I cannot speak on absorbency as I am using this next to my bed just so I have something soft and cute to step on right away. It is very soft, I am afraid to vacuum it or wash it as the fuzzy things already kinda come out on their own and I’m gentle on it. When it first arrived it did have a bit of a smell for the first for days, but that may just be from being packaged and stored for however long. I no longer notice any sort of smell.Perfect and cute!This rug doesn't look exactly like the picture, the lines are distorted and it's more pink than red. Also it doesn't really absorb water at all, but it still looks cute. It's very easy to wash though, just throw it in the washing machine and let it air dry in the sun! I wouldn't recommend it as a bath mat outside of the shower/bath because it won't absorb water.It's very cute and soft.