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.
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.
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.
Just like other textiles, quilts can be easily damaged by the acidity within cedar chests. You also might find that a quilt kept in a cedar chest takes on an orange tint anywhere it's been exposed directly to the wood. The easiest remedy is to cover the quilt or put it in a plastic bin before it goes in the chest.
1. Board Box. A time-tested approach, using a board box may be the simplest way to ensure protection for large quantities of photos. Photo boxes take up less room than average albums and are better at sheltering images from light, dust, and other contaminants.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An old cedar chest's worth is based on its age, condition or rarity -- starting at $99 and as high as $700 or more. If the hardware is original then it is worth more and can fetch about $200 to $400. Find a collection of old cedar chests on 1stDibs today.
Our hardwood cedar chests are versatile for your storage needs. You can also use these pieces as seats or for other uses. The flat lids on top of the chests are fantastic for tying your shoes or getting ready in the morning.
The delicate fabric of a wedding gown starts to turn yellow just after six months, especially if it is not cleaned and properly stored.
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.
Cedar chests and hope chests are often referred to one another interchangeably. For years, the hope chest, filled with a young woman's dowry, symbolized her hopes and dreams of love.
10 Ways to Maintain or Restore Your Cedar Chest Smell
Cedar Chest Oil – Use a lint-free cloth or clean cloth and apply a light layer to the interior of your chest.
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.
Cleaning solution: Opt for a mild detergent or a wood cleaner specifically designed for cedar. For those leaning towards eco-friendly methods, a mixture of vinegar and water is a natural alternative. Brush with soft bristles: A non-abrasive brush ensures you scrub away the grime without scarring the wood.
It is my understanding that some ziplock polyethylene bags have a surface treatment (organic chemical) used to keep them from sticking to themselves and/or other bags—probably not recommended for archival storage of potentially reactive materials.
Books, too, should be kept out of the shed if you'd like to be able to flip through them again. “The humidity and heat in a shed can lead to pages sticking together, mold growth, and pest infestations,” Gorin says.
TIP #3: AVOID STORING IN PLASTIC BAGS OR CARDBOARD BOXES
Never store clothing in plastic bags or cardboard boxes.