terrific rugs, except for the smell. I experienced the same isues as many others listed here: smell and thinking it came from something other than the rugs. The smell was much stronger near the floor, and it was concentrated in the rugs. So I removed them from the room and the odor went away. I contacted some professional carpet cleaners to remove the odor from the rugs, and they told me it wouldn't correct the problem because the rugs likely have latex glue and canvas backing that produce the smell. They have experienced alot of this complait from others. I have not been able to correct this yet through the store, but I'll write back when I do speak with them.

I can't believe so many people are having this problem. This is outrageous. My roommate purchased two very expensive wool rugs from Expo a little over a year ago. I'm chemically sensitive anyway and was getting extremely ill - kept smelling rubber but couldn't identify the source. Finally, I realized it was those beautiful rugs. Well-here we all are - these rugs (most of them) are leaching latex from the glue! This strong odor - as so many have testified - doesn't go away and can indeed make you ill. Yes - breathing in latex is very unhealthy and some people are deathly allergic to it. So, I suggest we bombard the Consumer Product Safety Commission with our experiences/complaints and concerns. Clearly, something needs to be done. This is much more widespread than Pottery Barn. These rugs are imported from other countries and there seems to be no safety regulations protecting the consumer.

We are are so-so relieved to have found this thread! We live in a small NYC apartment with poor air circulation and wood floors. We covered our apartment in stages with 5 PB rugs over the course of that year when we first moved here in 2003, (2 bedrooms, LR, Kitchen and DR)! As we acquired more rugs, the smell of course got subtly worse.

It seems now, 4 years later everything has ripened to a very pungent and rancid odor to the point of not only being sick to my stomach by smelling it day in and out but also to the point of being embarrassed to have guests over.

Being a pet owner I immediately associated the smell to urine but after reading others feedback on 'burnt rubber' I can definitely associate our smell more closely to burnt rubber. Fortunately, we still have receipts for the rugs and are going to go to PB today to demand an exchange. We love the designs of the rugs as well and are willing to get a replacement so long as they do not smell.

FOUND A SOLUTION!!
After a week of our Pottery barn kids round wool rug (bought on ebay) smelling like burnt rubber I sprinkled Dysons carpet powder (Zorb) on it, rubbed it in, waited 30 minutes, and vacuumed -it worked almost perfectly at removing the odor. If you sit upon the rug you can smell burnt runner but at least the room no longer smells when you enter.
Now, after seeing what a repeated problem (from this sight) I am really annoyed at PB (terrible quality to let this continue IMO) and I just went up and sprinkled Zorb on the backside of the rug - hopefully it will take care of the residual odor.
PS Zorb is a slightly wet powder (very odd, I know) and has a slight citrus smell. I think you can order it from Dyson (mine came with the vacuum)

nevermind... smell is still there :(
Threw out the run - waste of $,
but better safe & healthy then sick & sorry

Dear Ouraptsmells (and others living in NYC) -- I have THREE of these PB rugs and they REEK OF BURNT RUBBER. My friends have made a point of not coming over anymore because of the stink.

Has anyone had success with returning or exchanging rugs? If not, I am going to print this page out and take it to a manager at PB somewhere in NYC. Is anyone a lawyer? This has got to be a health hazard...

Please let me know!

All these stories are very helpful, BUT, can someone please tell me the EXACT STORES, LOCATIONS, AND NAMES OF MANAGERS who have helped them to return their rugs? I have had so much difficulty with the 67th/Broadway store in Manhattan. I need to tell someone the specific name of a person/store/location that has issued a FULL REFUND or EXCHANGE REGARDLESS of the rug's age. My rug is from 2004 (granted I bought it 3 years ago) but this whole time I've had rashes and reactions to the smell/latex. I need names please please help me!!!

Just wanted to post an update. The day I posted we went to PB on 67th/Broadway with the smaller rug we had. I printed out this entire site - went to the back where the curtains etc are. Proceeded to tell the manager (I did not get her name, but will look to see if there is an associate # or name on the receipt)
our situation. We told her we had 3 more 5x8 rugs back home and the smell of the rugs are unbearable. She asked how old the rugs were and if we had receipts. We told her they were from 1-3 years old but only had a receipt for the smaller one I had with me. She told us their 'return policy' is a year from purchase and that she would allow us to exchange all 4 rugs as a one-time courtesy. My boyfriend and I, overwhelmed with joy went back to the apartment and brought the remaining 3 rugs in! Fortunately, 2 of the rugs we brought back are still in the stores (even though they were bought 3 and 4 years ago). She gave us the full retail price of these 2 rugs, the full price I paid for the smaller rug since I had the receipt. I did not have a receipt for the the large 5x8 rug that matched the smaller rug, so she gave us $20 more than the smaller rug, ($169) which is much lower than I paid originally, but $169 is better than $0 and odor. They rolled each rug out to look at them and then gave us a store credit for over $800.
We did wind up getting one of the same rugs in a different color, and then decided to order the hand knotted $700 rug in hopes the quality and making of the rug is different. We figured that at least now we have a receipt and know the
Also, the new rugs have the same stickers as the old ones we brought back ("Kaleel") I think the name was so I am not sure if that is a true determinant of the old rugs vs. the revised rugs after fall 06.
:)

Can someone give a link to the IAQ message board please. I have found their site but no message board. We have a Pottery Barn Kids 5x8 Animals rug manufactured in India by Kaleen and it smells awful and I am sick thinking about it. I want to have all the info possible before contacting PBK.

unlike most of you i don't have a burnt-rubber smell. my very thick shag rug is from IKEA, and it doesn't have any rubber backing (it has some sort of cotton backing?)

the smell is WET DOG. i remember distinctly this smell when i bought a natural wool sweater back when i was in high school (a decade ago, mind you) i tried washing it and the same wet-dog smell permeated my nostrils.

i didn't use my brain and tried using a hose and detergent to get some stains out of this rug. ever since then the rug has a bad smell which gets worse on humid days. i actually have TWO of the same rug -- one is bright orange, and the smelly one is off white with blue specks. the orange one never got wet, and it currently has no bad smell.

the smell comes out when the rug gets wet. i have no idea how to get rid of the smell. i've thought about massaging baking soda into it? maybe some sort of newsprint underneath the rug to soak up moisture?

I also had a PB carpet that smelled awful. It had been living in my storeroom, I couldn't just trash it but had tried the usual array of odor removal products and my local dry cleaner with no luck. Thanks to the information I found on this site, I brought my carpet to the Princeton PB. The manager was very courteous and well informed. She offered me a store credit for the current selling price without hesitation. Thanks to all!

I bought 2 pottery barn rugs 1 1/2 years ago and the smell only got worse as time went on. One sales person indicated that the "glue" they used caused the smell and I needed to "sun bake" my rugs..... Really, $1,200 and I need to sun bake these rugs, drag them outside and back inside. The only place I hauled those rugs was back to pottery barn. I couldn't live with the smell and I don't think it was healthy. It is clearly not the wool that smells and I'm not sure it's glue either. Pottery Barn is aware that these rugs smell, but I don't believe that they have disclosed what the cause really is. I received full credit after 1 1/2 years!

