ᐅ The KALLAX shelf has an unpleasant odor – has anyone else experienced this?
Created on: 8 Jan 2020 08:47
J
Jongla
Hello everyone,
about two weeks ago I bought a KALLAX shelf unit from IKEA and noticed right away when unpacking that it has an unpleasant smell. It is a very strong, chemical-like odor that can be quite overwhelming in the room. I suspect it comes from the paint or some kind of coating, but I’m not sure. Has anyone else had similar experiences? How did you manage to get rid of the smell or at least reduce it? I would like to understand the cause as precisely as possible before taking any further steps. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
about two weeks ago I bought a KALLAX shelf unit from IKEA and noticed right away when unpacking that it has an unpleasant smell. It is a very strong, chemical-like odor that can be quite overwhelming in the room. I suspect it comes from the paint or some kind of coating, but I’m not sure. Has anyone else had similar experiences? How did you manage to get rid of the smell or at least reduce it? I would like to understand the cause as precisely as possible before taking any further steps. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
M
marcosku529 Jan 2020 19:48Jongla schrieb:
The edges actually smell stronger and somehow sharper to me than the large surfaces.That sounds like the adhesive is really the source. But don’t worry, such odors usually fade away over time.
One more tip besides baking soda: houseplants can also help improve air quality and reduce odors. For example, ivy or spider plants—they are low-maintenance and absorb pollutants.
I would like to add that different people perceive smells differently. A scent that is unpleasant to one person may be barely noticeable to another.
If your shelf has a strong odor, it may be worth making a complaint to IKEA, especially if the smell does not fade or worsens over several weeks. This should not be the normal case.
If your shelf has a strong odor, it may be worth making a complaint to IKEA, especially if the smell does not fade or worsens over several weeks. This should not be the normal case.
One more detail on the technical side: the melamine coating, which often covers KALLAX panels, is generally low-emission, but the edge sealing is a critical point. During edge banding, solvent residues can remain, especially when the parts are freshly processed.
VOC emissions can also be influenced by humidity levels. Very dry air can increase the perception of odors. Do you have a way to regulate the humidity?
If you have measuring devices or can try, observe how comfort levels change under different indoor climate conditions.
VOC emissions can also be influenced by humidity levels. Very dry air can increase the perception of odors. Do you have a way to regulate the humidity?
If you have measuring devices or can try, observe how comfort levels change under different indoor climate conditions.
Parbo schrieb:
Solvent residues can remain on the edge banding, especially when the parts are freshly processed.Great explanation! Since you don’t usually expect this at first, people often assume the product is defective. Sometimes it just takes some time and the right environmental conditions. You can do it, Jongla!
For me, it took about two weeks until the smell was almost completely gone. 🙂
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