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fibrenton1 Feb 2018 19:27Hello everyone,
I recently bought a KALLAX shelf from IKEA to use in my home office. Unfortunately, I noticed a rather unpleasant smell as soon as I unpacked it, which strongly resembles cat urine. However, I cannot find any stains or contamination in the visible areas.
My question is: How can I effectively and gently clean or treat the shelf to eliminate the odor? Of course, I want to avoid damaging the furniture or just masking the smell superficially. Are there any proven methods to permanently get rid of this strong odor? Maybe some home remedies or special cleaning products?
Thank you in advance for your tips!
I recently bought a KALLAX shelf from IKEA to use in my home office. Unfortunately, I noticed a rather unpleasant smell as soon as I unpacked it, which strongly resembles cat urine. However, I cannot find any stains or contamination in the visible areas.
My question is: How can I effectively and gently clean or treat the shelf to eliminate the odor? Of course, I want to avoid damaging the furniture or just masking the smell superficially. Are there any proven methods to permanently get rid of this strong odor? Maybe some home remedies or special cleaning products?
Thank you in advance for your tips!
Hello fibrenton,
I completely understand how unpleasant such a smell can be inside your home. Especially with furniture like the KALLAX, which is open and placed in living areas, it can be really bothersome.
A proven tip is to start by thoroughly wiping the shelf with vinegar water. The vinegar neutralizes odor-causing bacteria and is gentle on the MDF material of the shelf. Be careful not to use too much liquid to avoid damage. Then, let it air out well.
If the smell persists, you can try a diluted enzyme cleaner gel. This attacks organic residues and thus eliminates the source of the odor permanently. I have used something like this for pet odors in the house, and it works well.
However, patience is important. Sometimes multiple treatments and enough airing out time are needed.
I hope the smell is gone soon! 🙂
I completely understand how unpleasant such a smell can be inside your home. Especially with furniture like the KALLAX, which is open and placed in living areas, it can be really bothersome.
fibrenton schrieb:
How can I clean or treat the shelf effectively and gently to get rid of the odor?
A proven tip is to start by thoroughly wiping the shelf with vinegar water. The vinegar neutralizes odor-causing bacteria and is gentle on the MDF material of the shelf. Be careful not to use too much liquid to avoid damage. Then, let it air out well.
If the smell persists, you can try a diluted enzyme cleaner gel. This attacks organic residues and thus eliminates the source of the odor permanently. I have used something like this for pet odors in the house, and it works well.
However, patience is important. Sometimes multiple treatments and enough airing out time are needed.
I hope the smell is gone soon! 🙂
Hello,
In addition to Henry’s suggestions, I would recommend examining the part(s) of the shelf where the smell is strongest. Since MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is quite absorbent, stale liquids might have penetrated deep into the material.
Enzyme cleaners are indeed the most effective method for organic odors like cat urine. It is important that these cleaners are allowed to sit for a long enough time to fully neutralize all residues.
Alternatively, you could apply baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) over a wide area and leave it for several days, as it binds odors. Then vacuum it up.
Avoid harsh solvents or bleach, which could damage the MDF.
Additionally, UV light (sunlight) can help break down odors. Could you possibly place the shelf outside for a few hours?
I hope these tips help you further.
In addition to Henry’s suggestions, I would recommend examining the part(s) of the shelf where the smell is strongest. Since MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is quite absorbent, stale liquids might have penetrated deep into the material.
Henry schrieb:
try diluted enzyme cleaner gel
Enzyme cleaners are indeed the most effective method for organic odors like cat urine. It is important that these cleaners are allowed to sit for a long enough time to fully neutralize all residues.
Alternatively, you could apply baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) over a wide area and leave it for several days, as it binds odors. Then vacuum it up.
Avoid harsh solvents or bleach, which could damage the MDF.
Additionally, UV light (sunlight) can help break down odors. Could you possibly place the shelf outside for a few hours?
I hope these tips help you further.
Hi again,
I just wanted to add that in my case, a combination of cleaning with vinegar water, followed by using enzyme cleaners, and then keeping the window open for a few days really helped.
That’s true, but be careful with direct sunlight on dark surfaces – it can cause material discoloration. However, with KALLAX shelves, the risk is quite low.
Also, I initially placed odor-absorbing materials like activated charcoal bags nearby. That might be something to consider as well.
If you have pets, you should also check whether the odor actually comes only from the shelf. Sometimes it can come from the flooring or other nearby furniture.
Good luck!
I just wanted to add that in my case, a combination of cleaning with vinegar water, followed by using enzyme cleaners, and then keeping the window open for a few days really helped.
onron schrieb:
UV light (sunlight) helps to break down odors
That’s true, but be careful with direct sunlight on dark surfaces – it can cause material discoloration. However, with KALLAX shelves, the risk is quite low.
Also, I initially placed odor-absorbing materials like activated charcoal bags nearby. That might be something to consider as well.
If you have pets, you should also check whether the odor actually comes only from the shelf. Sometimes it can come from the flooring or other nearby furniture.
Good luck!
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