ᐅ My KALLAX shelving unit quickly absorbs odors – is it possible to neutralize them?
Created on: 8 Aug 2021 09:12
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Pasar31
Hello everyone, I have a KALLAX shelf from IKEA and I noticed that it absorbs odors very quickly. This is especially problematic for me because I store clothes and sometimes slightly musty decorations there. My question is: does anyone have experience or tips on how to neutralize the odors without completely disassembling or repainting the shelf? I also prefer not to use strong chemicals since the shelf is in my living room. It seems like the wood-based material or the surface really holds onto the smells. Are there effective household remedies or special products you can recommend? I would appreciate any advice!
LAYNE schrieb:
I would recommend experimenting with activated charcoal. Thanks for the tips so far, activated charcoal sounds interesting. Does anyone know how long it should ideally be left in? Even for weeks?
naujon schrieb:
Use vinegar water (mix about 1:1 with water), lightly dampen the cloth, and wipe all visible surfaces. I’ll test that carefully, but won’t the vinegar smell be an additional nuisance?
The detailed instructions are very helpful, thank you! I will try everything calmly over the next few days and report back.
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Thierryzar8 Aug 2021 12:44Activated carbon bags can be left in place for 10-14 days without any issue. After that, they need to be regenerated by airing out or replaced.
The vinegar smell disappears quickly after drying.
The vinegar smell disappears quickly after drying.
I would add that new KALLAX shelves often release formaldehyde or similar emissions, which cause unpleasant odors. Therefore, thorough ventilation at the beginning is important.
Additionally, special odor absorbers for wood-based panels from hardware stores can help. These are often based on natural ingredients and are well tolerated.
Wiping with diluted vinegar and long-term use of activated charcoal or baking soda is useful, but intense or very persistent odors can also be present at glued joints in the wood-based material.
In extreme cases, sealing the furniture surface with a clear varnish is recommended, provided the visual impact is acceptable for you.
Additionally, special odor absorbers for wood-based panels from hardware stores can help. These are often based on natural ingredients and are well tolerated.
Wiping with diluted vinegar and long-term use of activated charcoal or baking soda is useful, but intense or very persistent odors can also be present at glued joints in the wood-based material.
In extreme cases, sealing the furniture surface with a clear varnish is recommended, provided the visual impact is acceptable for you.
BOSULE schrieb:
That’s why thorough ventilation is important at the beginning.Unfortunately, I haven’t been very consistent with it so far because the shelf is in the living room and I can’t keep all the windows open all the time.Thierryzar schrieb:
Activated charcoal bags can safely be left inside for 10–14 days.Great, that fits well with my timing, and I’ll give the bags a try.Is there a simple routine to keep the odor under control in the long term, or should I do a new “cleaning” every few months?
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Timmyse369 Aug 2021 16:11Pasar31 schrieb:
Is there any simple routine that keeps the smell under control in the long term?I would say regular ventilation and using activated charcoal tablets along with occasional baking soda usually suffice. If you keep the shelf clean and avoid storing new sources of odor there, it generally works well.
It all sounds a bit tedious, but I know how much such smells can bother me. Important: For essential items like clothing, you should check and air out the shelf more often. This also helps prevent the odor from settling in deeply.
Pasar31 schrieb:
Is there any simple routine to keep the odor under control long-term?Great that you’re approaching this so systematically! 🙂 Personally, I always keep my activated charcoal bags in shelves or cabinets and replace them about every 3 months.
Tip: Make it a nice routine – for example, swap them out during laundry day or spring cleaning.
And yes, fresh air is truly the gold standard, even though it’s obviously more pleasant in summer than in winter 😉 Good luck!
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