I too purchased a beautiful 8X8 wool rug from Expo Design when they were closing their store in Concord, CA. With a 40% 'close out' price, I paid $800. We were in the middle of a house renovation, so it stayed rolled up for about 8 months. It's been down in the dining room for about 1-1/2 yrs and for most of that time, we have been trying to figure out the 'burnt rubber' smell!! I also contacted an oriental rug cleaner in the area and he told me about the latex backing & no guarantee he could get it out! I am really upset, as I love that rug, which is now in the garage. Before I toss it, I think I'll try removing the fabric backing and painting it with a primer. I'll let you know how it goes!

How much should it cost to have an 8x10 wool rug professionally cleaned?

Thank you for sharing your experiences regarding the health hazards posed by exposure to Pottery Barn rugs giving off noxious odors. I too have suffered from the smell of burning rubber in my New York apartment. Until this morning I had an 8 x 10 Pottery Parn Palampore rug in my bedroom. I have been suffering from headaches and have often felt like I have been knocked out rather than having slept through the night. I agree with previous posts asking that you not pass along your problem rug to others. Protect your pets. Do not leave these rugs in basements and garages for animals. These toxic rugs cost a lot of money and should not be for sale in the United States. Please register your complaints at consumeraffairs.com.

I too have been floored by this odor! I should have known in PB as I'm very sensitive to smells and caught a wiff when swinging the rack looking at each rug. Of course, I saw it in the store, then bought the "close out price" online. When the rug arrived, I opened the package, and unlocked the same smell again!

For the first 2 weeks I put the thing in my attic to let it air out thinking it was the rug equivalent of a "new car scent." I am now on my fourth week a little better results, although not 100%. From what I have been reading, it appears as though there is no hope as the time it takes the glue to settle, the rug starts deteriorating starting the whole process over!

JenMonNYC - www.rugrag.com "rug washing estimate" quoted $180 for an 8x10 shampoo wash. I don't know if you can have these tufted rugs washed... When I brought my other rug to a local dealer, they said it may shrink in the drying process?

I just spoke to Pottery Barn corporate customer relations regarding the odor from my Colette rug from 2005. She acknowledged that they did have a problem and it was resolved in 2007. They want to replace my stinky rug with a new one and I have such trepidation. Anyone purchase a rug in the past 6 months and have the smell? I have not yet been in the store to give the samples the smell test.

Interesting, that's pretty impressive how they readily replace the rugs quickly. It's obviously a problem. I wonder too if the new samples pass the smell test...

After talking to some of our close friends and reading the above posts, I guess the main thing is to consider hand knotted oriental rugs as the best alternative. I saw some of the 8x10 tufteds for $900, but I know some of our friends who have gone to local oriental rug retailers for their carpets and pay the same amount, if not just a little more, and get a hand knotted piece: brand new and just as nice looking if not BETTER. You really have to know where to go I guess, some places in the city were way over our heads.

It's so funny to me as some people I know are total feng shui nuts which is great, but they go after these carpets which are synthetic which completely defeats the purpose because of the off-gas they create.

When you think about it, environmentally, economically, and long term, a hand knotted rug is the best way to go. They last longer than tufted rugs, are more "natural" and are a better bang for the buck, and resell easier too. Who really wants a used hand tufted rug?!?

I purchased my rugs in May 2007 and can confirm that the problem with the Pottery Barn rugs has not been resolved. I recently returned my rugs to the store where they were purchased and received a store credit for the full purchase price. An exchange for another rug would not make sense because the newer rugs smell too.

I am truly amazed as I read some of these comments. Be aware that the latex-backed/wool carpets that sold by PB are heretofore mentioned, do emitt dangerous toxins and this is called Off-Gassing. Just think of these carpets going into baby/childrens rooms. Let this sink-in! Of Course you can get your money back and if you have a problem do what you have to do to get every penny (plus tax)! As consumers,
this is yet just another example of inferior, dangerous, sub-standard crap we have to deal with.....and as consumers, we had better get more involved and NOT find it acceptable, and fight back! Get these carpets tested, get a good lawyer, and DO NOT pass these Toxic PB rugs, or any other known rug that emits this strong odor (Off-Gassing) to some other unsupecting individual that would then expose toxins into their home, make their children sick. If you want to try and cut your losses, take the time, do the research, and either resolved the matter with the retailer, take it to small claims court, or hire a good lawyer and take the issue to court and sue! If you have one of these rugs then for heaven-sake!! get the thing out of your house NOW! You don't have to be rocket-scientist to understand this smell you are smelling is off-gassing toxins which can make you ill. Over-time in this environment, you are putting yourself at further risk for varied health problems. God Bless our babies and children who have been exposed to these toxins. Many companies are selling these carpets knowing full-well of the health risks, dealing allot in coutries, especially India, where inferior glues and other products are used just so these companies can make more money/profit as they laugh all the way to the bank. Do they care about getting Richer? Do they care if you or your babies/children are getting Sicker??
Do you care enough to do something about this...DO YOU??
Do Something.....at least report it.....

I am considering initiating a class action lawsuit. I have 3 hand tuffed rugs I purchased three years ago which have begun to smell terribly. I also have been having headaches. I contacted the headquarters of the store where I purchased the rugs to no avail. I have now rolled the rugs and stored them in the garage as evidence. It is sad that our own US retailers sell to the unsuspecting consumers goods that may be harmful. We as consumers need to do as much as possible to stop this. If anyone else has already intiated a class action lawsuit I would appreciate receiving information.

I have a beautiful 9X12 Pottery Barn rug that was purchased in 2006. It is lovely to look at, but the odor literally can take your breath away. It's an odd pungent acrid smell that has only recently developed. Even though the rug sits in a large open airy room, the odor smacks you in the face as soon as you enter the home. As we have had this rug for a while, we didn't really notice how awful it was until we moved just last month and placed the rug in a room that gets more general use. It will be banished to the sunroom until we resolve this issue with Pottery Barn.

I visited a Pottery Barn store today and spent some time sniffing around the rug rack. Sure enough, a couple of the hanging rugs were emitting a fainter version of the same burning odor. I informed a Pottery Barn salesperson that a rug I purchased a few years ago has a very pronounced stink and she was polite and helpful. Clearly Pottery Barn is aware of the situation. She told me that Pottery Barn had had an issue with the adhesive used with the backing of some of its rugs and instructed me to call the corporate office and to provide the information from the label on the back side of the rug. She was a little noncommittal about what could be done, but suggested that I inquire with corporate how the issue could be resolved. Before calling, I thought I would see if others have experienced this stinky situation and came across this thread.

So much for buying wool! It's warm! It's natural! It feels great! Too bad the cloth backing STINKS!

Once again like the rest of you across this site a little late! I recently bought a PB rug off of e-bay. After reading this site asked for a refund and the seller never responded. I feel so upset that I didn't look more into this before. This was my first rug. I could never imagine putting this rug in my daughters room it smell horrific! I called PB 1-800 number and they told me there is nothing they can do since I did not buy it directly from them. They where pretty short with me. I still cant believe that if they have their name on a product regardless that they want back it up? These rugs are expensive.. for hard working middle class people. Its a 2 days pay basically for us. There goes my step of faith.I have no faith in this company.

