ᐅ KALLAX in the Bathroom and Mold – Does Anyone Have a Solution?
Created on: 28 Oct 2017 08:23
L
leiksar
Hello everyone,
I recently set up a KALLAX shelving unit from Ikea in my bathroom to store towels and toiletries. Unfortunately, after some time, mold started to appear on the back panels and partly inside the shelves within the bathroom. The bathroom is relatively small and tends to be humid due to showering, but I ventilate regularly and maintain basic airflow.
My question for you: Who has experience with KALLAX furniture in bathrooms and can offer recommendations on how to effectively protect the material from moisture and mold? Are there special sealants or other measures you would use?
I would prefer not to give up the shelving unit since it is practical, but the mold is concerning. Thanks for any tips or solutions based on your own experience!
I recently set up a KALLAX shelving unit from Ikea in my bathroom to store towels and toiletries. Unfortunately, after some time, mold started to appear on the back panels and partly inside the shelves within the bathroom. The bathroom is relatively small and tends to be humid due to showering, but I ventilate regularly and maintain basic airflow.
My question for you: Who has experience with KALLAX furniture in bathrooms and can offer recommendations on how to effectively protect the material from moisture and mold? Are there special sealants or other measures you would use?
I would prefer not to give up the shelving unit since it is practical, but the mold is concerning. Thanks for any tips or solutions based on your own experience!
Leiksar, I’m happy to help with a step-by-step plan:
1. Disassemble the shelf and let it dry thoroughly.
2. Remove mold on surfaces using isopropanol or a mold-killing cleaner.
3. Seal all edges and back panels with water-resistant wood varnish.
4. Decouple the shelf board from the floor and wall on the air side using spacers.
5. In the bathroom, ventilate by opening windows for at least 15 minutes; do this even more often after showering.
6. If possible, install and regularly use an exhaust fan.
Additionally: Use non-slip, moisture-resistant mats such as plastic mats or silicone pads on the shelves to prevent contact with condensation water.
With proper care, you will enjoy your KALLAX in damp environments for longer.
1. Disassemble the shelf and let it dry thoroughly.
2. Remove mold on surfaces using isopropanol or a mold-killing cleaner.
3. Seal all edges and back panels with water-resistant wood varnish.
4. Decouple the shelf board from the floor and wall on the air side using spacers.
5. In the bathroom, ventilate by opening windows for at least 15 minutes; do this even more often after showering.
6. If possible, install and regularly use an exhaust fan.
Additionally: Use non-slip, moisture-resistant mats such as plastic mats or silicone pads on the shelves to prevent contact with condensation water.
With proper care, you will enjoy your KALLAX in damp environments for longer.
leiksar schrieb:
How can I best measure the humidity in the bathroom? Would simple hygrometers be sufficient, or is another device more useful?A simple hygrometer is usually enough. Place it in a typical spot, for example near the KALLAX, but not right next to the shower. After a few days, you can identify patterns showing when the humidity is highest.
If you want to optimize ventilation habits, a combined thermo-hygrometer with an alarm signal for excessive humidity can be helpful.
For immediate mold prevention, small measures like reducing the shower temperature or shortening shower durations are often effective.
Hmm, I had the same problem with KALLAX in the bathroom. What helped was sealing all sides with clear varnish, especially the cut edges. I replaced the back panel with a thin waterproof plywood sheet. Then the shelf stands on small feet, so no moisture can draw up from the floor.
COLEBAR schrieb:
I replaced the back panel with a thin waterproof plywood sheet.This idea of using plywood sounds interesting because I find the original back panel quite thin. Are there specific types of panels you would recommend? What exact cut do you use?
Dwight49 schrieb:
Make sure the products are fungicidal and approved for interior use.Thanks also for the tips about wood preservatives; I’ll take a closer look at them at the hardware store.
So, it really seems to be a combination of material protection, good ventilation, and maintaining moisture limits.
leiksar schrieb:
Are there any specific panels you could recommend?Yes, for damp environments, plywood panels made of beech or birch with special waterproof adhesives (sometimes labeled as "Filmoplast" or "waterproof bonded") are suitable. Standard particle boards are not recommended due to their tendency to absorb water and swell.
Make sure to choose a thickness of 6–10 mm (1/4–3/8 inch), which is usually sufficient for a back panel in shelving units. The panels should be sealed along the edges and corners with waterproof glue or silicone to prevent damage from moisture.
This is a good solution for damp rooms if you don’t want to completely give up on a KALLAX unit.
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