Question from hatzis4
My wife and I recently bought a cheap area rug from Target. We learned you get what you pay for!!
For about two weeks, there was a rubbery odor that I now know (after doing a lot of reading on your website) was probably the off-gassing from the backing of the carpet. My son had trouble sleeping and lots of congestion.
We got rid of the carpet a few days ago, but now the problem is that the smell has actually gotten worse. It’s like the chemical has seeped into the 50 year old wooden floor. I’ve scrubbed it with Murphy’s Oil Soap and another hardwood floor cleaner, left the windows open, and nothing seems to help.
Any ideas about how to get rid of the smell? It is actually overpowering – especially at night when the heat kicks on. We are new to learning all about the toxic chemicals all around us in our house – but becoming quick converts! Greg in CT
Debra’s Answer
I was about to write for you to use heat to release the odor, then I read that the odor is worse at night when the heat kicks on. That’s actually a good sign.
I suggest that you turn on the heat to the highest setting, then everyone leave the house for the day. When you come back, open the windows and air out the house. You may need to do this a few times, but heat should handle it. The heat is causing the fumes to be released from the flooring.