BLUF (Bottom line up front): CAUTION: Breathing and skin hazard - the rugs stink like burned rubber because the nasty-smelling substance on the rug backing underneath the burlap is uncured/undercure latex or rubber. BACKGROUND: Bought my stinky rug at American Home Furnishings, Albuquerque, New Mexico, some time back. After reading a lot of similar posts, decided to try fixing it last week. First tried ordinary rug cleaning with Bissell Little Green, no joy. Next soaked it overnite in the bathtub with a full 16 oz can of Oxyclean. Still stinky. Tore off burlap backing and found the culprit - uncured latex or rubber backing. My guess is they left out or under-cooked the vulcanizing part of the process to cure it. If it is indeed uncured rubber or latex, some of the handling instuctions I'm reading classify it as a hazardous substance and not to breath the fumes, because they can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. Let's be careful out there!

Have 2 rugs from PB ,one is almost 4 years old the other will be 2 in Aug...the 2 year old rug was put on our sons room in Aug 2006 In sept he started with blood noses seizure ,rash red face and ears,Mood changs that were unreal.....stopped sleeping because he was afraid of the seizures....Dr had no clue as to why....The new carpet smell never went away ...never thought anything of it........and then the bad rubber burning smell started...at that point I called Pb....they said they would give me a full refund on the rug...they just wanted it back...said bad latex was used...BUT NOT HARMFUL...then they gave me a full refund on the carpet that was 4 years old...Red flag people.... I have called PB to request a MSDS they said legal would have to call me back...of course I have not heard back from them.....The Off gases from carpets are so harmful................
The fact that PB knows they have a problem and Have not recalled the rugs Baffles me...Beware to anyone who has a rug In a childs room GET IT OUT NOW......start doing your research....The rugs are made in India.....no safty lables on them, no warning....what the hell is wrong with these people.
WE PUT ARE KIDS TO BED IN THIER ROOM AND KISS THEM AT NIGHT...WE DO EVERYTHING TO KEEP THEM SAFE...WE MAKE THIER ROOMS NICE AND COZY...A PLACE FOR THEM TO FEEL SAFE........To find out that this rug has been the reason for why he has been so sick for all this time has truley ripped my heart out ... The rug has now been turned over to a lab.....OPEN YOUR EYES UP PEOPLE.......LETS STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING..

I'm so glad I found this site. Now my husband doesn't think I'm quite so crazy for getting down on my hands and knees and sniffing our wool rug several times a week. About 2.5 years ago, we bought an 8 x 12 foot 100% wool, machine woven Indian rug from the Capel Rug Outlet. It was an expensive rug and cost over $1,000. I'm not sure what the backing is made of, but it's not latex. It looks like a cotton or other natural fiber (maybe jute?). We were told to put a "rug gripper" pad underneath the wool rug to protect our wood floor, which we did. At first I thought my dog or foster dog was to blame for the odor that smells like a cross between wet hay and dog or cat urine. But then I realized it wasn't isolated to one area of the carpet but was throughout the entire thing. The pad smells "funky" to me now. I can't tell if the pad is the problem and the smell is wafting up through the carpet, or if the carpet backing is starting to develop an odor. I didn't notice this smell until about 2 - 3 months ago. It's gradually getting stronger. Does anyone know if the rubber-like carpet gripper pads start to smell over time? This would certainly be easier and less expensive to replace than the carpet. Thanks for any advice!

i also purchased 2 large wool area rugs from pottery barn in 2006. the burned rubber smell became noticeable about 8 months ago and is now quite unbearable. i thought my vacuum was singeing the rug fibers and had it taken in. vacuum is perfect, and does not leave a smell when vacuuming other rugs in the home. i am furious and will call pottery barn to complain asap. thank you to all those who have taken the time to comment on their experiences!

We have been trying to trace the source of what smelled like burning rubber in our living room and finally realized it was our 8 by 10 Pottery Barn area rug bought in October 2005. I called Pottery Barn this morning to find out what to do about it. The customer service lady was very nice, but claimed to have never heard of this problem, no memo from the department that should know about the rugs. So then I googled "Pottery Barn smelly area rugs" and got this website! It's obvious they do not want to acknowledge this problem, because they'd probably need to do a 100 percent recall of these rugs. If I get an e-mail response from the customer service manager which I requested, I'm going to direct him/her to this website.

Pottery Barn are Liars They do know of the problem......
I have talked to them about it and they offered to give me a FULL REFUND on my rugs 4years old and 2 years old....the rug is now out of my sons room and is health problem are 200% better....his dr's and school are amazed....the rugs are giving off gases...when i spoke to pottery barn they told me the latex was bad................do your research people.....i refused the refund and we have spoken to are lawyer....

theses rugs should hAve been (((recalled )))...go look at what the fumes do to a 6 week old babys brain...they think becuase they are such a big company they can get away with this.
if your kids are sick and you have no answers ...think about the rugS in there roomS....theses rugs come from india....do u know what they use to make these rugs...then they are imported into us with no regulation what so ever on them...we then bring them into our home ...If you have a moth problem...they are comming from the rugs....that was also a big problem with our rugs too...start reading...

I purchased a 8x10 imported wool rug made in India from a Denver, Colorado Macy's store about 18 months ago and it has just recently begun to emit an unbelievably strong burnt rubber smell. We have very little humidity here, so I don't believe humidity is a determinative factor. It was on sale, and I thought it was a great deal, but now I realize that it was not. I will be seeking a refund from Macy's voluntarily or through the courts if necessary. No consumer should have to endure the pungent and possibly unhealthy odors these rugs generate. Vendors must be aware of this problem or should be aware of this problem, particularly given the volume of experiences documented on this site.

I just found this thread after Googling about smelly, rubbery rugs. I bought a rug from Pottery Barn in early 2005, and it developed this problem several months ago. Today I called Pottery Barn's national retail customer service # (866-224-4598), and talked to an agent who was very knowledgeable about the problem, and suggested I call the store where I bought the rug to ask about a credit (and told me to call the national # again if I did not get satisfaction). I did so, and the store has agreed to give me a credit for the most recent listed price of the rug (since it's been discontinued). For what it's worth, the national agent told me that PB discontinued the rugs with the natural latex, and has switched to rugs with a synthetic latex backing. I'm going to try my luck with one of those....

Thank goodness I found this site! I too bought a beautiful PB 5x8 rug -- the Napoli -- in April 2005 and it started stinking up my living room about a year ago! My husband kept telling me I was "smelling" things, until I had him kneel down and sniff the rug with me! On Monday (6/9) I called the national customer svc #: 866-224-4598 (Thank You cutefrenchhouse!!!) and spoke with a rep who took down my info & promised to forward the call to the district mgr. for my area, but to give them 24 hrs to return the call. When no one had called by Thurs (6/11), I called the nat'l # back & re-explained my problem very nicely. The rep looked up my info from my phone # and forwarded the info the dist. mgr. & regional mgr. this time & promised someone would get back to me that day. Less than 2 hrs later I got a call back! Very nice mgr. offered me the 1st discounted price (199.50) as a rug exchange or store credit as I didn't think I had the receipt. But...I found the receipt later in the evening (I usually tend to hang on to major house purchase receipts indefinitely), called her back today & she said I can have a credit for the entire purchase price of $399 tx = $430.92!!

