Why line a closet with cedar?

Author: Brooklyn Koch  |  Last update: Thursday, January 1, 2026

Moisture Absorption: Cedar absorbs excess humidity in the air, preventing mold and mildew from damaging your clothes. Durability: Cedar is resistant to rot and can last for years, making it an economical and long-term solution.

Should I line my closet with cedar?

You may wonder why a cedar closet? Cedar, not only smells great, but it also repels pests such as moths, cockroaches, and silverfish and is resistant to mildew. Being in a basement, I feel like it is more susceptible to moisture and bugs, so it was important to protect the items we are storing down there.

Why do people put cedar in their closet?

Insects that would feast on your clothes such as moths are confused and repelled by the strong, characteristic smell of cedar, which confuses their pheromone detectors and natural navigation systems in the same way as other odors like citronella, rosemary, and peppermint will.

Why use cedar blocks in a closet?

The natural properties of cedar not only repel pests but also offer moisture and odor control, making them an indispensable tool for any closet. However, the way you use these cedar blocks can significantly affect their efficacy and the longevity of your clothing.

Why is cedar wood good for closets?

That wood is probably cedar. Cedar removes moisture from the air, so in humid climates, it will act as a natural dehumidifier and keep your clothes from developing mildew. Cedar's natural smell is very pleasant and aromatic, so it will keep your home and your clothes smelling fresh, even as the scent protects them.

Turn any Closet into a Cedar Closet - Do It Yourself

What should you not put in a cedar closet?

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.

What are the disadvantages of cedar wood?

Disadvantages Of Cedar Wood
  • Hardwood cedars may not last as long as some other hardwood species.
  • Some types of softwood cedar can become dented easily.
  • It is expensive compared to wood like pine.
  • It requires regular maintenance as the color may fade away due to chemical reaction.

Do people still do cedar closets?

Dear Melanie: Cedar closets are not as common as they used to be, but they are still effective for deterring moths and the resultant holes in woolen clothes. Most people find the cedar scent to be nostalgic and quite pleasant, but the scent can fade over time.

What bugs do cedar blocks repel?

Not only has it historically been used to repel moths, keep bees and wasps away, deter termites from playgrounds (and other structures made of wood, including homes), and ward off insects from one's garden (when used as chips), but it has also been used as medicine to cure ailments such as colds, measles, worms and ...

Does a cedar closet have to be airtight?

Installing an airtight door is a must. You can use a standard interior door and weatherstrip it well. It will also need a threshold seal where it meets the floor.

How much to line a closet with cedar?

Most contractors, on average, will be around $800 plus for a project like this. We offer the best cedar closet solution out there. Instead of doing the traditional route of offering just closet lining, we decided to make a modular system that can be customized very easily to fit any space you may need storage.

How often should I replace cedar in my closet?

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.

Do bugs hate the smell of cedar?

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.

How do you refresh a cedar lined closet?

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.)

Does cedar repel bugs in closet?

Cedar, enriched with natural oils, acts as a powerful shield against these persistent pests. Cedar's pest-repelling power: Cedar effectively repels a variety of insects, including: Clothing moths: Cedar's natural oils protect wool and silk garments from damage.

What is the best material to line a closet with?

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.

Is cedar toxic to dogs?

The level of toxicity would depend on the type of Cedar and also how much was ingested at the time. Eastern red cedar trees are highly toxic in both their berries and leaves and also their bark. Western red cedar trees are only mildly toxic.

Do mosquitoes hate cedar?

Cedarwood oil failed to repel mosquitoes and only high concentrations of peppermint oil repelled Ae. aegypti. None of the oils tested prevented mosquito bite when used at the 5 or 10% concentration.

Will mice chew through cedar?

Cedar is a great deterrent for rodents and bugs.

What are the cons of cedar in a closet?

Downsides of Cedar for Closets
  • Allergy trigger. Cedar closets may cause an allergic reaction in some people. ...
  • Not for everyone. For some people, the smell of cedar is unbearable. ...
  • Scent fades. Cedar smells wonderful when it's new, but unfortunately it loses its scent over time. ...
  • Needs maintenance. ...
  • Cost prohibitive.

What is the purpose of a cedar lined closet?

Moisture Absorption: Cedar absorbs excess humidity in the air, preventing mold and mildew from damaging your clothes. Durability: Cedar is resistant to rot and can last for years, making it an economical and long-term solution.

Do cedar closets add value?

Most experts agree that adding a cedar closet adds value to any home. They are a throwback to a time when clothing was purchased and expected to last a generation (or more).

What wood is better than cedar?

When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It's highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.

What is cedar wood weakness?

Cedar can and will rot and decay, it just takes alot longer than other wood. It can become weak and brittle so it depends on the design of your chairs and the thickness of the planks as to whether or not they'll hold up and support the weight you're going for.

What kind of sealer to use on cedar?

Choosing the Right Sealer

They can also cause the color of the stain to bleed and give a bad look. The best option for cedar siding is Seal-Once NANO Penetrating Wood Sealer.

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