Burlap fabric smells - unsafe for orchid use?

[farley101]

I ordered some burlap to use as a substrate for a top secret project I'm working on. I mounted a few pieces to use and rinsed them to get any dust/loose threads/whatever off of them. I let them dry for a bit and started to prepare them for use, but they smell like they've been rinsed in gasoline.

I checked and it seems the jute is treated with a solvent to get the fibers to make the burlap and the smell can stick around after. My question is, can I use this stuff with my plants? I'm working with some sensitive plants and I'd really like to avoid killing them!

[estación seca]

Don't use it. Wet burlap falls apart in days to weeks.

[Ray]

Agreed. Use something with synthetic fibers - polyester is quite stable.

[farley101]

Thanks guys, I'll look for something a little more durable and less questionable as far as toxicity.

[Ray]

Look for 3D Spacer fabrics. I used to carry one called AquaMat, a direct competitor to Hygrolon.

[farley101]

Ray, the project I'm looking at using this for is on some of the very tiny ghost orchids that were in the flask I bought. I have some hickory bark on the way for the largest of the group, but want to "mount" the little ones on something to get them to the point where they are mountable. Would the 3D Spacer fabric be suitable for this use?

Everything I've found is intended for seat covers or speakers, with terrible colors to match. Appreciate the input, would like to help these tiny ghosts get off to a good start.