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.
In contrast, genuine cedarwood can be sanded slightly to reveal fresher layers underneath, so its fragrance lasts indefinitely.
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.
Leave the cedar chest lid open, either on your porch or in your house, to allow for a final air dry. Once you are certain the interior is dry add a freshening touch to the inside of your chest to revive its natural scent, if needed!
White vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can help neutralize odors in wood. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the wood surface. Let it dry completely, and repeat if necessary.
Sodium bicarbonate
Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb odors. Place several small containers of baking soda inside the closet and leave them there for a few days. The baking soda will help neutralize the wood odor. Remember to change the baking soda every few weeks to maintain its effectiveness.
Typically, the smell will start to dissipate after a few days, but it can take up to several weeks for it to completely go away. If the smell persists, it may be a sign of off-gassing.
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.
Recommended amount: Maximum 4 cups/day Collect cedar branches following traditional protocols. Place 2 cups of fresh cedar into a large pot with 8 cups (2 litres) of water. Bring the cedar to a boil, and keep boiling for about 10 minutes until golden and you smell the aroma throughout your home.
Phantosmia refers to detecting smells that aren't really there. It's a symptom of many common conditions, including allergies, colds and upper respiratory infections. It could also indicate a brain-related condition, including epilepsy, stroke or Alzheimer's disease.
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.
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.
Occupational exposure to cedar and pine woods and pine resin (colophony) can cause asthma and chronic lung disease.
So we took the question to the experts who manufacture cedar chests, and here is what they had to say: It's OK to put photos in the chest as long as they are stored in an archival box with acid-free paper. Don't let the photos touch the wood itself, as it's acidic and could ruin the photos.
Cedar is a long-lasting repellant, but if the cedar chips or blocks are older than three years, they need to be replaced. Lavender is another natural repellant you may consider using in your custom closets.
Wipe down the chest with a Scotch-Brite pad and mineral spirits and let dry. Once dry, sand with a 220-grit sanding pad, going over the surface quickly. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust left over from sanding. Paint on a medium coat of gel stain with a foam brush.
Cedarwood oil--used in cosmetics, perfumes, home odorants, and as an insect control agent--is usually extracted from sawdust and wood chips by steam distillation.
White Vinegar
And because wood absorbs moisture, it will take in a little of the vinegar to get rid of the other smelly stuff it absorbed before. Create a diluted solution of one part vinegar to one part water and apply it lightly to the wood using a soft cloth. Avoid over-saturating the wood to prevent damage.
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the wood surface. Let the baking soda sit for 24-48 hours to absorb the odors. After the waiting period, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove the baking soda residue.
Implement some tricks to get rid of the odor this can include olive oil and vinegar, newspaper and charcoal, coffee grounds, kitty litter, or even baking soda. Utilize a deodorization solution to apply to the strong-smelling wood.
Any time there's a high chemical release in your house, such as from painting, construction, or gluing, the first line of attack is to let the space air out. Ventilate the contaminated air out of your house. After a fresh paint, it may take a couple of days for the VOC off-gassing to diminish.