ᐅ Kallax Back Panel Replaced – Still Dust Inside the Compartment
Created on: 10 Nov 2022 09:32
N
neose2
Hello everyone,
I recently replaced the entire back panel of my Ikea Kallax shelf unit because the old one was very worn and partly damaged. Despite this replacement, I still notice a considerable amount of dust accumulating inside the individual compartments—much more than I expected. I understand that dust can never be completely avoided, but I had hoped that the new back panel would at least reduce the dust entering areas where there used to be larger gaps and cracks.
Does anyone have experience with why so much dust still gets inside the compartments? Could it be due to the shelf’s construction, the back panel itself, or are there other common causes? I would appreciate any advice, including suggestions for more effective dust prevention with the Kallax.
Thank you in advance!
I recently replaced the entire back panel of my Ikea Kallax shelf unit because the old one was very worn and partly damaged. Despite this replacement, I still notice a considerable amount of dust accumulating inside the individual compartments—much more than I expected. I understand that dust can never be completely avoided, but I had hoped that the new back panel would at least reduce the dust entering areas where there used to be larger gaps and cracks.
Does anyone have experience with why so much dust still gets inside the compartments? Could it be due to the shelf’s construction, the back panel itself, or are there other common causes? I would appreciate any advice, including suggestions for more effective dust prevention with the Kallax.
Thank you in advance!
To add to the previous answers:
The standard Kallax back panel is made of thin particleboard, which is neither airtight nor dustproof. This particularly affects the area between the back panel and the side panels, as there is some mechanical play during assembly.
If better sealing is desired, I recommend using a so-called "dust protection film" or a thin PVC sheet, which is attached behind the back panel. This provides a flexible but airtight barrier against dust infiltration without reducing stability.
Alternatively, you can install double back panels: first the original, then a precisely cut plywood or MDF panel with a continuous sealing strip around the edges. However, this option involves higher costs and more effort.
In conclusion, room air circulation and external dust exposure to the building play a significant role, regardless of the back panel.
The standard Kallax back panel is made of thin particleboard, which is neither airtight nor dustproof. This particularly affects the area between the back panel and the side panels, as there is some mechanical play during assembly.
If better sealing is desired, I recommend using a so-called "dust protection film" or a thin PVC sheet, which is attached behind the back panel. This provides a flexible but airtight barrier against dust infiltration without reducing stability.
Alternatively, you can install double back panels: first the original, then a precisely cut plywood or MDF panel with a continuous sealing strip around the edges. However, this option involves higher costs and more effort.
In conclusion, room air circulation and external dust exposure to the building play a significant role, regardless of the back panel.
toril schrieb:
I recommend a dust protection film or thin PVC sheet that is glued behind the back panel.Thanks, the dust protection film sounds like a practical compromise. However, I’m unsure which thicknesses are suitable and whether the film should be glued or just clipped in place. Does anyone have hands-on experience with such films in Kallax or similar shelving units?
The more flexible, the better, as I might want to empty or move the shelf at some point.
B
baAlejandr12 Nov 2022 12:22A thin PVC film with a thickness of about 0.2 to 0.4 mm (0.008 to 0.016 inches) is sufficient. It is best to attach it to the back panel using double-sided tape. It adheres well but can also be easily removed if needed. Make sure to apply it without wrinkles to prevent additional dust from accumulating.
Alternatively, the film can be secured on the inside with small clips or magnets if the shelf has magnetic components.
Alternatively, the film can be secured on the inside with small clips or magnets if the shelf has magnetic components.
neose2 schrieb:
whether the foil should be glued or just clampedIn my experience, gluing provides a better and more permanent airtight seal. Clamping only works if the fit is very precise, which is difficult with Kallax because the wood expands and the back panels can slightly shift.
For installation, you can also use a flexible silicone bead for sealing, which can be easily removed later. It is elastic and prevents cracking due to temperature changes or movement.
How do you plan to use the shelving unit? Only fully enclosed systems are dust-free, which may mean less convenient access.
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