ᐅ My KALLAX unit developed mold after repotting the plants – how can I salvage it?

Hello everyone, I have a problem with my KALLAX unit. After repotting my houseplants in it, I suddenly noticed mold appearing in some of the compartments – mainly around the plant pots, but also on the surface of the wooden shelf itself. I suspect that the moisture that spilled during repotting was absorbed by the unit, causing the mold to develop. My question is: how can I effectively remove this mold and save the KALLAX unit without causing permanent damage to the wood? I want to avoid having to dispose of the unit completely, but of course, mold is not something to take lightly. What measures have you used in similar situations to preserve furniture? Thanks for your advice!

First, let the KALLAX dry completely. Then clean the affected areas with vinegar or diluted alcohol. Important: Do not introduce too much moisture!

Paunon schrieb:
then clean the affected areas with vinegar or diluted alcohol.

Vinegar on solid wood or veneered surfaces? I think that could be problematic because it might damage the wood underneath. Does anyone have evidence that vinegar is safe to use here? I believe that mold growth is mainly a sign of too much residual moisture – it would be better to focus on addressing the root cause rather than just treating the symptom with mold removers.

Josefane schrieb:
I think mold growth is mainly a sign of too much residual moisture – the focus should rather be on managing the causes

I see it a bit differently. People change plants and suddenly there are problems with wood and moisture? Maybe the KALLAX simply isn’t suitable for plants that need a lot of watering or have damp soil. Perhaps it should be accepted that these modules aren’t designed for such purposes.
The mold is just the logical consequence of improper use. Who wants to constantly deal with wood damage when other shelving systems are better suited?

GALEO4 schrieb:
Perhaps the KALLAX simply isn’t suitable for plants that require frequent watering or that release moisture into the soil.

You’re probably right. I wanted to avoid that exactly, as I chose the unit for its appearance and stability. But I didn’t repot the plants perfectly either – the pots are on saucers, but moisture could still have been absorbed by the wood.

Are there specific sealants or treatments for the wood that I can apply after removing the mold to prevent it from coming back? And what about drying: Should I disassemble the KALLAX unit for that, or just let it dry thoroughly in open air? I’d appreciate any concrete advice.

Regarding the situation with the KALLAX and mold after repotting: It is important first to analyze the exact cause. Wooden shelves such as KALLAX are made from melamine resin-coated engineered wood panels – these are not waterproof, only water-resistant, meaning that standing moisture can quickly cause damage and promote mold growth.

For mold infestation, I recommend the following steps:

1. Fully dry the furniture – ideally in a well-ventilated, warm area, but not in direct sunlight to avoid warping.
2. Treat the mold with a mild fungicide or a water-vinegar solution (diluted to about 70-80%) using a microfiber cloth. This prevents damage to the material more effectively than pure vinegar.
3. Allow the wood to dry thoroughly after treatment.
4. To permanently prevent moisture, you can apply special wood sealants or clear coatings suitable for melamine-coated surfaces.

Disassembling the unit only makes sense if significant water has penetrated. Surface drying usually takes several days.

Important: Plant containers should always be equipped with waterproof trays and regularly checked for standing water to prevent any water from reaching the furniture.