HERE'S MY QUESTION...If it's the hand-tufted, latex backed rugs that stink, which rugs are OK to get? Is a hand-tufted, synthetic latex back rug OK, or will that stink up in a matter of time also? I've been looking at the PB site & they have beautiful rugs that specify "synthetic latex" back. I don't want to get "burned" a second time, though...Any suggestions?

Many thanks & apologies for the long post,
dmoh

Listed below are just a few of the hazardous chemicals that have been found in carpet emissions tests. Not much is known about their health effects from chronic low-level exposure. The health effects listed are generally associated with higher exposure levels, but Grace Ziem, M.D., Dr.P.H., warns that sensitive individuals may experience adverse effects at lower exposure levels than the average individual. Further, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health warns that there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, as the cell damage can occur at extremely low exposure levels.

EPA's Dan Costa and a report commissioned by the CPSC both recommend the ASTM E981 test, used by Anderson Laboratories as a reliable test to determine human health effects from both individual chemicals and entire products. (2, 18)

Some of the following chemicals are also listed on EPA's Community Right to Know List which requires manufacturing facilities to prepare Material Safety Data Sheets and notify local authorities of the presence of the chemicals.

A number of the following chemicals have been tested with the ASTM E981 by labs other than Anderson's. Their published results indicate that adverse effects in mice are a reliable indicator of adverse effects in humans. Those chemicals are marked by the following statement, "Published studies indicate the ASTM E981 test is a reliable indicator of adverse human health effects."

Partial Listing of Hazardous Chemicals Found in Carpet

Acetone (23) - It is included in EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory and is listed on EPA's Community Right to Know List. It is considered a severe irritant. Human systemic effects by inhalation include changes in electroencephalogram, changes in carbohydrate metabolism, nasal effects, respiratory system effects, nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness. Adverse reproductive effects have been reported in animal experiments. Acetone can react vigorously with oxidizing chemicals. Published studies indicate the ASTM E981 test is a reliable indicator of adverse human health effects for acetone. (19, 26, 27)

Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (25) - It is a suspected carcinogen. (25, 29)

Benzene (2, 23, 25) - It is included in EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory and is listed on EPA's Community Right to Know List. Benzene is a confirmed human carcinogen. It can produce myeloid leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, and lymphomas by inhalation. It is also considered a human poison by inhalation. It is a moderate skin irritant and a severe eye irritant. Human systemic effects by inhalation include blood changes and increased body temperature. Animal experiments have found teratogenic [birth defects] and adverse reproductive effects. Human mutation data have been reported. Research indicates that effects are seen at less than 1 parts per million (ppm). In one study, exposures needed to be reduced to 0.1 ppm before no toxic effects were observed. (27)

Caprolactam (25) - It is moderately toxic by skin contact. Animal experiments have shown it to be teratogenic. Other adverse reproductive effects have been reported in experiments. Human mutation data have been reported. Exposure symptoms in humans include cough, skin and eye irritation. (27)

Diethylene glycol (25) - It is included in EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory and is listed on EPA's Community Right to Know List. It is a suspected carcinogen, supported by experimental carcinogenic, tumorigenic and teratogenic data. It is an eye and human skin irritant. (27)

p-Dichlorobenzene (2, 25) - It is included in EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory and is listed on EPA's Community Right to Know List. It is a confirmed carcinogen. Animal experiments have found teratogenic effects (birth defects). In humans it can cause headache, eye irritation, swelling weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and cirrhosis of the liver. Published studies indicate the ASTM E981 test is a reliable indicator of adverse human health effects for p-dichlorobenzene. (19, 26, 27)

Formaldehyde (2, 23, 25) - It is included in EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory. It is a confirmed carcinogen. Animal experiments have reported adverse reproductive effects. Human mutation data has been reported. In humans it can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, bronchial spasm, lung irritation, dermatitis, aggressive behavior, and olfactory (smell) changes. Frequent or prolonged exposure may cause hypersensitivity to subsequent lower level exposures. Published studies indicate the ASTM E981 test is a reliable indicator of adverse human health effects for formaldehyde. (19, 26, 27)

Hexane (23) - It is included in EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory. In humans it can cause lightheadedness, nausea, headache, weakness, eye and nose irritation, dermatitis, chemical pneumonia, giddiness, hallucinations, structural changes in nerves, motor neuropathy, and respiratory irritation. Animal experiments have found adverse reproductive effects and birth defects. Mutation data have been reported. (26, 27)

Styrene (2, 24, 25) - It is included in EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory and is listed on EPA's Community Right to Know List. It is a suspected carcinogen and human mutation data have been reported. Animal experiments have found adverse reproductive effects. In humans it can cause eye and nose irritation, drowsiness, olfactory (smell) changes, and defatting dermatitis. Published studies indicate the ASTM E981 test is a reliable indicator of adverse human health effects for styrene. (19, 26, 27)

Toluene (2, 23, 25) - It is included in EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory and is listed on EPA's Community Right to Know List. Mutation data have been reported. Animal experiments have found adverse reproductive effects. Human effects include fatigue, weakness, confusion, euphoria, dizziness, headache, dilated pupils, dermatitis, central nervous system recording changes, hallucinations or distorted perceptions, motor activity changes, psychophysiological test changes, and bone marrow changes. Published studies indicate the ASTM E981 test is a reliable indicator of adverse human health effects for toluene. (19, 26, 27)

Vinylcyclohexene (28) - It is included in EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory. It is considered to be moderately toxic by inhalation. Animal experiments have evidenced carcinogenic, tumorigenic, and adverse reproductive effects. (27)

Xylenes (2, 25) - It is included in EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory and is listed on EPA's Community Right to Know List. Animal experiments have found adverse reproductive effects and birth defects. In humans it can cause dizziness, excitement drowsiness, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dermatitis, coordination problems, and staggering gate. Published studies indicate the ASTM E981 test is a reliable indicator of adverse human health effects for xylenes. (19, 26, 27)

References:

I have a very sick child from PB rugs they used a bad latex and they still havent recalled the rugs......................READ ON PEOPLE>>RUGS ARE BAD ANYWAYS BUT THEN ADDIN THAT THEY ARE MADE IN INDIA >>>>>>AND HAVE NO REGULATIONS ON THEM>>>>>>PLUS IF U HAVE A MOTH PROBLEM THEY ARE COMING FROM THE RUG>>>>>>>>>>

Thank you cutefrenchhouse for your post and for providing the retail customer service phone number, 866-224-4598. At the end of the day, I had a refund for every dollar I paid for my three-year-old rug. The process and negotiation went like this:

