Hello everyone,
I recently moved into a new apartment and noticed a rather unpleasant odor coming from my Ikea KALLAX shelf. It’s a new shelf that I assembled right after delivery. The smell is quite strong and reminds me of a mix between damp wood and chemical emissions that just won’t go away.
I suspect it might be coming from the surface or maybe from the treatment of the particleboard, but I’m not sure. Can the shelf itself emit these odors, or is the problem more likely due to high humidity or poor ventilation?
I mainly use the shelf in the living room, where I often open the windows, but the smell is still there. Has anyone had similar experiences? What methods help to effectively neutralize this kind of odor?
Of course, I don’t want to live with a musty or chemical air quality permanently. Thanks in advance for your tips and advice!
I recently moved into a new apartment and noticed a rather unpleasant odor coming from my Ikea KALLAX shelf. It’s a new shelf that I assembled right after delivery. The smell is quite strong and reminds me of a mix between damp wood and chemical emissions that just won’t go away.
I suspect it might be coming from the surface or maybe from the treatment of the particleboard, but I’m not sure. Can the shelf itself emit these odors, or is the problem more likely due to high humidity or poor ventilation?
I mainly use the shelf in the living room, where I often open the windows, but the smell is still there. Has anyone had similar experiences? What methods help to effectively neutralize this kind of odor?
Of course, I don’t want to live with a musty or chemical air quality permanently. Thanks in advance for your tips and advice!
Sometimes, new furniture contains small manufacturing residues that have a strong odor. Try airing out the shelf for at least a week in a well-ventilated room or on a balcony before placing it permanently in the living room.
You can also wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth and a little lemon. This can sometimes help reduce mild odors.
You can also wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth and a little lemon. This can sometimes help reduce mild odors.
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Nathanaelk11 Jun 2024 07:54Hello David53,
I would like to take a closer look at the chemical processes behind the odors that come from furniture made of particleboard, such as KALLAX. These pieces are often made from compressed wood particles bonded with synthetic resin adhesives, usually melamine or phenolic resins. During curing and in the first weeks after production, small amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be released. Formaldehyde is the most well-known substance responsible for odors and can cause irritation to health.
There are other substances that also influence the odor experience, such as plasticizers, residual solvents, or fillers.
Important for you to know:
- The emission of gases depends on temperature and humidity. Higher temperatures and high humidity promote odor development.
- Frequent and thorough ventilation is the most important step. Exchanging the air at least 3-4 times daily for 10-15 minutes each time has proven effective.
- Dehumidifiers reduce moisture and can help lower emissions.
- Activated carbon binds VOCs effectively; specialized air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA filters can be helpful.
Please provide me with more detailed information: How old is your KALLAX? Was it stored or transported in a damp environment? What are the current humidity and temperature conditions where you are? These factors largely determine how quickly the emission process will subside.
I would like to take a closer look at the chemical processes behind the odors that come from furniture made of particleboard, such as KALLAX. These pieces are often made from compressed wood particles bonded with synthetic resin adhesives, usually melamine or phenolic resins. During curing and in the first weeks after production, small amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be released. Formaldehyde is the most well-known substance responsible for odors and can cause irritation to health.
There are other substances that also influence the odor experience, such as plasticizers, residual solvents, or fillers.
Important for you to know:
- The emission of gases depends on temperature and humidity. Higher temperatures and high humidity promote odor development.
- Frequent and thorough ventilation is the most important step. Exchanging the air at least 3-4 times daily for 10-15 minutes each time has proven effective.
- Dehumidifiers reduce moisture and can help lower emissions.
- Activated carbon binds VOCs effectively; specialized air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA filters can be helpful.
Please provide me with more detailed information: How old is your KALLAX? Was it stored or transported in a damp environment? What are the current humidity and temperature conditions where you are? These factors largely determine how quickly the emission process will subside.
Nathanaelk schrieb:
Please give me more detailed information: How old is your KALLAX? Was it stored or transported in a damp environment?The shelf was purchased new about 2 weeks before I moved in and came directly from Ikea’s warehouse, so it’s relatively fresh. Regarding storage, I can only say that the manufacturer packed it normally and kept it in a storage room that was not heated.
The apartment is relatively new, about 3 years old, with indoor humidity usually between 45 and 55% in the evenings, which I consider normal. Temperatures stay stable around 22 degrees Celsius (72°F) during the day.
Could it be that the odor comes solely from the transport or packaging? I had an older KALLAX before and it never smelled like this.
David53 schrieb:
The apartment is relatively new, about 3 years old, and the humidity in the evening is usually between 45 and 55%This is an ideal humidity range and should not actively increase such emissions.
Nathanaelk schrieb:
higher temperatures and high humidity promote odor developmentSince your room is rather temperate and normally humidified, the material itself and the fresh production are likely the cause.
I would add: Use a fan or ensure cross-ventilation in the room, as this significantly speeds up dilution. The best approach is also to combine airing out with carbon filters or activated charcoal.
If the odor persists for an extremely long time (>8 weeks), you should contact the supplier, as this could indicate a defect or recall.
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warrenka5711 Jun 2024 10:05usbla schrieb:
If the smell persists for a very long time (>8 weeks), you should contact the retailerI think this is a very important point. I have a lot of understanding for these kinds of issues, but if the smell doesn’t go away despite airing out and following all the advice, it might be a manufacturing defect or a quality issue.
Sometimes a replacement from the retailer helps, because some furniture lines are produced with noticeable differences. So patience is definitely important, but at some point, you shouldn’t have to accept everything.
Thank you for all the helpful advice so far.
I will start by ventilating thoroughly and trying activated charcoal. If the smell does not improve soon, I will consider contacting the supplier. It is important for me to find a permanent solution because I use the shelf daily and do not want to be continuously exposed to chemical odors.
If anyone knows a trick to speed up the process, I would be very grateful.
I will start by ventilating thoroughly and trying activated charcoal. If the smell does not improve soon, I will consider contacting the supplier. It is important for me to find a permanent solution because I use the shelf daily and do not want to be continuously exposed to chemical odors.
If anyone knows a trick to speed up the process, I would be very grateful.
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