DETOLF Dust Resistance Method
I have 7 Ikea DETOLFs and I have managed to make them all very dust resistant. My first three DETOLFs that I've had since March did not need any dusting until last week when I decided to dust them. The dust inside was less than what my desk/outside figures get after 3 days. That's pretty good for 6 months!
As everyone who owns a DETOLF knows, the glass door has about a half an inch gap that easily lets in dust. To fix that gap you just need a simple product called weather stripping, also called sponge tape. It's $2.00 USD at Walmart for 20ft (almost enough for two DETOLFs).
I did not come up with this method. I found it on some random site. Also the dust specks you see are actually on the outside of the detolfs. I just haven't wiped down the outsides recently XD
This is the size stuff to use. 5/16th is also the size. Not my picture, just one I found on the net ^^
Top left hand corner of the DETOLF. I don't recommend going behind the metal tab or else your door might not close to well. Although you can line it up so it does seal the detolf and does not impede the door. Could take some trial and error ^^; The top strip I also recommend putting on AFTER the door is on the DETOLF.
The top left corner again. The strips on the left and right side I recommend putting on BEFORE the door is on.
Top right hand side. The top strip is actually back a bit further so the door will close.
Right side. Notice that it is very close to the edge but not completely flush. I do this on both sides. Do not have it be completely flush with the side or else the door might not close.
Bottom of the DETOLF. I never put anything here. I suppose I could on my black detolf but on a white one it would really stand out.
Looking directly at the side. As I said earlier, it's almost flush with the side. You might have to do some trial and error. The stripping can be lifted up but do it slowly as it is very sticky.
Top inside, notice it's that far back from the edge. If it wasn't the door would not close.
Right side strip. Notice you cannot see a gap. This DETOLF is actually my most sealed one. The DETOLF next to it I need to fix as there is a gap on the sides because I didn't line it up right.
Left side strip of the DETOLF above. Notice again there is no gap. This DETOLF has never been dusted ^^
If someone wants me to highlight what I am talking about in each of the pictures then I can do so ^^
For those who have DETOLFS, spending $2 USD to make them dust resistant is highly worth it. I'll be getting another DETOLF soon so would anyone want me to take pictures from scratch on sealing them?
Hmmm...I've considered getting Detolfs but those gaps kept me away from the idea. I also considered sealing them like you have here, but it kind of takes away from the transparency of the clear sides. Ikea should fix the design, but I don't think that's going to happen.
Honestly anyone looking at the Detolf does not notice the strips. I've had many people over and not a single one noticed it until I told them. A small 5/16th strip doesn't really block that much transparency and reduces dust considerably. Totally worth it imo. ^^
That's a pretty darn good idea! I should probably consider that. But then again, Vancouver doesn't seem all that dusty, so the Detolfs have been doing fairly good without any sealing.
true here in richmond my Detolfs doesn't really get dusty, last time i check it has a bit of dust and that last time i checked was several months ago
This is a very helpful post. I'll look out for these the next time I'm at a hardware store or something. I hate dusting my Detolf =[
Nice. I've been thinking about picking up a few detolfs but been worried about the gaps. This sounds like a great idea though ^^
nice, I'm saving this one for when I get myself a detolf. Thnx a lot ^^
Great idea!
This will surely help me when I get my detolfs.
Oh never tough of that ! Great idea indeed !
I've never really noticed a dust problem in any of my cases. The gap on each side is about .6cm (1/4in). I guess I just have a relatively dust free house...?
Probably, I constantly have my windows open and air flowing in. My carpet sucks too and that alone contributes a lot of dust. Which makes it all the more surprising that my detolfs are not dusty inside at all and haven't been for months! ^^
That is a pretty nice mod. Most of the dust in the room probably winds up in the intakes of my computer though... 2 120mm intake fans will do that. >.<
Strange enough my computer barely gets dusty and it has 4 120mm fans lol. 2 intake and 2 exhaust. Go figure ^^;
Whenever there is a visible gap that daylight can pass through, dust will continue to be a problem. I am super critical about protecting my collection from dust because I cannot afford the time to clean them, visible dust must not be allowed to accumulate to a point I can see from a distance. This is a neat way to fix up the Detolf, I was hugely disappointed with the gap when I first got one. Still doesn't quite address the problem of having to put anything below the knee level though.
In none of my detolfs can I ever see visible dust and it's been months ^^ Probably would take a year till I could visibly see it from a distance(maybe longer)
I have no doubt in my mind that this will help with the gap problem of the Detolf, but my beef with the Detolf goes far beyond just gap, there is the nonadjustable shelves (it doesn't even fit my 1/4 figures), doesn't fit a Dollfie nicely without hugely sacrificing shelf spaces etc.
That's why I have a special display case for my dollfie ^^ Didn't want to put Rin in a detolf :x
I just used a perfectly sized scotch tape and roll it down the two sides as well as the top haha...doesnt look that bad actually and works well.
i was considered doing exactly this but was worried about the overall aesthetics... you have any shots of the whole cabinet(s) for a better idea of what it looks like as a whole?
Yup, on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/36732190@N03/
and on my otacool post here too ^^
great, thanks!
nice idea. must try this sometime.
Hmm...good to consider. I've had my Detolf for years now, and to be honest it only takes a dusting once a year or so. That's because I have a relatively dust-free room though. My allergies tend to act up otherwise. xP
On the other hand, the family-use-Detolf in the living room does get dusty. Might forward this to my parents so they can decide if they want to do it. >_>