ᐅ Is it possible to neutralize the odor from new KALLAX shelf inserts?
Created on: 17 May 2023 09:17
D
Duloba
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!
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 to see so many helpful tips here! 🙂
I had the same issue, and besides airing out and using baking soda, I also tried freshly ground coffee – it worked really well, and I almost completely got rid of the smell! Sometimes cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap helps too, as the odor can sometimes come from the surface. Good luck to everyone tackling this!
I had the same issue, and besides airing out and using baking soda, I also tried freshly ground coffee – it worked really well, and I almost completely got rid of the smell! Sometimes cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap helps too, as the odor can sometimes come from the surface. Good luck to everyone tackling this!
I think it’s great that this thread is so helpful! 🙂
What I can add is that I’ve read a combination of intensive ventilation and a thick layer of activated charcoal for two weeks really gives the best results. Just place the piece of furniture uncovered, not covered, and regularly replace the activated charcoal. After that, the smell often disappears completely.
Give it a try!
What I can add is that I’ve read a combination of intensive ventilation and a thick layer of activated charcoal for two weeks really gives the best results. Just place the piece of furniture uncovered, not covered, and regularly replace the activated charcoal. After that, the smell often disappears completely.
Give it a try!
Duloba schrieb:
A good question about the chemicals – I know that such furniture often has melamine and plastic coatings that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs).Exactly, VOCs are present in almost all new particleboard furniture. That also explains the unpleasant odor.
Davidleo schrieb:
Sometimes cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap helps, as the odor can sometimes come from the surface.I see that as an important point. The emitted substances also settle on surfaces. With the right cleaning agent, the off-gassing can at least be temporarily reduced.
In the long term, however, the only options are to wait or use professional ventilation. Perhaps testing various cleaning agents in a lab could be an option – but that’s beyond the scope here.
From my perspective, the inherent odor of the new KALLAX shelf inserts is due to chemical emissions from the coatings (mostly melamine resin).
Based on facts, I recommend the following approach:
1. Place the furniture in a well-ventilated, dry room without direct sunlight for at least 3 days.
2. Use activated charcoal or baking soda to absorb VOCs.
3. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents, as they can damage the surface and cause additional odors.
In the long term, the smell usually dissipates, but it can sometimes last for several weeks. If necessary, IKEA offers customer service for complaints.
Based on facts, I recommend the following approach:
1. Place the furniture in a well-ventilated, dry room without direct sunlight for at least 3 days.
2. Use activated charcoal or baking soda to absorb VOCs.
3. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents, as they can damage the surface and cause additional odors.
In the long term, the smell usually dissipates, but it can sometimes last for several weeks. If necessary, IKEA offers customer service for complaints.
I took the time to follow your advice and let the KALLAX insert air out in the basement with an open window for three days. I also used baking soda and activated charcoal. The smell is clearly weaker but not completely gone yet. I see this as a normal process and believe that a combination of time, ventilation, and these methods makes sense.
Perhaps patience helps, as the new furniture smell is probably normal for particle board until the emissions have dissipated.
Perhaps patience helps, as the new furniture smell is probably normal for particle board until the emissions have dissipated.
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