Cedar is a wood usually sought out for its fragrance, and its natural insecticide action makes it a favorite for clothing storage chests. Unfortunately, that aroma might prove overwhelming on everyday clothes pulled from a closed dresser drawer.
Is cedar good for clothes?
Cedar removes moisture from the air, so in humid climates, it will act as a natural dehumidifier and keep your clothes from developing mildew. Cedar’s natural smell is very pleasant and aromatic, so it will keep your home and your clothes smelling fresh, even as the scent protects them.
How do you neutralize the smell of cedar?
You might try wiping the insides with my beloved vinegar on a cloth. If cleaning and lightly sanding the inside of the chest do not help, then your last resort is to seal in the odor by using an oil-based primer on the interior.
How long does cedar keep its smell?
Over time, aromatic cedar loses its aroma, but it can be restored by sanding away the top layer of the wood. Depending on the original strength of the scent in the wood (which varies), this may have to be done every three to seven years to refresh the wood’s insect-repelling aroma.
What should you not put in a cedar closet?
Even if you store the photos in a photo album, the plastic and adhesive also produces acidic gases and will damage the photos and emit extra gas into the cedar closet. Collectible Cards and Important Papers: Anything made of paper or cardboard, including artwork, can end up destroyed by the gases cedar emits.
Can cedar damage clothes?
Cedar loses its scent over time, so if you use it, set a reminder to lightly sand down the cedar every 2-3 months or so. Cedar releases an essential oil that repels pests but also effectively stains your clothing. Keep cedar from directly touching your clothing to prevent staining.
What are negatives to cedar wood?
Pros and Cons of Cedar
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High bending strength | Softwood |
| High durability | Need High maintenance |
| Lightweight | Flammable |
| Resistant against Crack and Warp |
Does cedar make your clothes smell like cedar?
Clothing stored in cedar closets can take on a mild cedar odor, which usually fades in a few hours of being removed from the closet.
How do you freshen a cedar closet?
Fortunately, cedar that has lost its scent can be restored by simply sanding the exposed wood surfaces lightly. (Likewise, a cedar sachet used in a drawer needs only to be pinched a bit to release a fresh scent from the wood shavings inside.)
Does a cedar closet have to be airtight?
After the closet framing is completely covered on the outside with drywall, caulk all the drywall joints where it meets the wall, floor and ceiling. This will be covered with the cedar, so spread the caulk liberally. Installing an airtight door is a must.
Does cedar wood protect clothes?
The dark-colored heartwood of red cedar contains natural oils that help kill clothes-moth larvae, but this alone won’t protect clothing. It’s not effective against carpet beetles, and, with moths, it kills only young larvae, not older ones or eggs. The effect also fades as the scent does.
Does cedar repel clothing moths?
We now know that cedar’s insect-repelling power lies in the oil that infuses its wood. The oil from certain varieties of true cedar � like that from Cedrus atlantica, which lines the walls of Turkish carpet shops � repels clothes moths from laying their eggs in wool and other fabrics.
Is cedar safe for closets?
Eastern red cedar is aromatic and a safe, natural moth deterrent, making it the ideal lumber to use in clothes closets. It contains natural oils that kill clothes-moth larvae.