You can use either a cedar spray or a natural
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.
Applying Cedar Oil: A periodic application of cedar oil can refresh the blocks' potency if they begin to lose their aromatic properties.
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.
If the finish begins to fade and you want to restore it, you do not need to sand it off. All you need to do is clean off the surface and apply a new coat. This is a practical finish to use as it naturalizes the look of the wood – a better choice than polyurethane or varnish.
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.
Remove loose surface dirt from the wood siding, apply Oxygen Bleach from the bottom up, scrub/rinse the solution from the top down. This way, the cleaning agent will be able to do its work without leaving any streak marks behind. Condition your cedar siding using Oxalic Acid.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can use a gel stain to restore the colour. Gel stains are great for antique furniture restoration. The best part is that you don't need to strip off the original old colour of your furniture. Gel stains can easily restore the faded and worn colour of wood furniture.
For optimum surface durability, the first coat may be of high gloss lacquer followed by one or two coats of matte or satin lacquer. On smooth cedar, a final coat of wax will impart a rich sheen to the wood. Clear varnish is recommended only for smooth surfaces.
If you're using a cedar spray, [follow the directions on the bottle] give your cedar a generous spraying. Then allow to sit out and dry. If you're using a cedar oil, use a cloth to rub the oil into your cedar block. If things get overly slick, you can use a clean cloth or paper towel just to buff away any excess.
Initially, when cedar blocks are fresh, their moth-repelling properties are at their peak. Over time, however, the intensity of the scent diminishes, which can reduce their effectiveness against moths. Typical Effective Lifespan: Generally, cedar blocks remain effective for about one to three years.
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.
Iron vinegar on cedar - cheap, easy and fast!
Here's how to age wood and make it look old and gray. Iron vinegar on fresh cedar lumber: Soak some steel wool in white vinegar for a few hours or a few days - the longer it steeps, the darker the aged effect will be.
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).
Tim Inman: On the inside of the cedar chest, I would use no finish. On the outside, use whatever finish you like. If you feel you do need something on the inside to make the surface more "snag-free," try this: Dilute some shellac to about one part shellac and 3 or 4 parts alcohol. Apply this liberally to the cedar.
To clean a wooden closet well, first, remove everything from it. Then, use a soft cloth or brush to remove dust from shelves, rods, and other wooden parts. After that, gently wipe the wood with a mix of mild cleaner or soapy water, using a damp cloth. For stubborn stains, you can try a mix of vinegar and water.
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.
Wash cedar siding regularly
You can also mitigate issues like mold and mildew before they become a problem by cleaning it twice per year. You can use a mild soap with water, oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners for this twice-yearly task.