Horse stall mats provide horses with a comfortable and safe surface to stand on, but that is not the extent of their usability. Horse stall mats can be used as a rubber floor in garages, basements, and even as a home gym floor.
However, if you’re installing the mats for purposes beyond lining a horse stall, you may find yourself with a very stinky piece of new rubber.
After all, most horse stall mats are made out of recycled rubber from old tires and tend to smell awfully strong. The volatile organic compounds used in the process stink. So much so, that many people miss out on the awesome benefits these mats can provide. Today I’m going to share some helpful tips and tricks to show you
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How To Remove The Smell From Horse Stall Mats
To remove a rubber smell out of a horse stall mat, expose them to direct sunlight for a few hours. This simple trick works because the strong UV radiation from the sun breaks down the small molecules that are responsible for the pungent rubber mat smell
So, simply lay your mats flat on an exterior surface such as a driveway or back patio making sure they receive direct sunlight for at least a few hours. Keep in mind that you may need to repeat this process for the best results.
Direct Sunlight
This is a very easy trick that will also cost you nothing. You can use direct sunlight to remove the strong smell of new horse stall mats, as well as to remove any other unwanted smells that your mats accumulate through their daily use.
Pro-Tip: when placing your horse stall mat outside under direct sunlight, use a couple of cinder blocks or paint cans to raise them off the ground. This will create airflow underneath the mat and help you ventilate the bad smell more effectively.
Regular Cleaning
The second best thing you can do to get rid of the smell from horse stall mats is to clean them regularly. Regardless of what you use your rubber stall mats for, they will accumulate a layer of dirt, grime, and bacteria over time that can easily develop into a funky smell.
To clean your horse stall mat use a broom or vacuum to remove any excess dirt or debris from the surface of the mat.
Next, mix a solution of mild detergent and clean water to wash the mat (make sure your detergent is safe to use on recycled rubber). Scrub the mat thoroughly with a bristled brush to remove ingrained dirt and bacteria.
Follow up by rinsing the mat thoroughly to remove the soapy residue, and allow it to air dry completely before restoring them to its usual spot.
Pro-Tip: You can use a mixture of water and white vinegar to safely disinfect the surface of the mats and remove any bacteria that may be causing the bad smell.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the world’s most effective, all-natural deodorizers and it is a great option if you want to remove the pungent smell of horse stall mats. To do so, sprinkle a moderate amount of baking soda on top of your horse stall mats and let it sit for a few hours.
To remove the fine, white powder simply sweep it away or use a vacuum cleaner to suction it off the mat’s surface.
Keep in mind that the longer you let the baking soda sit on the mat, the more odor absorption it will generate.
Use A Deodorizing Spray
As always, you can rely on the help of an over-the-counter deodorizing spray. There are a ton of brands and formulations available, so you are bound to find something that suits your particular tastes and removes the smell from horse stall mats quickly and effectively.
Make sure that you purchase a product that is safe to use on rubberized mats, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Any one of these tips will help you to remove bad smells from your horse stall mats. However, you will experience the best results by using a combination of some or all of them in conjunction.
How Long Will Horse Stall Mats Smell?
Horse stall mats will smell very strongly for around 30 days. However, the smell will only gradually begin to dissipate and will still be noticeable far beyond that.
If you wish to wait until the smell disappears on its own, you may have a rough time of it. Especially if you are sensitive to strong smells. The tips presented above are all very effective, easy to do, and inexpensive. So, why not give them a try?
