ᐅ IKEA Besta – which seals can I use to protect against dust?

Created on: 15 Jul 2024 08:43
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tachristin
Hello everyone,

I would like to better protect my IKEA Besta shelving unit in the living area from dust. Although the doors close, dust still seems to get inside from time to time, which is frustrating for sensitive devices and documents. Therefore, my question to the community:

What types of seals can I effectively install on the Besta doors to minimize dust entry?

It is important that the solution is not too complicated to install, does not damage the wood or surface, and also takes the appearance into consideration, since the unit is visible in the room.

Has anyone had experience with special rubber seals, brush seals, or other materials that are recommended for the IKEA Besta?

Thanks in advance for your tips and suggestions!
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theo63
15 Jul 2024 11:12
I believe the approach of adding seals alone is of limited effectiveness. The Besta is not designed to be an airtight cabinet.

A perfect dust seal is only achieved if the door panels fit exactly and the seal closes flush on all sides. If in doubt, you should rather work on the door mechanism or even the door hinges themselves.

Furthermore: the best seals are useless if the cabinet is regularly ventilated or the doors are often opened, as dust will enter regardless.

My advice: a combination of seals and thorough cleaning. In my opinion, only flat silicone seals should be used, which can be discreetly applied on the inside edges and do not interfere with the closing mechanism.
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sanjon
15 Jul 2024 11:39
theo63 schrieb:
My tip: A combination of seals and thorough cleaning.

Exactly. Additional seals can help reduce dust, but it’s hardly possible to eliminate it completely.
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Lorukeo
15 Jul 2024 12:14
Regarding types of seals:

- Self-adhesive rubber profiles made of EPDM or silicone provide good sealing and are durable.
- Nylon brush seals are somewhat less airtight but effectively reduce dust ingress and protect the surface.
- Foam seals are less suitable due to fast soiling and difficulty in cleaning.

My advice: Use EPDM rubber profiles with a thickness of no more than 5 mm (0.2 inches), as there is usually little tolerance between door and frame.

Cleaning the seals themselves is also important to prevent dust buildup.
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GiRoyce
15 Jul 2024 12:48
sanjon schrieb:
Additional seals can help reduce dust, but completely preventing it is hardly possible.

I would like to add: Dust can never be fully eliminated, especially in frequently used living spaces. The seals are more of a measure to reduce dust—primarily at the joints of the doors.

Sometimes better closure can be achieved by changing the door hinges or adjusting them, which is generally more effective than using thick seals that may impair functionality.
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meGreg
15 Jul 2024 13:11
Dust doesn’t stand a chance? Well, almost! 😄

I use flexible silicone seals on my Besta shelving unit and am very satisfied. Installation was simple, and the dust stays out. The appearance is hardly affected because the seal is on the inside and barely noticeable.

A small note: I found that the doors require a bit more force to close, so don’t be surprised if it feels a little tighter than before.
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tachristin
16 Jul 2024 08:44
GiRoyce schrieb:
When attaching, you should thoroughly clean the surfaces beforehand (with alcohol or a degreasing agent) to ensure the adhesive strips stick properly.

Thank you for the tip. Cleaning the surface makes sense; I will do it that way.

I’m still wondering about the long-term durability of the seals with you. Does the adhesive material hold up over time with daily use, or do you need to reapply or replace it more frequently?