I decided to research how to get rid of the plastic smell. Here's an explanation of why it smells: "Most plastics, with the exception of some medical and industrial products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which help to keep the plastic supple enough for its intended application. During the manufacturing process, to aid with demolding, more of these compounds are present in the plastic that are required for the desired application. The volatiles evaporate out of the plastic over time. This is what makes that "new car smell," and the loss of these VOC's over time explains why your PVC lawn furniture eventually shatters.
The rate at which these compounds escape from the surface of the plastic falls off over time in an inverse-square relationship. Ideally, leaving a new plastic item in a warm, well-ventilated area should allow the VOCs to evaporate out of the surface of the item in a few days." (
How to rid harsh odor coming from synthetic materials. - smell odour vinyl | Ask MetaFilter)
Lots of sites suggested just airing it out for a few days, something people here said worked. Some suggested setting it out in the sun.
On another site, they suggested putting coffee in it to absorb the odor. They said even whole coffee beans would work.
Here's an interesting one: "Try putting this in the freezer for a couple of days. I have had success ridding plastic of smells by doing this." (
HOW TO GET RID OF plastic smell)
The same site also suggested baking soda. However, loose baking soda might not wipe out of the PCC easily. What do you think?
And here's an interesting site:
Campaign to Ban Smelly, Chemical-Emitting Plastic from China The author says stuff made in China has a bad smell. The PCC is made in China. Any correlation?
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