ᐅ My KALLAX still smells chemical even after several weeks – is that normal?

Hello everyone,

About six weeks ago, I bought and assembled a KALLAX shelf from IKEA. Despite this amount of time, it still smells strongly of “chemicals” – a kind of sharp plastic or solvent odor that is especially noticeable in enclosed rooms. My questions are: Is it normal for a KALLAX shelf to retain a chemical smell for this long? Has anyone had similar experiences or possibly any tips on how to effectively remove this odor without damaging the furniture?

So far, I have only wiped the shelf with a damp cloth and kept it in a well-ventilated room. I’m asking mainly because I want to place it in my bedroom, and the smell seems unhealthy. Thanks in advance for your opinions!

Max50 schrieb:
despite this period, it still smells very strongly of "chemicals"

As long as it is really the smell of plastic or solvents, this can last for several weeks. It’s best to keep ventilating and avoid placing the shelf completely inside a small, enclosed room.

Max50 schrieb:
So far, I have only wiped the shelf with a damp cloth and kept it in a well-ventilated room.

Hello Max50,

Since the smell of chemical solvents or plastic often comes from the chipboard and the coating used, it is not unusual for it to take several weeks for the odor to significantly decrease – this applies to furniture like the KALLAX as well. Many people report that the smell noticeably fades only after two to three months.

One method that helps many is to occasionally sprinkle some baking soda inside the shelf and let it sit overnight, then vacuum or wipe it out. This partially neutralizes odors. It is also important to keep the room well ventilated and, if possible, place the furniture outside in fresh air for some time.

Avoid using harsh cleaning agents, as they could damage the wood or the surface. However, if the smell is particularly strong or appears to pose a health risk, you might want to contact the retailer to check whether the furniture has a manufacturing defect or has been exposed to something harmful.

Max50 schrieb:
Does anyone have similar experiences or perhaps tips on how to effectively remove this odor without damaging the piece of furniture?

A slight chemical smell from new furniture made with particleboard or lacquered surfaces is generally not unusual, but six weeks is already at the upper end of the normal range. I would recommend the following steps:

1. Continue to ventilate frequently and regularly, ideally creating a cross breeze.
2. Place open bowls with activated charcoal or baking soda directly near the shelving unit, as they absorb odors.
3. Avoid using harsh cleaners or excessive moisture, as these can damage the surfaces.
4. Consider using an air purifier with an activated charcoal filter, which can help improve air quality.

If the odor does not noticeably improve within the next two weeks, you should definitely contact IKEA customer service. It could be due to an unusual emission that is not normal.