ᐅ Is it possible to neutralize the odor from new KALLAX shelf inserts?

Hello everyone,

I recently ordered new KALLAX shelving inserts and noticed they emit a very strong odor that bothers me somewhat. My question to the community is quite specific: Is it possible to neutralize the smell from new KALLAX shelving inserts, and if so, which methods have worked well for you? I am thinking about measures such as airing them out, using special cleaning agents, or home remedies, but I am open to all suggestions.

What matters most to me are practical tips that provide lasting results, as the odor has significantly affected my use so far. Thanks in advance!

It’s great that you bring up this topic! 🙂 I’m very familiar with the issue of new KALLAX shelf inserts – the smell can really be quite strong! For me, regular airing out helped a lot: always open the doors and ventilate for one to two days with the window open. Additionally, I placed activated charcoal bags inside, which absorb odors really well! Give that a try, it makes a big difference! Good luck! 🙂

I can fully understand how unpleasant such a strong smell can be. I also had problems with the newly purchased KALLAX and was initially worried that the odor might be harmful to health, but fortunately, this was not the case. When trying to neutralize the smell, I found it helpful to not only ventilate but also place a bowl of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in the shelf inserts. Over time, this reduced the odor for me. Patience is important in these situations, as the smell usually lasts only for a limited period.

I have a question: Are there any reliable sources of information about which substances in the KALLAX shelf inserts cause the odor? Without knowing the chemical component, any neutralization attempts are just guessing.

It would also be interesting to know whether IKEA officially provides advice on this issue or if the problem might originate in production. Perhaps contacting customer service could be worthwhile?

Ventilate the room and use baking soda or activated charcoal.
Avoid direct sunlight.
The odor usually disappears after a few days.

Thanks for the tips so far! :-)

@kasan: That’s a good question regarding the chemicals – I know that such furniture often has melamine and plastic coatings that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, I haven’t found any specific data on KALLAX inserts yet. I will contact IKEA and report back.

@todunar & floga: Activated charcoal and baking soda do seem to be common home remedies. I’m curious if anyone has experience using vinegar or, for example, coffee as odor neutralizers?