1. Call the customer service number. They immediately recognized the rug problem. I was told they would have the district manager for my area contact me within 2 days.
2. I suggested maybe I could contact my local store manager since I really wanted the smelly rug gone. That was fine.
3. I called the local store manager. I didn't think I had the receipt. First I was told since I didn't have the receipt I could return my rug for a refund of the marked down price (about $350). Then he agreed to let me trade my smelly old rug for a new one of the same size.
4. My awesome wife dug up the receipt.
5. I called the store and asked if I could now get a full refund. The answer was yes, because even though the return policy is one year, we were dealing with a defective product.
6. I came to the store and had someone in shipping take the rug from my car. I went inside to get my refund from the manager.
7. He told me that no, I couldn't have the full refund after all. He had spoken with the district manager. They couldn't "take the hit of refund for the full price." Oh, so who should take the hit? He suggested they would give me the marked down value. I told him that yes, they could do it because there is a precedent for Pottery Barn to give full refunds of rugs older than a year.
8. I told him that wasn't acceptable but that I would work it out with someone else later. I said perhaps I would speak to the district manager or perhaps the corporate number. Would he please, I asked, give me a document stating that I had returned the rug?
9. He said he didn't want to have the issue open for a long time, and did I just want to call the district manager immediately? Yes.
10. He called the district manager back, told him I wouldn't accept their gambit, he asked if I had paid with credit card, he asked if I had the card with me, and voila:
11. I WALKED OUT OF THE STORE WITH $691.71 credit back to me!

So be ready to stand your ground, endure a little resistance, but get your money back.

I spoke with my mother about this later in the day, and she told me that she had also experienced smelly potterybarn rugs.

Also, look at Craigs List and you'll see tons of people selling their old items for cheap. People don't know that the product was bad through and through and that they can bring these back to the stores.

I bought a 5 x 8 Pottery Barn rug last October. I am so sorry I didn't do my research and read the posts here first. At first I thought it was just a "new" smell, but it just seemed to get worse. Then I thought it was coming from the rug pad (also from Pottery Barn and also smells), which I thoroughly washed and put out in the sun for two days. When that didn't work I removed the pad entirely. When the rug still smelled I tried Febreze, baking soda, rose water, you name it. I have been airing her room out daily, but I absolutely can't stand it any longer and shudder now to think of the effect it is having on my daughter's health. Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to post. I will be calling Pottery Barn tomorrow about returning my rug.

If a new smell in a rug last longer them a couple of days you know you have a real problem..........why do u think they tell you to air out your new car before you drive it...Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Your Home
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature. The term “organic” indicates that the compounds contain carbon. VOC exposures are often associated with an odor while other times there is no odor. Both can be harmful. There are thousands of different VOCs produced and used in our daily lives.

Many products emit or “off –gas” VOCs. Some examples of VOC emission sources are:

Benzene
Toluene
Methylene
Chloride
Formaldehyde
Xylene
Ethylene glycol
Texanol
1,3-butadiene
For instance, carpets may contain:

Known carcinogens such as p-Dichlorobenzene. These chemicals may also cause hallucinations, nerve damage and respiratory illness in humans.

4-PC, the chemical that gives carpets their distinctive "new carpet smell" and is associated with eye, nose and upper respiratory problems.

Mothproofing chemicals, which contain naphthalene.

Fire retardants with PBDEs, which may cause damage to thyroid, immune system and brain development functions in humans.


Now put a rug that the company has admited to having bad latex ..........In your childs room that is 12 by 12 and the rug is 8 by 10 ..kiss him good night for 18month close the door with the windows closed.... call 911 because your son has had 12 sezuires and bloody noses ,rashes moods changes,head aches,..Dr could not understand why...well it all started 4 weeks after this rug was put in his room...went on until we found out it was the friggin rug...that was poisoining him..Pb refunded the money ...said latex was bad but it was safe.....NO ITS NOT SAFE PEOPLE..

Green Label Plus Certification: In 2004, the Carpet and Rug Institute started the Green Label Plus Certification, which certifies that carpets are free from 13 toxic chemicals. Look for carpets with this certification.
LOOK AT YOUR RUG MINE DIDNT HAVE THIS IS WAS MADE IN INDIA...................The long tem side effects are to scary to thing about ...hes only 10..........my god....

going green My ass still get 10 cataloges a week from them...yea they care........

feel free to email me if you want to share your story

There are some claims that this has been fixed in 2007 but I just called Pottery Barn about their felted shag rug and was told that it had a "natural latex" backing. How are things smelling for people who have recently gotten their rugs replaced? The rug is so pretty...I'm very sad.

very sad over a rug that was pretty ,how about the fact that..........its toxic..........really should be sad about that...
Hope it wasnt in your childs room..

I was sad b/c its pretty AND toxic, so of course I wouldn't buy it (haven't yet). I emailed PB and this is the response:

Thank you for contacting Pottery Barn.

At Pottery Barn, we once again have demonstrated how seriously we take our customer feedback. We are happy to report that Pottery Barn (PB, BE, PBK and PT) has changed the way we make our rugs. All Pottery Barn brands have transitioned to odorless Synthetic Latex on the back of our rugs, as of August 2006. Synthetic Latex is more durable and can be safer for people who are allergic to proteins (you'll notice on the new rugs there will no longer be a warning label regarding allergic reactions as there was in the past on all PB rugs with natural latex.

We hope this information is helpful.

If we may be of any further assistance, please contact us via email. Alternately, you may contact our Customer Service Department directly at 1-800-922-9934 from 4:00 am to 9:00 pm (PST), seven days a week.

I have the 8x10' Simone Wool Hand-Tufted rug from Pottery Barn that I bought in Santa Barbara two years ago and it smells horrible! The odor has grown increasingly intolerable and I just contacted the website and then the assistant store manager at the site where I purchased the rug. There IS a problem with the latex. Pottery Barn is aware of the "manufacturer's defect" and accepts returns on the rug (generally up to one year although they have taken back rugs as old as 3-4). I'm supposed to receive a call back early next week after the Assistant Manager talks to the District Manager. She said they will likely credit me the current price of the rug (now $279.99 I paid $400.00) or they could replace it with the same rug (but same problem). Apparently there are a few of these rugs still available in stores though Pottery Barn is aware of the problem and now utilizes a different process for the "tufting and gunning" of their rugs.

Don't live with this problem and you shouldn't have to eat the cost of the rug. Contact Pottery Barn and request that they remedy the problem. They ARE certaintly aware of the defect (both online customer service and at my local store). Ask to speak to a manager. I'll update after I hear back from them on Tuesday. Good Luck!

Had 2 Rugs 1 was 2 years old and the other 4.....they gave me a full refund of 1600.00..

what a price to pay for a toxic rug and a little boy that has been very sick. ......the rug is now with the Attorney Generals Office in my state ....still waiting to hear back from several calls to corprate PB,,,,what a joke....

UPDATE ON THE ATTEMPTED RETURN OF OUR STINKY POTTERY BARN RUG: Both Pottery Barn corporate (customer service) and my local store (customer service manager and floor staff) acknowledged the stink problem. Unfortunately, corporate told me that only the local store could refund and the local store told me only corporate could do it. There was quite a bit of finger-pointing with the customer service representative finally telling me that we would be offered a refund IF AND ONLY IF we located our original receipt (which we no longer have). She then suggested we go back and review all credit card statements and/or call our bank and credit card companies to try to locate a record for a purchase that took place several years ago. Clearly, the response was meant to dissuade stinky rug owners from being able to return these health-hazard rugs. Very disappointing outcome. I've stopped shopping at Pottery Barn, West Elm and Williams Sonoma (the Pottery Barn companies) as a result. If Pottery Barn can't offer good service (especially for product they admit is defective!), then they do not deserve my business.

