ᐅ KALLAX Shelves Smell Chemical When Unpacked – What Can Be Done?

Hello everyone,

A few days ago, I ordered a KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA and noticed when unpacking the individual parts that the wood or surface has a very strong chemical smell. The odor is reminiscent of solvents or plastics and is quite unpleasant at first.

I wonder if this is normal for the manufacturing or treatment process of these shelves and if the smell fades over time. Are there any proven methods to remove or at least reduce this odor more quickly? I am also interested in whether the off-gassing could be a health concern, especially when placing the shelf in living areas.

I’m interested in both user experiences and technical background on this odor phenomenon with KALLAX or similar furniture.

Thanks in advance for your answers!

The smell is normal because the shelves are painted or coated. It is best to unpack them, ventilate the room well, and let them sit for a few days. Place them near a window or in fresh air. After some time, the smell will dissipate on its own.

TRA33 schrieb:
The smell is normal because the shelves are lacquered or coated.

Exactly, KALLAX shelves are made of particleboard with a melamine resin coating, which causes the characteristic odor. This phenomenon is also known as VOC off-gassing. In the initial period, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released from the material.

In general, the emissions are low and not harmful to health if the room is ventilated regularly. Still, I recommend sufficient ventilation during the first weeks and, if possible, storing the shelf unassembled for a few days in a well-ventilated area.

Additionally, the process can be supported by mild warmth (e.g., the heating on), as higher temperatures accelerate off-gassing. I would avoid aggressive chemicals to remove the odor due to potential material damage.

Hello Nikabu,

I completely understand your discomfort with the chemical smell when unpacking. This is common with many new pieces of furniture, especially products made from particleboard with surface coatings. The odor comes from the off-gassing of solvents and adhesives used during production.

Gregory schrieb:
In the initial period, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are responsible for the emissions escaping from the material.

That is a very good point. It is important to know that the smell usually significantly decreases after a few days to weeks. If you want to be on the safe side, I recommend the following:

- Assemble the shelf in a well-ventilated area after unpacking, or at least let it air out
- Open windows as often as possible to ensure fresh air circulation
- Occasionally wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth with some baking soda on it, which can help absorb odors

From a health perspective, the emissions are harmless for adults at the reported concentrations, but stay alert for headaches, nausea, or eye irritation. If these occur, it’s better to ventilate more or postpone using the furniture for a while.

If you want to try odor-neutralizing products, I suggest testing on a small piece first or using milder methods. I hope this helps!

Nikabu schrieb:
I wonder if this is normal during the manufacturing or treatment of these shelves and if it will fade after some time.

This question can be answered as follows: Yes, the chemical odor is a common occurrence with furniture made of particleboard with melamine or plastic coatings. The materials used contain adhesives and resins that are applied for protection and appearance.

Deandre schrieb:
This is common with many new furniture items, especially products made of particleboard with surface coatings.

The VOC emissions decrease significantly over time and are standardized in moderate amounts by the manufacturers.

An additional tip: If possible, let the shelf air out outdoors or in a well-ventilated room for several days. Using an air purifier with an activated carbon filter can also help reduce the off-gassing. I would rather avoid home remedies like vinegar or scented candles, as they usually do not directly remove the VOCs.

In conclusion: The odor is unpleasant but technically explainable and generally harmless with sufficient and proper ventilation.

RETRAVIS schrieb:
If possible, let the shelf air out outdoors or in a well-ventilated room for a few days.

Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately, I can’t store the shelf outdoors because I don’t have a suitable place. Would it be sufficient to keep a window slightly open all the time on a cold winter day?

Deandre schrieb:
Occasionally wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth sprinkled with a little baking soda, as this can help absorb odors

I’ll give that a try. Does anyone have other suggestions for getting rid of this smell as quickly as possible? I’m a bit concerned because I want to assemble the shelf in a bedroom where we sleep regularly.

It’s also important for me that no health risks arise from the emissions. Has IKEA provided any official information on this?