ᐅ The back panel of my Kallax unit is developing mold – any solutions?
Created on: 27 Aug 2015 09:13
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Pogi59
Hello everyone,
I have an issue with my Ikea Kallax shelf: the back panel appears to be developing mold in some areas, especially in the lower corners. The shelf is in the living room, close to an exterior wall, and is used normally, so there is no excessive moisture.
I understand that Kallax back panels are just thin MDF boards, which are not necessarily moisture-resistant, but I haven’t had this problem before, and I haven’t owned the shelf for long.
Can anyone explain why the back panel is molding? Is it due to indoor humidity, poor air circulation, or the material itself? And most importantly: how can I solve this problem permanently without having to dispose of the entire shelf?
Thanks for any advice!
I have an issue with my Ikea Kallax shelf: the back panel appears to be developing mold in some areas, especially in the lower corners. The shelf is in the living room, close to an exterior wall, and is used normally, so there is no excessive moisture.
I understand that Kallax back panels are just thin MDF boards, which are not necessarily moisture-resistant, but I haven’t had this problem before, and I haven’t owned the shelf for long.
Can anyone explain why the back panel is molding? Is it due to indoor humidity, poor air circulation, or the material itself? And most importantly: how can I solve this problem permanently without having to dispose of the entire shelf?
Thanks for any advice!
REN40 schrieb:
One solution here would be to keep the indoor humidity consistently below 60%So my question is: What is the exact indoor humidity like for you, Pogi59? Normally, maintaining a relative humidity of around 40-50% at room temperature should prevent any issues.
Additionally, I would question whether the manufacturer could improve the product. If the Kallax back panel is so prone to problems, a better choice of material would make sense, especially since many users likely place the shelf in such corners.
From my perspective, it is also important to check whether moisture might be entering through leaks in the external wall or around windows, as this is often overlooked.
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matthewon28 Aug 2015 09:11Tause schrieb:
So my question is: What are the exact humidity levels like where you are, Pogi59?I want to add something here: Many people never actually measure their humidity or wrongly estimate it.
It’s also a matter of air temperature. Cold air can hold less moisture, and if the exterior wall is significantly colder, moisture tends to condense behind it more quickly.
However, one should also consider whether Kallax is really the right shelving unit for this location.
Muso4 schrieb:
You should reconsider the idea of placing such furniture against exterior walls.I would agree: Other types of furniture or custom-built shelves using water-resistant materials are more sensible for the long term in this situation.
I would first remove the back panel and let it dry. Then treat the area with mold remover or use vinegar water.
Afterwards, either coat the back panel with a moisture barrier or replace it entirely with waterproof material.
Warning: Mold can be harmful to health. For a permanent solution, the root cause (moisture) must be addressed.
Afterwards, either coat the back panel with a moisture barrier or replace it entirely with waterproof material.
Warning: Mold can be harmful to health. For a permanent solution, the root cause (moisture) must be addressed.
Thank you for the many responses, very helpful!
The shelf is actually placed with its back against an exterior wall, which is quite cold, likely increasing the dew point issue.
Should I remove and rebuild the back panel, or can I preserve the old one somehow? Is there a special treatment for MDF boards like this?
Looking forward to more tips, I don’t want to get rid of the shelf since it fits perfectly in the space.
Tause schrieb:I ordered a hygrometer today to check that. I’m not aware of any humidity issues here, I ventilate several times a day and heat normally.
How is the exact humidity level at your place?
The shelf is actually placed with its back against an exterior wall, which is quite cold, likely increasing the dew point issue.
REN40 schrieb:I will try that next, maybe leave a 3-4cm (1-1.5 inch) gap from the wall.
Create airflow, especially behind the shelf
Should I remove and rebuild the back panel, or can I preserve the old one somehow? Is there a special treatment for MDF boards like this?
Looking forward to more tips, I don’t want to get rid of the shelf since it fits perfectly in the space.
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