DOES YOUR POTTERY BARN RUG STINK?

SIGN THE PETITION:

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?PBSS2008&1

PB will give you a full refund.............Do not stop bothering them............they are aware of the health problem........

The rug is toxic....... to your health more then any of you are aware of............I have a very sick child because of it......if you have a rug in a newborns room REMOVE it ASAP...

I purchased a PB rug ("Tree of Life" design, absolutely beautiful) in 2004. I have several dogs, so I assumed the "smell" was from them and/or from my "hypersmeller" nose. The few times the newest puppy wet the carpet I cleaned it instantly, but the "rubbery wet dog" smell continued.
At the time I lived in the dry desert, and although the smell was occasionally irritating, I just put up with it, blaming my dirty dogs.
Upon moving to moist New England, however, I was appalled when the moving van unloaded my PB rug, which had been in storage in the summer heat for a month. The stench was so bad, I refused to put it in the house. I took it directly to a professional carpet cleaner, who said he would clean it, but that the smell would NEVER go away. He explained that they call that type of rug a "Chinese Hook" and the adhesive they use to attach the cotton backing is a latex/chemical base that not only won't lose it's smell, but will increase over time, regardless of how clean the carpet is.
The rug is still in the cleaner's paper wrapper, in my basement, and when I walk by it ....I can STILL smell that awful stench (and I look around to see if one of the dogs left a gift for me!).
I thought of selling it on Ebay or Craigslist, but that seems just wrong at this point, especially if we are talking about a health hazard, not just an annoyance!!
I'm going to try my luck with PB. And it's good to know about Overstock as I can't smell the pictures! I see even Homegoods has a ton of that type of rug (just get right up to them and sniff!).
If anyone finds that the "new and improved" PB rugs are benign, let us know!! Meanwhile, I will simply not buy a rug with a cotton or rubber backing attached!

I too bought a Pottery Barn rug and it SMELLS HORRIBLE!!! It smells like burnt rubber. I have the Adeline Rug which is presently on the website for $649. I have been on the floor smelling the rug trying to determine if it is the rug pad or the actual rug that smells. Well, now that I have read all of these posts I am sure that it is the rug. I have been trying to live with the smell by opening windows, keeping the air conditioning on and lighting candles. As soon as I walk into my apartment it smells, it is horrible. I have redecorated my room to match the beautiful look of this rug. Now I don't know what I am going to do. The rug felt so soft and plush and it looks beautiful. I can not stand the stench of this rug another day, I have to roll it up tonight. I live in NY and the Pottery Barn on Houston Street where I bought is has closed, I do not feel optimistic that I will see any refund from Pottery Barn. What a nightmare. This was a huge splurge for me, now I am left with nothing but a bad smell. I will be shopping for my next rug at Target. Pottery Barn should be ashamed of themselves.

My Target wool rug has the same problem, and it's gotten worse over the years. I first started to notice after the rug was moved to the basement and we used a space heater. It reeks of rubber. I just unwrapped it to sell it (not for the smell actually), and after having it in the sun today to air it out, it's horrible. I doubt anyone will buy it.

I wonder, though, if the smell could come from the nonskid pad it was on in the basement. I had it in the mainfloor den for two years and it was held down with rug tape. I never noticed a smell then. But if it's the pad, shouldn't the smell have gone away today, rather than gotten worse?

I was amazed to see the number of posts on this problem, and how long this has been going on. I first noticed this odor problem in a vacation rental where I was staying in California. I couldn't figure out what that smell was! I had the landlord bring in an electrician because I thought the wiring was faulty. We also ruled out ped odor and natural gas. I finally realized it was the carpet. Fortunately we only had a few more days to stay there, so we were able to move on. I next encountered the smell at an office where I was visiting, and knew right away what it was. Then I discovered it again in another vacation rental, and decided to check it out online and found this site. I feel really sorry for those people who have bought these rugs and feel stuck with them. I think that these stores should take them back no matter how long you've had them, and they really need to stop selling them. Sign the petition listed a few posts back. And find some way of evaluating the health risks. I can't imagine putting something like this in a child's room.

Hey everyone, this problem IS well documented at Pottery Barn. Not every sales associate will know this, so talk only to the Design Studio Manager or General Manager. The old return policy (even though 1 year) absolutely was sensitive to inferior/manufacturing problems even after several years. I know that many of these rug returns have occurred years after purchase (I am a former employee ow WS). Now that they have adopted much stricter return policy they will really fight you on this, but the end result is that this is a known health hazard, so stick to your guns. Argue in person at the Design Studio dept in the store, on the sales floor as near to the hanging rugs as possible. sign the petition above also. Good Luck!

So, I just had a very good communication with Pottery Barn. I called the corporate tel# 800-275-2355, left my name & tel, and 2 hrs later got a return call. The woman who called was very apologetic, and said that their policy for this problem is, if no receipt, to deduct 10% per year of use and refund me the rest on a merch credit. They would send UPS to pick up the rug.

I couldn't ask for any better response. I urge all of you to NOT live with this problem. And I would call corporate rather than go to the store.

Good Luck.

.........my son has been very ill from the rug.......not realizing it was the rug until it was too late...........the damage is done and we do not know the long term effects from this carpet..........

....i was given a full refund on both rugs one was 2 years old and one 4.......no ? asked...red flag started to reasearch and found that it was the gases from the rug making our son sick..

the rug had been tested and is now with Our Attorney Genrals office...Money is not the point here this company need to take action and recall these rugs...they know how toxic these rugs are

Much thanks to all of you that have posted before me- I did not expect to find such a quick answer to my burnt-rubber-smelling area rug. Nor did I expect to find a problem that I cannot resolve and may be contributing to difficult to control asthma that was diagnosed after the rug was purchased. My rug is an Obeetee purchased at my local rug store about 3 years ago. I know Obeetee private labels for Pottery Barn because I had been concerned that the rug I purchased for significantly more at the rug store looked strikingly similar to a rug released by PB shortly after my purchase. I called to confirm that PB would not be carrying my exact rug.

SJames174 - I would appreciate being in touch with you to learn more about your route to the Attorney General's office. Also, how to go about documenting the relation between health problems and the rug.

