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.
With cedar's natural ability to keep bugs at bay, it's safe to store heirloom items inside a cedar chest like handmade quilts, blankets, clothing and keepsakes you've inherited. It's important to note that bed bugs won't eat or damage wood, they cannot chew wood or fabric.
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.
Thanks to cedar wood's amazing water resistance properties you don't need to fear mold growing inside of your chest. Decay resistant – Your cedar chest will not rot away with age.
For basic cleaning use furniture polish and wipe in the direction of the wood grain. If you have some mold or mildew spots try Murphy's Oil Soap or white vinegar. Apply with a lint-free cloth. If your hope chest still isn't clean, add ⅛” cup of TSP cleaner and one dump of bleach to a gallon of water.
One of the best ways to protect your home's cedar exterior from future damage is to clean it with vinegar regularly. By cleaning your home's exterior with vinegar, you can keep it free of any dirt, dust, and grime that could encourage mold.
Cedar chests are great for storing clothing, blankets, and delicate fabrics. Because the oil in cedar wood is an all-natural insect repellent that keeps moths and other pests at bay, you can store these items without worrying that they'll get damaged.
On the other hand, the aromatic cedar lining inside does not need to be sealed, and leaving it bare is the traditional approach. When that distinctive cedar smell fades, just scuff-sand it lightly to rejuvenate the aroma.
While these are all nice, cedar chests should be avoided when housing your artifacts; historic textiles; wedding dresses, christening dresses, or uniforms, or any other family heirloom. As wood ages, it gives off an acid, which in the museum world is called 'off-gassing,' that reacts poorly with other objects.
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.
How can bed bugs get into my home? They can come from other infested areas or from used furniture. They can hitch a ride in luggage, purses, backpacks, or other items placed on soft or upholstered surfaces. They can travel between rooms in multi-unit buildings, such as apartment complexes and hotels.
Mattresses and pillows make potential habitats for bed bugs. Pillows may also be host to bed bug eggs, making them a potential point of bed bug infestations. A possible sign that bed bugs have infested pillows may be the appearance of bites.
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!
Occupational exposure to cedar and pine woods and pine resin (colophony) can cause asthma and chronic lung disease.
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.
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.
A cedar chest can become a versatile storage solution for toys, books, and art supplies in the children's playroom. Its durable construction ensures it can withstand the wear and tear of daily play. You can also use it as a seating option, creating a cozy reading nook for your little ones.
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.
Cedar can also be a dangerous choice because cedar draws all the moisture out of the air which can actually cause your furs to dry rot. The best way to keep moths and other insects from damaging your fur coat is by placing lavender sachets in the storage space.
Mildew and mold thrive in moist, shaded environments, making cedar decks particularly susceptible if they do not receive adequate sunlight and ventilation. These fungi can quickly spread, creating unsightly black spots that mar the wood's natural beauty. Another cause of black spots on deck wood is tannins.
Use A Wood Sealer
A wood sealer will help preserve the beauty of your cedar wood and restore it to its original look. 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.
On almost all wood surfaces, distilled white vinegar is a very efficient method to kill mold effectively. It will go through the wood and kill the fungus at its source. Painted or stained wood can be cleaned with a cleaning solution of warm water and dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent.