ᐅ After Painting, My KALLAX Attracts Chemical Odors – Any Tips?

Hello everyone,

I recently renovated my apartment and had some painting work done in one room. Right afterward, I noticed that my IKEA KALLAX shelf, which is located there, started to emit chemical odors that are quite strong and unpleasant at times. The shelf is made of coated fiberboard, and I suspect that the freshly applied paint or the paint itself releases certain solvents or other volatile compounds that are then absorbed by the furniture.

My question to you: Does anyone know if it’s common for furniture like the KALLAX to absorb these kinds of odors after painting? And if so, does anyone have tips on how to get rid of these smells as quickly and effectively as possible without damaging the shelf? Are there proven methods or home remedies that actually work?

I appreciate any advice and thank you in advance!

Parjoaquin schrieb:
Does anyone know the phenomenon where furniture like the KALLAX absorbs odors after painting work?

Hey, this is actually a common issue, especially with furniture made from fiberboard or particleboard! The paints and varnishes used in painting often contain solvents and other volatile organic compounds that can settle into the surfaces of the furniture.

What you can do: Place the KALLAX in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors or in a room with an open window. Fresh air is great for gradually getting rid of the odors!

Many people also recommend activated charcoal – you can try placing a few small containers of it on the shelves; it absorbs odors very effectively! Baking soda can also help bind odors to some extent, though it’s not as powerful as activated charcoal.

Very important: Do not use harsh cleaning agents, as they can damage the material and possibly make the smell worse!

Keep at it, and fingers crossed the shelf smells normal again soon! 🙂

Parjoaquin schrieb:
Are there any proven methods or home remedies that really help here?

Hello, Parjoaquin,
usually, shelves made of engineered wood tend to absorb volatile chemical odors from paint or varnish because their surfaces are porous, allowing solvents to penetrate deeply. To counter this, there are several approaches:

1. Ventilation: Fresh air is your best friend! Keeping the shelves in a well-ventilated area for several days or even weeks helps prevent the smell from setting in.

2. Use absorbers: Activated charcoal, as Peose already mentioned, or bowls of coffee grounds can absorb odors. Just place them inside or near the shelves.

3. Surface sealing: If you are handy, a matte clear coat or wood sealer could help seal the surface so no new chemical substances can enter.

4. Cleaning with vinegar water: A soft cloth dipped in a solution of water and white vinegar can help gently clean the surface and reduce odors—however, be careful with coated surfaces.

Always test any treatment first in an inconspicuous spot to make sure it does not damage the material.

If the smell does not fade after a few weeks, it might be due to ongoing emissions from fresh paint or the underlying material. In that case, a more intensive solution may be necessary.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

Peose schrieb:
Fresh air really helps to gradually get rid of odors!

The idea of airing out the room is nice, but I think it’s far too simplistic. Why exactly should furniture “absorb” odors in the first place? Isn’t that more a sign that the paints or varnishes used are of low quality or too aggressive?

GiRoyce schrieb:
Surface sealing... maybe a matte clear coat or wood sealer could help

That’s the crucial point. Instead of spending hours airing out and relying on home remedies, it’s better to invest in a high-quality surface protection. Otherwise, the damage is inevitable: the piece of furniture becomes a hazardous waste container, releasing chemical fumes every time you open its doors.

Who here has real experience with coatings that effectively block harmful substances? I argue that many of today’s furniture pieces simply aren’t designed to withstand such environmental influences. The problem runs much deeper than just “the shelf smells strange.”

What are your thoughts?