ACK312................
Well u need to Get the rug out of your house,
check with the Dr to see when the health problems started,
have blood work done ....The dr would know what to look for .
if not get on line type in chemicals found in rugs.............

write them down and take it to the lab,next have a hair test done,toxins stay in the hair alot longer then blood...........

call your local Attorney General's office explain to them what is going on...you will have to bring them the rug......


print out this website and all the (ALL) the letters Its like 55 pages and bring that into.........
PB knows they have a problem and it is a big one.....

i was give a full refund with both my rugs after 2 and 4 years old...Do not send them the rug back...there goes your evidence

too think of all the sick kids and parents havent connected it to a rug.......THESE rugs are killing are kids.......the toxin from off gases from a rug that dosent have bad latex is bad enough,,,but to know that this can kill you and still sell them...Shocks me..type in what off gasing from carpet does to a fetus or newborns brain and it will make you sick.
Get THE RUG OUT OF yOUR HOME NOW...

good luck

hope i have helped

It's not just pottery barn, i bought a 'chinese garden' rug from West Elm last year as a birthday gift to myself( in Oct), I had also just bought a new house.., but my room was not ready yet, so the rug sat in the original plastic rolled up, vertically in a corner of my dining room until last month. I unrolled it on to my nice new bedroom floor( it's a circle rug) & was looking forward to enjoying it, or having my son play with me on it..UGGHH the smell...I figured well hey, it's brand new, it's been sitting for 6 mos, maybe it's a chemical new rug smell..whatever, it will be gone in a week or so..NO SUCH LUCK..i febreezed it like crazy & also, my son ended up playiing with the powder & it was all over the room( rug too)..I vacumed & cleaned..room still smell like it.I looked up return policy 30 days only----unless manufacturer's defect..im gonna try to return it under that .my son sneezed & rubs nose constantly (he's 21 mos) & coughs in MY room. I just can't take the smell..WEST WLM is a culprit too..so don't gang up on JUST Pottery Barn( I previously had bought area rugs, 100% wool & 100% cotton from IKEA & Pier One & had no problem whatsoever.

phillygrl's ,
yes i am ganging up on PB they know they have a Big problem and they dont care..... i had to call 911 over 2 dozen time due to seizure my son is have from the toxins that came from thier rugs........So dont u be so blinded...I need more then a tissue to fix my son's problem.....

you better do your research ......long term effects from theses carpets my even kill your child.......



pissed off I am.......and yes there are other companys selling these rugs to .i am aware of that...

I own many PB rugs. But one that I purchased in 2004 has suddenly begun to STINK. Horrible burning rubber chemical smell. After more than a week of smelling everything in the house, I realized it is the rug. This rug had been in one location for years, and I just moved it to a new spot a few weeks ago. I suspect the sudden gust of fresh air to hit the underside of the rug has somehow released the toxic smell. I had purchased the rug online, I found my old confirmation email and called PB. After being on hold for a long while, the rep returned and said they would be happy to have the rug picked up the next day and would provide me with a full refund. I should mention that they never asked me if I had the receipt - so do not be concerned if you do not have it. The rep also said it is the glue used to make the rug - it is starting to disintegrate. Whatever the reason for the smell, I am very happy they have resolved this especially considering the rug is over four years old. I love the rug and would of course prefer it to be non-toxic and non-smelling - but a refund is better than nothing.

Thanks for all of these comments. I had a beautiful wool PB rug (made in China), which I bought 2 years ago. About a year ago it started smelling very bad, and my husband actually developed athma, which was thought to be related to some colds he had, but I'm sure the rug didn't help things. Fortunately, my daughter whose bedroom it was in did not develop any health problems. We put the rug in the attic and took it out recently to see if we could salvage it by cleaning it, but thanks to this website called Pottery Barn. They picked it up the next day, and will be given full credit (however I can't think of anything I'd really like to get from them right now).

Are you really that stupid.........thanks to pb.........my god open your eyes up people.

They just have me my money back ...........lol you have got to be kidding me.........sure they did ...they sold you a toxic rug and they wanted it back fast...they know there asses are in big trouble......They are covering this up......Read on people about off gases from carpets.........suzithecat's go read and see what harm the off gases have done....in 5 -10 years when u and your children have cancer or tumors ...ect

remember to thank PB for your full refund

Thank you to all who have posted on this thread. My first google search was "pottery barn rug smell" and here I am! I bought the "Tapis Graham" rug in August 2006. We loved this rug. Loved the softness, loved the colors. At first I thought there was a "new rug" smell, then a "wool smell", then thought it was only on damp days. But I live somewhere where the the windows are open every day except the damp days, so it was closing the windows (not the dampness) that was trapping whatever that smell was. After a year I removed the pad. I used various carpet enzyme products that were supposed to neutralize the smell. Nothing worked. It got worse and worse.

After reading this thread and strategizing a bit about when to call (not on Monday, not first thing in the morning, etc...trust me, this helps when you want something), I called Pottery Barn today. I explained the problem to a manager and said that I had read that thousands of customers were returning their rugs because of the problem, how should I proceed. At first the manager said that there had been a 1 year manufacturer's warranty. I said I didn't think that made sense since many stores were taking back the rugs several years later as that is when the latex and/or rubber backing is breaking down and off-gassing. He said let me check. He put me on hold for five minutes. He came back and said I he would replace the rug with the exact same rug. Or he would give me full store credit for the price I paid. He understood I did not want the same rug. I explained I did not have the receipt (but did have my credit card statement) and he said drop off the rug at the service entry and they will scan it for the price I paid an give me the credit.

All done in an hour people! Rolled up the rug, put it in the car, dropped it off at service entrance, manager went into store room and scanned it, full store credit issued. My husband, who didn't think the smell was that bad, almost passed out when he opened our car door before we left and the rug had been in there for only 1/2 hour. The manager came back from the store room and said it was stinking up the store room as well.

They know, they know, they know. They know it is defective. They know that you can't live with it. Don't expect any admission about any toxic effects. Just get it out of your house. Don't worry about the receipt. Don't worry about when you purchased it. Don't worry if you can't see the latex or rubber backing because you can't (it's under the cotton canvas cloth backing on most hand tufted rugs). If it smells like off-gassing....IT IS!

Kristine in Santa Barbara

I have never been this pissed off! The noted experiences above are unbelievable. I am so happy to have found this website last night. I bought a rug on May 6th from Crate and Barrel. One in a half to two weeks later I received it (in a plastic bag), laid it down on the hardwood floor in my bedroom and broke out with a hive on my arm a week or so later. The hives got consistently worse and soon I started having angiodema (swelling of lips and eyes) as well. I have been going through hell for the past six months and I think I may have just realized what has been making me sick. I was under a lot of stress at the time and attributed my illness/hives to anxiety and stress. I started having trouble breathing, severe hives (and yes in my throat too!!), angiodema, itching/stinging in my eyes, and red bloodshot eyes in the mornings.

Before I knew it, it was happening every time I ate!!! I thought it was an allergy too food. I have never been allergic to anything. I saw an allergist and was in my worst condition; blood tests/urinalysis were very abnormal; allergy test said I was not allergic to anything except sea bass and slightly to onions.

I have been on atarax and zyrtec for six freakin' months and still break out. I cannot have any foods with hormones, additives, preservatives, packaged, hydrogenated oils, etc. I've lost weight, look sick, feel fatigued all the time, have fevers, and still have abnormal blood results. Coincidence? I think not. Sjjames174, thank you posting the side effects of all the chemicals above.

At first I did think it was the rug...but I ruled it out as (after the first couple weeks) my reactions would almost happen every time I ate something.

I believe that either the rug has mold or the rug was sprayed with a chemical which has gotten into my system and is constantly getting into my system since I still have the rug.

I'm rolling it up tonight and storing it far away from anyone. Meanwhile, I will be contacting an attorney and getting some tests done on the rug. I am 99% sure that this is what has disrupted my body. If any one has any suggestions or would like to get a class action law suite together, please let me know.

