Question from Sara
When we buy products from China that contain black rubber parts, they have a strong odor. Two sink stoppers smelled up my kitchen. Leaving them in the sun to gas off did not help. Soaking them in baking soda and water did not help. I don’t know why these and other items with black rubber parts have such a strong odor. Is it a safe odor or is there reason for concern?
Debra’s Answer
I don’t know exactly what they are, but am assuming their composition is something like rubber tires, which contain a lot of toxic chemicals.
Sara, you read my mind. I just bought a fancy one with a Santa on it and the vendor swore it didn’t smell. I have been wondering about soaking it in alcohol. Or maybe just let it air out for a few years. I also bought a silicon stopper that is one piece with the holder it sits in. There is no rubber, but it has a lip that extends out up to the porcelain and it seems like it would harbor mold.
I just found one that is lemon-scented. How does that sound?
I just bought one made in Taiwan on ebay. He had one more like it in stock. When it arrives, I’ll let you know what I think. It was expensive so that may be a good sign.
Yesterday I Googled for sink stopper made in USA. i found http://www.dearbornbrass.com and http://www.jesrestaurantequipment.com andhttp://www.justmfg.com but haven’t contacted them. Please post if you have any success.