ᐅ KALLAX has developed a musty smell after being stored in the garage – how can I neutralize the odor?

Hello everyone,

A few months ago, I bought a KALLAX shelf and stored it over the winter in my closed garage. Now, after bringing it back inside, I noticed a strong musty smell that hasn’t really improved even after good ventilation.

My question: Has anyone experienced musty odors caused by long-term storage in unheated, older garages? Even more importantly, what methods do you use to remove this unpleasant smell from the KALLAX shelf as thoroughly and permanently as possible?

I was thinking of home remedies like vinegar or baking soda, but I’m concerned whether these might damage the wood or surface. I would also appreciate tips on the best way to prepare the shelf if I want to store it again—how to prevent odor buildup in the first place.

Looking forward to your advice!

Diisabella schrieb:
My question: Has anyone experienced musty odors that develop after long-term storage in unheated, older garages?

Ventilation helps the most. Move the shelf to a well-ventilated area, preferably outside, and let it air out for several days.

Diisabella schrieb:
Which methods do you use to remove this unpleasant smell from the KALLAX as thoroughly and permanently as possible?

Wipe it down with a cloth dampened in vinegar water, well wrung out, then wipe again with clean water.

Home remedies like baking soda can also be placed in bowls nearby, as it absorbs odors.

Hello Diisabella,

Your issue is common with furniture made of particleboard or MDF, like the KALLAX, especially when stored for an extended period in high humidity and with limited air circulation. The odors often result from mold spores or moisture trapped in the wood fibers or adhesives.

Regarding the measures you mentioned: vinegar (preferably white vinegar essence diluted with water at a 1:3 ratio) is effective against odors but may cause surface dulling with frequent use—depending on the type of finish or coating on your shelving unit.

Baking soda absorbs odors but does not eliminate them completely at the source, so it mainly works on the surface. It is a good supplementary method but should be combined with other steps.

My recommendation is to proceed step by step:
1. Place the shelving unit in a well-ventilated, dry area—ideally in direct sunlight if possible—for several days to weeks.
2. Gently wipe the shelving with a cloth dampened in a mild, neutral pH soap solution and allow it to dry thoroughly.
3. Use fresh baking soda in bowls placed on the shelves or draped within them to absorb remaining odors.
4. If you suspect mold growth (dark spots, damp areas), treat it with a specialized anti-mold spray.

One more note: before storing the shelving unit again, make sure it is completely dry, and store it in a room with low humidity and good air circulation. This will prevent the return of musty odors.

If you have more detailed information about the condition of your KALLAX (material, finish), I can provide more specific advice.

Vinegar water is effective but should not be too strong, as it can make the wood brittle. Placing baking soda in open bowls helps to properly ventilate the shelf.

If possible, you can also use activated charcoal, which absorbs odors even better.

Nathanaelk schrieb:
If you suspect mold growth (dark spots, damp areas), treatment with a special anti-mold spray is recommended.

Thanks for the advice, I will check this carefully. So far, I haven’t noticed any visible spots, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t invisible spores present.

Elijah42 schrieb:
Wipe down with vinegar water using a well-wrung cloth

I will try this carefully to avoid damaging the surface.

One additional question: How long should the shelf be aired out to notice a significant effect? Is a few days enough, or should it be several weeks?

Unfortunately, my storage room is very humid and poorly ventilated, so it’s important for me to get the shelf completely odor-free before I store it differently this time.

I would appreciate any experience-based insights.

Hey, this is really interesting! 🙂 I had exactly the same problem with my old KALLAX, and I can only say: patience pays off!

After leaving the shelf outside in the sun for several days, I gently wiped it down with vinegar water—just slightly dampened! Then I left some baking soda inside for a few hours to absorb the odors.

The result was fantastic; the musty smell almost completely disappeared!

I would recommend thoroughly airing out every corner, ideally several times a day. If possible, try placing the shelf on a porch or veranda to speed up the airing process considerably.

Keep at it, you can do this! 🙂