ᐅ My KALLAX smells strongly chemical, like sunlight—why is that?

Why does my KALLAX smell strongly chemical when exposed to sunlight?

I recently bought a new KALLAX shelf unit from IKEA and noticed that whenever direct sunlight hits the shelf, it emits a very strong, unpleasant chemical odor. This smell is not only annoying but also seems potentially harmful, as it is quite intense and persistent.

The shelf is located in a room with plenty of natural light, and the odor does not dissipate quickly; it lingers for several hours. I wonder if this is due to the type of surface finish or a special coating that reacts to UV light.

Has anyone experienced something similar or can explain why the shelf smells so strongly under sunlight? Are there any measures to reduce or eliminate the odor?

The cause of the chemical smell that occurs when sunlight hits the KALLAX shelf is most likely the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released more strongly under heat and UV exposure.

Furniture made from particleboard or MDF is often sealed with melamine resin or coatings that contain such VOCs. When sunlight strikes the surface, its temperature rises, causing the chemical substances to evaporate more intensively.

I recommend ventilating the shelf well at first, ideally by fully opening the windows. Additionally, a longer off-gassing period in a well-ventilated area can help reduce the odor permanently. UV protection films on the windows can also help decrease the exposure to sunlight.

In addition to KAMERON: It is also possible that certain solvents or adhesives used during the manufacturing process evaporate more quickly when exposed to direct sunlight.

Sometimes these odors are more noticeable with new furniture, especially when placed indoors without proper air circulation. Ventilation is always the best first step.

I am familiar with this phenomenon. Kallax often has lacquered surfaces, and these can emit odors when exposed to sunlight. Just try placing it in the shade; that will improve the situation.

KAMERON schrieb:
The cause of the chemical smell is the off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

How exactly do you determine that it is VOCs? I ask because many pieces of furniture are also coated with plastic, and sometimes the plastic or plasticizers can slowly break down and cause odors that cannot be simply attributed to “off-gassing.”

If it is the coating, a more targeted approach would be needed—such as using special air filters or antimicrobial agents. Does anyone have experience with this?

dinano schrieb:
Sometimes plastic or plasticizers can slowly break down and cause odors

Good point, however: plasticizers are more likely responsible for the typical “plastic smell” commonly noticed in indoor environments with new products.

Since this reaction is intensified by sunlight, a photochemical reaction breaking down molecules and releasing new odor compounds is also conceivable.

Are melamine or polypropylene actually used as surface materials in the KALLAX shelving unit? That information would help to better assess the situation.