ᐅ My new Kallax has a different smell compared to the old one – how do you deal with chemical odors?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a new Kallax shelf unit from Ikea, but compared to my old one, I’ve noticed it emits a much stronger “chemical smell.” It seems to come from the coatings or the wood finish, which haven’t fully off-gassed yet. This is especially bothersome in my bedroom, and I’m wondering what you usually do in cases like this.

Do you have experience with specific methods to get rid of the smell faster? Ventilation alone doesn’t seem enough — the odor is quite persistent and unpleasant. Do you use activated charcoal, vinegar, or any special cleaners or sprays, for example? How long did it take for the smell to completely disappear for you?

I’m looking forward to your tips and experiences, as this is really frustrating for me right now.

Kaulu59 schrieb:
I recently bought a new Kallax shelf from Ikea, but compared to my old shelf, I notice it emits a much stronger “chemical smell.”

Hello Kaulu59,

thank you for your detailed description; it makes it easier to provide targeted advice. The smell from new furniture like the Kallax often comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from coatings, particleboard, or adhesives. These fumes need time to dissipate.

Ventilation is generally the best solution—place the shelf in a well-ventilated room or open windows several times a day to encourage air exchange. Sometimes keeping doors and windows open all day, if the weather allows, is helpful.

Activated charcoal is indeed a proven method to reduce odors. You can place small bowls with activated charcoal or granules on or inside your shelf. These actively bind the odor molecules.

Vinegar water and burning candles or incense sticks may also help to some extent, but they mostly mask the smell and can occasionally affect indoor air quality.

I recommend mainly being patient and ventilating regularly at room temperature. The warmer the room, the faster the VOCs evaporate.

How well you can use the shelf also depends on your personal sensitivity; especially those with allergies or sensitivities should ideally wait until the shelf has aired out well.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

Kaulu59 schrieb:
Do you have experience with any specific methods to get rid of the smell faster?

Hello, I recently bought a new Kallax as well and can confirm this issue. The cause usually lies in the materials: melamine coating on particleboard is bonded with an adhesive layer that contains solvents – these are the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) causing the smell you notice.

Here are a few tips from my experience and research:

1. Intensive ventilation: Open windows several times a day in intervals, including at night, to refresh the indoor air as quickly as possible.
2. Increase temperature: If possible, raise the room temperature, for example by heating – warmth helps speed up the evaporation of harmful substances.
3. Activated charcoal or odor absorbers: Use activated charcoal bags or granules placed inside the shelves. Activated charcoal chemically binds odors and purifies the air.
4. Air purifiers with HEPA and activated charcoal filters: If available, these devices can significantly reduce VOC concentrations.
5. Avoid masking with scented sprays: Do not use sprays that only cover the smell, as they can worsen indoor air quality.

Personally, I was especially cautious with the new furniture in the bedroom. If your shelf is there, I would suggest moving it to another well-ventilated room until the smell decreases.

How long this takes depends on the manufacturer and batch; in some cases, it can take several weeks to months for the smell to disappear completely.

I’m interested to know how strong and how long you have noticed the smell. Also, did you place the shelf at its final location immediately after assembly?

Best regards

Kaulu59 schrieb:
What do you do about chemical smell from new Kallax?

I place the furniture outside on the balcony or in the garage beforehand, if the weather is good. I air it out briefly every day, and for stubborn odors, I put a few bowls of activated charcoal inside.
Vinegar water also helps me—just place a bowl of vinegar next to the shelf. But be careful to avoid direct contact, as vinegar can damage the wood.

Kaulu59 schrieb:
The smell is quite strong and annoying.

I completely understand—that chemical odor can really be overwhelming, especially when you want your home to be a relaxing retreat.

I would suggest leaving the shelf in a well-ventilated but still dry room for a while and not loading it up right away. This helps improve air circulation around it.

Sometimes it also helps to place a few plants nearby, which often assist in absorbing pollutants, such as spider plants or ivy. No guarantees, but it creates a more pleasant atmosphere while the smell is still lingering.

How are you coping with it now? Do you feel the odor is getting less noticeable? 🙂