ᐅ Using Kallax as a Shoe Rack in a Rental Apartment – Are There Moisture Issues?

Hello everyone,

I hope someone can help me here: I am thinking about using an Ikea Kallax shelving unit as a shoe rack in my rented apartment. The unit will be placed in the hallway, right next to the door, where it can get somewhat damp at times, especially during rainy or snowy weather. My specific question is: Are there any issues with moisture or mold when using a Kallax as a shoe rack in such an environment? Possibly caused by wet shoes or poor air circulation?

I want to avoid any damage to the shelving unit or the floor beneath it, as well as unpleasant damp odors. Does anyone have experience with this? Or any tips on how to best protect the unit?

Thanks in advance for your insights!

majon schrieb:
Are there any issues with moisture or mold when using a Kallax as a shoe rack in such an environment?

Hi, that is indeed a valid concern. I have the same type of shelf in my hallway, which often gets damp in winter—mainly due to wet footwear. I’ve noticed that moisture tends to accumulate, especially at the bottom of the shelf, particularly if the shoes are not completely dry when placed inside.

Good ventilation of the room is, in my opinion, essential; regular airing out also helps prevent mold. Additionally, I put an absorbent liner under the shoes, which I change regularly. This helps avoid unpleasant odors.

It’s even better if you raise the shelf slightly on small feet, allowing air to circulate underneath. I know this makes things a bit more complicated, but it’s worth the effort.

majon schrieb:
I want to avoid damage to the shelf or the floor underneath, as well as unpleasant damp smells developing.

Hey, I’ve been using my Kallax for shoes for quite a while and can say: as long as the shoes aren’t actually moldy, everything’s fine! 😄

The important thing is to ideally dry wet shoes before putting them in—or at least place them on newspaper to absorb moisture. And airing it out from time to time keeps everything fresh.

Also, a little freshness boost with lavender sachets or activated charcoal filters in the shelf can work wonders. ;-)

Here is a somewhat more critical question:

majon schrieb:
Are there issues with moisture or mold when using a Kallax as a shoe rack in such an environment?

I wonder whether the problem arises solely from the Kallax material itself (particleboard with melamine coating) or mainly from the local conditions (humidity, air circulation, temperature) that create the real risks.

Particleboard is known to absorb moisture and swell. However, the material is coated. Still, if constantly damp or wet shoes are stored inside, the protective layer probably won’t hold up over time.

It would be interesting to know if anyone has long-term experience with Kallax in a moist shoe rack scenario or if alternative shelves made of metal or plastic are better suited. Are there any studies or practical insights? I consider this topic under-researched, so I remain skeptical of some praise without solid evidence.

theo63 schrieb:
Particle boards can absorb moisture and swell

That’s true. I also use the Kallax with care—mainly placing it slightly elevated to allow air circulation. Currently, the shelf is located in a dry, frequently used hallway where I first dry wet shoes.

I can understand that in a rental apartment there isn’t much you can do, but regular brief airing makes a big difference.

Additionally, for particularly wet shoes, I prefer having an extra metal shoe rack nearby—this really reduces the risk of damage to almost zero.

So, my advice would be: Kallax is fine, but don’t put wet shoes inside directly, and make sure there is good air circulation.

Moisture problems with Kallax used as a shoe rack usually occur only if wet shoes are regularly stored inside.

Place the rack on an elevated surface, allow for ventilation, and if necessary, protect the shelves with waterproof mats.

Otherwise, you risk mold growth or swelling of the particleboard.