My sympathy goes out to those of you who have had your children affected by these damn things. Please spread the word that these items can be extremely hazardous to your health. Maybe we need to get some thing on the news about this? I'm sure that will wake these companies wake up!! They're making enormous profits while we're spending enormous amounts of money on medical bills to determine what is wrong with us/our kids.

It's not the money, it's the fact that these companies will do anything to make money while risking the health and lives of others. Lets get together and make something change!!!

sjames74 can you give me the name and number of your attorney? Have you had any success while working with this individual?

This is not just Pottery Barn rugs. It's inexpensive rugs made all over mostly China and some from India and other countries as well sold at all of the home decor stores and rug stores everywhere.

When you are buying any rug, look for hand TIED rugs, rugs specified as low VOC if you can find them, and when you find the one you think you want to buy, stick your nose in it and inhale deeply. If it smells like chemicals, don't buy it. A good rug is not going to be cheap (i.e. several thousand dollars).

If you can't afford a quality hand-tied rug, consider having a nice piece of low VOC carpet bound into a rug at your local carpet store. It often is cheaper than a rug you can find at PB or similar stores and you know you and your family aren't inhaling toxic air.

What is a Class Action?
A class action suit may occur when many different people combine their similar complaints. This saves court time and allows a single judge to hear all the concerns at the same time, and come to one settlement for all parties. If the court agrees to certify the complaints as a class action, all class members should have equal say and rights to any monies or remedies ordered by the court.

What factors must be present to start a class action lawsuit?
There are several requirements to consider when attempting to form a new class action case. Simplified, these are:
Numerosity - adequate number of plaintiffs
Commonality - common damages and legal issues
Typicality - each class member's claim must come from the same event, and must make the same legal argument
Adequacy of Representation - the representative plaintiff will adequately protect and represent the interest of the class
Viability of Defendant - although it is not a requirement of the court, it is reasonable to assume that if the accused does not have the means to compensate for the alleged damages and legal costs, it would be difficult to entice a law firm to represent the class.
Who pays the lawyers in a class action lawsuit?
Lawyers who represent a class for money damages are generally paid out of the recovery.

Tiffany,
get a hair analyst done...show toxins in body longer then blood.....

I've had the same problem with a rug from West Elm (Pottery Barn under a different name). I bought the rug this summer (2008) and noticed the smell so I called West Elm. They claimed the smell came from a treatment for mold or insects and it would dissipate. I didn't need the rug at the time, so I stored it in my garage, to let the smell dissipate.

I installed it a week ago, and it made me sick almost immediately. The smell was strong, but I thought it was just a matter of letting it air out. My daughter and I developed "colds" and I started feeling really sick.

Then I found this site and realized that the rug was emitting toxic fumes, so I took it out. I feel better, but not well. I'm worried about my daughter. Do the affects of these toxins continue after exposure? Are they reverseable?

Today, I called West Elm about returning the rug. They are going to pick it up tomorrow and give me either a refund or merchandise credit. Clearly, they know they're selling rugs that poison people and they are trying to cover up. If there is a class action lawsuit, I would gladly join.

I work with the buying offices for a national competitor of Pottery Barn (will remain nameless to ensure integrity of my message). The "burnt rubber" smell issue is fairly common to the rug industry. While not familiar with the above rugs, I would imagine that there is a cotton or canvas backing to the rugs with this smell issue. The smell is caused by the breakdown of cheap latex used to attach the backing to the rug.

Generally, inexpensive area rugs manufactured in India have this issue. It is rare to have a Chinese made area rug with the smell problem.

Purchasing a hand-knotted or machine made wool rug will avoid the smell problem. Synthetic rugs should not have any smell issues either. If the rug has a cotton or canvas backing, and it is made in India, be cautious and ensure that the retailer has a friendly policy regarding defective rug returns. My company has taken back rugs with this issue after 3 years, depending upon the quality of the rug (some low-end rugs are not designed to last more than 3-5 years).

You cannot get the smell out. Never get these rugs wet!!!!! It only magnifies the smell (water accelerates the breakdown of the latex and the smell gets worse). Deodorizers will help absorb the smell, but will have to be repeatedly used.

While an irritant, this smell is not dangerous. In fact, while the smell is terrible, most of the rugs with this problem are certified, by independant agencies, to be safe. Some of the worst offenders have the highest ratings out there.

greg h,
do your homework again........


it is very harmful...........

Gosh!!! First of all, why is it that when you are trying to sleep mind wanders to things that one would not register during the day....anyways, as I was trying to sleep my mind wandered to why my daughter's room still stinks of this horrible rubber smell after 2 years of trying so many different things to get rid of it. We knew it was the rug so we sunbathe it (just sun, no water)...we have opened the windows but during the winters one cannot afford to do that...and then, suddenly worry settled in, what if whatever the smell/odor it is, impacts the neuropsychological functioning....I realize that she exhibits allergy symptoms every morning...what if there has been other impact not so visible...it is so scary. So I have gotten out of bed, googled the topic and came upon this discussion (it listed first on the google search engine).
Yes, the referenced rug is also from Pottery Barn Kids..I got it in early 2007. I am now very concerned and would join in any effort to get to the bottom of this....I just want to know what it is and what harm it could have caused. First thing tomorrow morning I plan on calling PB and get rid of this rug from my daughter's room...Sadly, we too decorated the room around this rug and its accompanying room wardrobe....
signing off,
A disturbed parent!

Hey everyone...it's really important to educate yourself before buying products for your home. I'm a designer and part of my job is to educate you. Here's a link as to why your rugs smell...

http://www.rugrag.com/post/Hand-Tufted-Rugs-White-Residue-and-Powder-Explained.aspx
(scroll down to the link "our rug smells")

Yes PB is cheap but is it worth it to have chemical smells in your home? Think about it next time you buy from mass produced stores; know what you are buying. Yes the initial investment may be more but it will last longer and won't make you sick or smell. This is why I as a designer advocate green design. We don't just make your house pretty; we make sure it's safe.

And I agree, as a population we need to regulate these things so we aren't getting exposed to harmful agents without our knowledge.

It's a bit late but since this topic is still active - i bought a really inexpensive but large-ish rug from IKEA for a dorm room several years ago. It developed that smell, so we took it to the car wash and washed it witht he car wash soap...then let it bake to dry. It never smelled again. I dont know if it's the same smell or if it would help, but it was worth a shot for us and it only cost a couple of dollars.

Just over a year ago, I purchased a Kingsley House wool rug from Sams Club. About 3 months ago I noticed the burning rubber smell and found a powder like dust underneath. I vacuumed the underneath side with a shop vac. The smell got worse. It is now rolled up in the garage. I could not believe all the similar complaints when I googled "wool rug burning smell".

I talked to the manager at our Sams. They had a record of my purchase (I had thrown away the original receipt). They offered to give me my money back once I bring the rug back to the store. I am impressed with SAMS CLUB.

I found a similar looking rug at overstock.com and want to replace the Sam's rug. I am very leary of getting any wool rug after reading all the posts. Does anyone know if overstock guarantees their products in a case like this?