People put cedar blocks in a closets to naturally repel fabric-damaging insects (like moths and silverfish), absorb excess moisture, and eliminate musty odors. The natural oils in aromatic red cedar provide a chemical-free alternative to mothballs.
Cedar blocks can last indefinitely, but their active scent typically fades after 3 to 6 months. When the scent fades, the wood loses its moth-repelling and moisture-absorbing properties. However, you can easily "reactivate" them to last for years.
Used for closet storage to protect your valuable Cashmere clothes and so on. FRESH FRAGRANCE: The fresh cedar scent is long lasting. If the smell of cedar blocks is weakened, just lightly sand the cedar blocks, the fragrance will be restored.
People use cedar in closets primarily to protect clothing from pests and moisture damage naturally. Its strong, pleasant aroma repels moths, carpet beetles, and silverfish, eliminating the need for chemical deterrents, while also absorbing excess humidity to prevent mold and mildew.
Key Takeaways. Avoid storing textiles directly in cedar chests, as they can be stained or damaged by the wood's acidity. Use proper plastic coverings instead. Leather items can dry out and become brittle or retain an undesirable cedar scent; they should not be stored in cedar chests.
In a closed cedar closet, the issue could likely be either mold or bugs. You mentioned that both the basement and the closet are dry, but there might still be moisture in the air that isn't visible, such as high humidity.
Cedar is naturally beautiful and rot-resistant, but its primary drawbacks are its softness (making it prone to dents and scratches), high upfront cost, and the need for regular maintenance like staining and sealing to prevent weathering and fading.
Natural aromatic red cedar has been trusted for centuries to freshen, protect and preserve. It is the environmentally friendly and safe alternative to chemicals in keeping your clothes smelling fresh, repelling insects, and eliminating odors and mildew.
There's a good chance you won't ever find cedar wood and bed bugs in the same place. Why? Because cedar wood contains natural oils that bed bugs and lots of other pests don't like.
Cedar closets do make clothes smell, but they impart a clean, natural woody aroma rather than a lingering, perfume-like scent. The natural aromatic oils in cedar actively neutralize musty odors, absorb moisture, and deter pests, keeping your fabrics smelling fresh while they are stored.
Cedar blocks primarily repel fabric-damaging pests like clothes moths and carpet beetles, as well as general household nuisances like ants, spiders, mosquitoes, and roaches. The scent contains natural oils (like cedrol and thujone) that disrupt the pests' senses.
Yes, cedar blocks can safely touch most clothes. Because cedar is a natural, chemical-free wood, its oils won't damage fabrics and are great for repelling moths. However, following a few best practices will prevent issues:
Yes, cedar is an excellent choice for closets because it naturally repels clothing-damaging pests like moths, neutralizes odors, and regulates humidity.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood's potent aroma is an effective deterrent against mice due to cedrine, cedrol, and thujopsene compounds found in cedar oil, that create an unappealing scent for rodents. Strategically place cedar blocks or shavings around the house, particularly near entry points, to discourage mice from entering.
Yes, cedar will eventually rot if it gets wet. While cedar is highly prized for its natural resistance to moisture and decay, it is not indestructible. Constant, prolonged exposure to moisture without adequate ventilation creates the perfect environment for wood-eating fungi to take hold and cause irreversible damage.
While it's commonly thought that certain woods like cedar are termite-repellent, termites can still eat them if other food sources are scarce. Regular inspection and maintenance are important to help prevent infestations, even with naturally resistant materials.
Bed bugs most strongly hate the smells of pungent essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil. The strong menthol and floral notes overwhelm their senses, acting as a short-term deterrent.
Never store delicate textiles (like vintage dresses, quilts, or wedding gowns), leather, pearls, or loose paper in direct contact with cedar. The wood’s natural oils and acids can cause yellowing, permanent brown staining, brittle fibers, and decay over time.
Research highlights English Ivy (Hedera helix) as the houseplant that naturally filters up to 78% of airborne mold spores within a 12-hour window.
Cedar Blocks smell pleasant and the natural oil in the wood repels moths and other insects. Cedar also helps to control moisture reducing mold and mildew. Charcoal Bags absorb and neutralize odors as well as reduce moisture. Using a combination of these two methods provide a strong protection for your stored clothing.
Japanese bathrooms and shower rooms almost always have fans in them that are meant to be kept running at all times. While regular cleaning is also an important part of stopping mold from growing in these often-damp rooms, keeping the fans on, especially after taking a bath or shower, will help slow the growth of mold.
Cedar trees are everywhere mentioned with admiration in the Old Testament. Solomon made the cedar the first of trees (1 Kings 4:33). They are the "glory of Lebanon" (Isaiah 35:2; 60:13). The most boastful threat of Sennacherib was that he would cut down the tall cedars of Lebanon (Isaiah 37:24).
Cedar naturally repels a variety of bugs—most notably mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, moths, ants, and chiggers. Its effectiveness comes from aromatic hydrocarbons like thujone and cedrol, which interfere with insect pheromones, disorient pests, and can even dissolve the exoskeletons of vulnerable insects and larvae.
The red cedar common in the Eastern USA is part of the Juniper family and can be highly toxic if taken internally. Under no circumstances should you ever cook with red cedar from the Eastern states of the USA.