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.)
To bring back the cedar aroma, vacuum closet walls. Lightly sand the walls with medium sandpaper to open new cedar pores and to allow the cedar oils to start to evaporate again. Never, never finish a cedar closet with varnish, urethane or any sealer. This coating will block the cedar scent.
A very simple solution is to purchase cedar shavings at a lumberyard in your area that carries aromatic cedar – not what cedar fences are made from. Take the shavings and make sachets using old nylon stockings, cheesecloth or muslin, attach ribbons and hang the sachets in your closet.
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.
Never, never finish a cedar closet with varnish, urethane or any sealer. This coating will block the cedar scent. If your old closet still does not have a strong enough cedar scent to satisfy you, you can treat the wood with natural cedar oils. Such oil is available from Giles & Kendall in Huntsville, Alabama.
Certain oils work best with specific wood types, and the preferred oil for cedar is linseed oil. This slow-drying oil gives cedar a luxurious shine that subtly avoids that overly glossy look. It sinks deep into the wood creating a rich, supple finish. Teak oil is a popular runner-up for cedar.
Uncoated, weathered cedar can often be restored to its original color by applying commercial products called cleaners, brighteners or restorers. Although intended primarily for restoring horizontal wood surfaces, they generally work almost as well on vertical surfaces.
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.
Needs maintenance.
Cedar wood for closets should be oiled once or twice a year to keep the material fresh.
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.
Just take a 220-grit sandpaper and lightly sand the inside of the chest. The interior is unfinished so you can easily do that. Just make sure that you sand in the direction of the grain. A fine sandpaper sanded in the direction of the gain will work wonders to restore the aroma of a chest!
A cedar-lined closet can be a great way to give a space a clean smell and even offer protection against fabric-damaging insects, like moths. Store-bought cedar lining kits, as well as cedar planks, can be found at most home improvement stores and are often easy to install.
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.
Bacteria and germs can permeate porous wood causing awful “old-smell” odors. To eliminate the smell, kill the bacteria and germs by cleaning the inside of the drawers and all surfaces with a sponge dampened with vinegar, Murphy's Oil Wood Soap or any Anti-Fungal Detergents. Then let dry in a well ventilated area.
In contrast, genuine cedarwood can be sanded slightly to reveal fresher layers underneath, so its fragrance lasts indefinitely.
If sanding doesn't have enough effect, rub cedar oil into the wood. The oil (available from Giles & Kendall) will replenish the wood's smell and enhance its appearance, at least for a while.
Cedar chests typically dry out the items that are stored within them, which is fine if it's clothing or paper. But you don't want a leather bag to dry out or it could become brittle and crack. Because of the potential for damage, it's best not to keep leather bags—or shoes or belts—in a cedar chest.
Because cedar wood (and many other wood products for that matter) is highly acidic. As the wood ages, it off gasses acids. And when those acids come into physical contact with your garments, the acids could possibly yellow your garments and deteriorate the fibers.
Cedar offers a great and pleasant-smelling way to discourage insects from feasting on your clothing, but it must be kept fresh if it is to be of any use. Fortunately, cedar that has lost its scent can be restored by simply sanding the exposed wood surfaces lightly.
“Oh, he said, that's simple, if you want to restore the sharp smell of cedar, just give it a light sanding, a 220 grit should be fine”.
Cedar has been used as an insect repellent for many years. People have built cedar closets in their homes. They have also used cedar hangers and put cedar blocks in dresser drawers to keep moths away from their clothes. Some studies suggest that the cedar repels insects because of the smell of the cedar oil.
Regular dusting with a vacuum attachment is generally sufficient, but you can wax cedar to restore shine. You have to use a specific kind of wax called carnauba wax to fill in cracks, restore shine, and protect the surface of your cedar closet.
Staining will prevent fading of the color and help preserve the natural beauty of the wood. It is also advisable to use oil-based paint to furnish your cedar. The oil-based paint has a high pigment content so that it will last longer than water-based paints.
Conclusion. Cedar rings are a natural and effective way to keep your clothes smelling fresh and free from pests. While the lifespan of cedar rings can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the wood and the storage environment, they can last for up to two years or more with proper care.