EVA jigsaw mats are an excellent choice for creating comfortable and safe flooring in various settings, from gyms to play areas. However, one common issue that arises with these mats is the initial odour they emit upon unpacking.
The off-putting smell can be a concern for customers, but the good news is that there are effective ways to reduce this odour while still adhering to the terms and conditions of typical returns policies.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various strategies to tackle this issue, ensuring customer satisfaction without compromising your business's policies.
Understanding the EVA Jigsaw Martial Art Mat Odour
Before delving into solutions, it's important to understand the source of the initial odour from EVA jigsaw martial arts mats. EVA, or Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate, is a popular material for puzzle mats due to its durability, shock-absorbing properties, and ease of cleaning. However, like many synthetic materials, EVA can emit a distinct odour when first unpacked. This odour is often described as a “rubbery” or “plastic-like” smell and is a result of the manufacturing process.
EVA foam mats are commonly chosen over rubber mats due to their lightweight structure, but both can emit a rubber smell when new.
How to Get Rid of EVA Jigsaw Mats Odour
While the bad odour is temporary and typically harmless, it can be unpleasant for customers, leading to concerns and potential returns. To ensure customer satisfaction and uphold your returns policy, consider the following effective ways to reduce and eliminate the initial odour from EVA jigsaw mats.
Proper Storage and Ventilation
Proper storage and ventilation are key to reducing the initial odour from EVA jigsaw mats. When mats are first unpacked, they may release a stronger odour due to being tightly packed in a box. To mitigate this, follow these steps:
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Unbox the mats in a well-ventilated area, such as outdoors or a spacious room with open windows.
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Lay out the mats flat on a clean, dry surface. Ensure they are not stacked or tightly packed together, allowing air to circulate around each mat.
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Leave the mats exposed to fresh air for at least 24-48 hours. This will help dissipate the odour naturally.
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If you’re a gym owner or home gym user, ensuring all the mats are aired out properly before use is critical to maintaining a fresh environment. The unappealing smell will reduce significantly if each mat is placed individually in a well-ventilated area.
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If possible, fans or air purifiers should be placed in the room to aid in the ventilation process.
Baking Soda and Charcoal
Baking soda and activated charcoal are well-known odour absorbers. They can be used to help neutralise the initial odour from EVA jigsaw martial arts mats. Here's how:
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Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda or place activated charcoal in a shallow container or tray.
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Set the container near the mats, ensuring it doesn't touch the mats directly.
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Leave it in place for 24-48 hours, or until you notice a reduction in the odour.
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Replace the baking soda or charcoal as needed until the odour is gone.
Vinegar and Water Solution
White vinegar is another effective natural odour eliminator. It can help neutralise the EVA mat odour while remaining within your return policy terms. Here's how to use it:
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Create a solution by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
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Lightly mist the mats with the solution, being careful not to oversaturate them.
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Allow the mats to air dry completely. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, taking the EVA odour with it.
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Repeat the process as necessary until the odour is gone.
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Always avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning EVA mats as they can break down the foam and irritate skin. A neutral pH cleaner or mild detergent can be safer and just as effective when diluted properly.
Sun Exposure
Although sunlight can be a powerful natural deodorizer and disinfectant. Direct sunlight can make EVA mats warp, degrade and bleach their colour. For this reason we do no recommend this option.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a fragrant and natural way to mask odours. Here's how to use them:
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Dilute a few drops of your preferred essential oil (e.g., lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus) in water.
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Lightly mist the mats with the diluted essential oil solution.
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Allow the mats to air dry. The pleasant scent of the essential oil will help mask the EVA odour.
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Ensure the mats are completely dry before use or storage.
Essential oils not only mask the bad smell but can also help sanitise the mats, especially after a heavy training session involving sweat and bodily fluids. Just be sure the mats are thoroughly dried to prevent germs and bacterial infection from close contact.
When to Replace EVA Foam Mats
No matter how effective your odour control and cleaning strategies are, EVA mats do have a lifespan. Over time, they may begin to break down, lose their cushioning, or retain odours that cannot be removed even with extensive ventilation or cleaning. If mats start to show signs of warping, tearing, or emitting a persistent rubber smell, it may be time for a replacement.
For business owners and gym operators, keeping an eye on mat condition is crucial for health, safety, and customer satisfaction. It’s wise to budget for periodic replacement and consider rotating mats in high-use zones to evenly distribute wear.
Upgrading to newer mats or switching to odourless alternatives like XPE can also be a proactive step toward maintaining a cleaner and more pleasant environment.
Conclusion
The initial odour can take time to fully dissipate, especially in hot enclosed facilities with poor ventilation. The odour is harmless and does go away on its own. These tips might be used to speed up the process. MMA mats and vinyl surfaces are especially vulnerable to dirt, debris, and germs, so proper cleaning is essential. Using a dry mop and a mild disinfectant regularly can help get rid of any lingering bad odour from dirty mats.
Remember that XPE mats do not have any odour; consider this option if odour is very important to your business.
PRO TIP: A cleaning solution like sugar soap mixed with hot water in the correct amount can be effective for scrubbing the entire floor area. Business owners should take extra care in choosing the right cleaning products to avoid skin diseases among athletes.
