Cedar does not stain or dye well--the results are uneven at best. You could oil it for a more natural look. A UV protecting water white lacquer would be best for the color, but would definitely seal in the smell.
You might try wiping the insides with vinegar on a cloth. If cleaning and lightly sanding the inside do not help, your last resort is to seal in the odor by using an oil-based primer on the interior. Then paint the inside with latex paint.
Consider using clear finishes such as lacquer or shellac to maintain the wood's natural color and grain. Avoid using oil-based finishes as they can darken the cedar's natural hue. Water-based finishes are a good option for preserving the wood's light color and providing protection.
For a cedar closet to be most effective, it must be nearly airtight and as dry as possible. Use a dehumidifier or turn on a low-wattage light bulb (15 watts for a small closet, 25 for a walk-in) from time to time to burn off humidity.
The best option for cedar siding is Seal-Once NANO Penetrating Wood Sealer. Its deep penetrating formula uses proprietary nanotechnology to protect cedar shakes from the inside out.
Caveats For Using Stain on Cedar
If the Cedar has considerable shade with little to no UV exposure, using a stain instead of an oil might be appropriate. This is usually when a house is shaded by dense tree cover or has wide soffits, such as villas where the roof extends over the porch.
Transparent, non-flexible, film-forming finishes such as lacquer, shellac, urethane, and varnish are not recommended for exterior use on cedar. Ultraviolet radiation can penetrate the transparent film and degrade the wood.
Use A Wood Sealer
Using a wood sealer will also help maintain the fresh, clean aroma, all year long. Many uses for cedar wood include the outdoors, so it's important to seal the wood to protect it from the elements.
In contrast, genuine cedarwood can be sanded slightly to reveal fresher layers underneath, so its fragrance lasts indefinitely.
Pine, fir, and cedar branches and wreaths last the longest. Keep your branches and wreaths outside until needed. When using branches, cut or crush the stems. Then, place the stems (or even better) the whole branch in a bucket of water over night.
The simplest, but most labor-intensive, finish to maintain on a cedar deck is a water-repellent preservative, which may have to be applied annually. The next easiest is a semi-transparent oil-based stain. Both types of finishes are extremely effective in stopping the absorption of water and are recommended.
Since the oil is what gives the wood its protective qualities, you can use Giles & Kendall 100% Aromatic Cedarwood Oil to rejuvenate your cedar liner simply by using a dry cloth to wipe a small amount onto the wood (one 8 oz. can covers 300 square feet).
The mix of tung oil and linseed oil in the ALIS 579 product performs very well on cedar, as it has a high impregnation power and penetrates more deeply than a conventional stain.
Where Does the Cedarwood Scent Come From? The essential oil of cedarwood is extracted from all parts of the evergreen tree, including it's needles, leaves, bark, and berries.
Natural deterrent: Due to the cedar's significant repelling properties, it naturally deters a number of insects. This includes adult clothing moths, clothing moth larvae, silverfish, termites, carpet beetles and cockroaches.
One part white vinegar to 3 or 4 parts water is fine. Dip a sponge in the vinegar solution, and wipe it on the bleached wood. Rinse the sponge in clear water before dipping it again in the neutralizing solution. Once the cedar is dry, you can leave it as is or apply the finish of your choice.
Cedar Wood
It resists water reasonably well and doesn't tend to crack. Cedar lasts about 20 years if not treated, but some damage may be noticeable from heavy traffic. Cedar can last for decades when used in your outdoor projects if cared for properly.
Virginian Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana): Native to North America, this species has a slightly sharper, more herbal scent compared to Atlas Cedarwood.
Red cedar blocks are an effective moth deterrent and a safe alternative to chemical moth balls. The natural smell of cedar works perfectly to deter moths. All you have to do is place the block in your wardrobe or pantry. The best part is reviewers say these cedar blocks really work.
You might try wiping the insides with my beloved vinegar on a cloth. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. 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.
Woodrich Brand Timber Oil comes highly recommended for its deep penetration into cedar, offering unparalleled protection while enhancing the wood's natural color and texture.
A water-based acrylic coating is the best choice. This will be applied like paint. Some coatings will also have fragrances and an odor encapsulant. The odor encapsulant should deal with any remaining odors.
Semi-transparent stains
A well-chosen semi-transparent finish like this can actually enhance the grain of your cedar. Semi-transparent stains can provide interesting, subtle changes to the wood's colour, pronouncing grains and knots — as well as affording great protection. They can be oil-based or natural.
Thoroughly clean the cedar fence to remove dirt, dust, mold, mildew, and any existing sealant or stain using a pressure washer, and allow it to dry completely. If the wood surface is rough or has splinters, consider sanding it with a fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a smoother finish.