When I first unpacked the rug, it had an odor that hinted of mildew.  My husband could not smell it, but  I thought about the one reviewer who sent it back before unpacking because of mold worries.  The rug was clean and felt soft and other than the odor was better than I expected. I also felt it would be easy to have cleaned (a smaller version would fit in a washing machine), so we put it down.  After about 3 days, there is no hint of odor.  We have this in our newly painted bedroom and even bought a matching smaller one for the sitting area (not pictured)  

Pros: price, colors, natural cotton fiber
Cons: none