You could try " spilling "
some of your wive's favourite parfume on the mats.
I know what you mean. It's the same rubbery smell you get when you walk into any tire shop.
Had my M-B winter mats for 2 years, and still notice the smell when I install them.
I don't know if spraying them with silicone ( Armor-All ) would seal them enough to reduce/eliminate the smell.