ᐅ How can I modify Ikea Pax wardrobes to improve air circulation?

Created on: 28 Apr 2018 17:07
D
Danielda
Hello everyone,

some time ago, I bought an Ikea Pax wardrobe and noticed that the air circulation inside is rather poor. Especially with clothing hanging low and in the lower sections with closed fronts, the air hardly seems to refresh. I am interested in how to modify the Pax wardrobe to improve air circulation without compromising stability or appearance too much. Do you have experience with modifications such as adding ventilation holes, replacing certain panels, or perhaps installing small fans? Any advice on materials or alternative solutions is also welcome. Thanks in advance!
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mintra
29 Apr 2018 15:49
Stability is not significantly affected by small, strategically placed holes, especially when the holes are paired or grouped near the edges and evenly distributed. A beam can be preserved, for example, by reinforcing it with a frame made of leftover wood or by carefully positioning the holes in the center of panels without drilling through entire crossbars.

An alternative to drilling is punching elongated ventilation slots, which impact stability less than many small holes. It is also important to finish the holes cleanly to avoid weakening the material or causing splinters.
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tinau
29 Apr 2018 16:37
I cut air vents into the rear wall of my building. It was important to me to install them in a way that preserved the side supports. For this, I made two wide vents at both the bottom and top, which keeps the structure stable while allowing good air circulation.
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NOAHSAU
30 Apr 2018 09:18
Josan schrieb:
I have also had good experiences with small ventilation grilles, like those used in ventilation systems, which can be attached to cut-out sections.

Why make everything so complicated? A cabinet can simply “breathe” if you give it some ventilation. Seriously, I find it questionable to try to increase airflow directly at the furniture instead of just regularly airing out the room or improving indoor air quality. The effort involved in modifications is often underestimated, and the question is whether the air circulation inside the cabinet is really so critical that it justifies the work.
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Danielda
30 Apr 2018 11:20
NOAHSAU schrieb:
The effort required for remodeling is often underestimated, and the question is whether air circulation inside the closet is really so critical that it justifies the effort.

That’s a fair point. However, for me it is relevant because I have relatively high humidity in my bedroom and have already noticed slight mold spots on stored clothing. I do try to ventilate regularly, but that is not always sufficient. Therefore, I am looking for specific solutions for the closet itself to minimize these negative effects.
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KINMIN4
30 Apr 2018 13:47
If you want to modify the cabinet, simple methods are usually the best. Partially remove the back panel, install ventilation slots, or insert them into the back panel. I find fans too complicated for a piece of furniture like this.
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FLONE41
1 May 2018 10:58
I can well understand how frustrating moisture issues in such an important piece of furniture can be. Perhaps a combination of several measures could help:

- Leave some space between the furniture and the wall to allow air to circulate behind the wardrobe
- As already recommended, include ventilation holes in the back panel, both at the top and bottom
- Avoid storing clothes directly against the back panel; leave some distance, for example by using a thin insert

For me, the spacing from the wall is especially helpful, as it reduces the build-up of moisture inside the wardrobe.