ᐅ KALLAX and Moisture – Has Anyone Managed to Handle This?

Created on: 28 Jun 2021 09:37
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Sven58
Hello everyone, I have a question about the KALLAX shelving system and moisture – has anyone managed to deal with this issue? I have the KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA in a room that occasionally becomes a bit more humid, especially during winter. I have noticed that the shelves or parts made of MDF sometimes show slight swelling. I’m interested in what measures other users take to solve this problem as permanently and efficiently as possible, or at least minimize it. Is the cause the room humidity, the method of cleaning, or are there effective treatments like sealants? I’m also open to tips on alternative approaches or preventive actions that offer long-term protection against moisture damage. I would appreciate any helpful advice!
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Devin
28 Jun 2021 17:11
I would rather recommend not placing the shelf directly against damp walls. Leaving some space allows air circulation and significantly reduces the risk of moisture damage. Also, avoid cleaning agents that contain a lot of water.
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Sven58
29 Jun 2021 08:54
BEMAU schrieb:
Dehumidifiers and good ventilation
Does anyone here use devices with a hygrostat? Or are simple electronic dehumidifiers sufficient? Also, I would like to know if anyone has a recommendation on the optimal relative humidity for MDF furniture.<br><br>
Henry schrieb:
regularly using a dehumidifier, especially in winter
That matches my experience. In my room, I tend to have 65-75% relative humidity during winter, which seems too high for the furniture.
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Bagupo
29 Jun 2021 10:24
Dehumidifiers with a built-in humidistat are more effective because they monitor and control the humidity levels precisely. In winter, I keep it around 50-55%, which protects shelves and furniture quite well.
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maunau70
30 Jun 2021 07:13
One more tip for prevention: If you treat the panels before installation (for example, with a waterproof furniture varnish or a special impregnating agent), you can significantly reduce the risk of swelling. The edges are especially vulnerable, so apply multiple coats there.
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Jodyro
30 Jun 2021 09:48
Sven58 schrieb:
Which paints or impregnations work best for KALLAX?
Use clear coats with polyurethane content, as they are more resistant to moisture. Standard acrylic paints usually do not provide enough protection, especially on the cut edges.