Whether or not you should line your closet with cedar depends on a few factors. Cedar is highly valued in closet and clothing storage because of its natural insect-repellent and deodorizing qualities, and some even claim it can repel moisture.
This makes it ideal for storing out-of-season or downtime clothing, fabrics, shoes, and other items.
On the other hand, cedar can be expensive, so if you’re on a budget and don’t need the extra protection, it might not be the best option. It also can be difficult to install and maintain. Cedar chips or planks require regular resealing and sanding to keep their original pleasant aroma and protective properties.
Ultimately, it’s up to you. If you have the resources and are looking for an extra layer of protection, cedar might be a good choice for you. But if it’s too expensive, difficult to maintain, or you don’t think you need it, there are plenty of other storage options available.
Are cedar closets effective?
Cedar closets can be effective for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the aroma of cedar is believed to act as a natural insect repellent. It can help prevent moths and other insects from nibbling away on fabric or other items stored in your closet.
Furthermore, the cedar can help absorb extra moisture in the closet which can help prevent items from becoming moldy. The natural oils in the wood can also act as a mild preservative and help protect and keep fabric and papers from becoming brittle with age.
Finally, cedar wood is a very durable material and is able to resist cracking, shrinking, and warping. This is important when considering the longevity of a closet and its ability to maintain items stored in it.
Overall, cedar closets can be an effective storage method provided that you ensure the inside of the closet is dry and well-ventilated.
How long does cedar last in closet?
The lifespan of cedar in a closet depends on the type of cedar and the preventative maintenance it receives. Western Red Cedar, for example, can last up to 25 years or more when properly maintained. This includes sealing all visible boards, as well as treating them with oil or varnish every few years to protect them from moisture and possible rot.
Eastern white cedar, on the other hand, is naturally more durable, but can last longer with proper maintenance. Eastern white cedar is known to significantly outlast other wood materials such as pine and spruce, lasting up to 40 years or more.
Generally speaking, cedar that is used in closets should be inspected and maintained periodically to keep the wood in the best condition. This includes checking the wood for signs of rot, wear, and weather damage, and using a protective sealant to repel moisture and lengthen the lifespan of the cedar.
To ensure the best longevity, it is important to make sure the cedar is regularly treated and kept in a dry environment with minimal fluctuation in temperature and humidity.
What should you not put in a cedar closet?
It is not recommended to store any items in a cedar closet that could be adversely affected by excessive humidity or moisture. This includes items such as leather and faux leather items, electronics, delicate materials (like silk and wool), art, documents, and photographs.
In addition to these items, it is also important to avoid storing any items that could potentially harm the wood, such as brushes or other items with metal parts and nails. Any items with sharp edges should also be avoided, as these could damage the cedar.
Furthermore, items such as insecticides and perfumes should also be kept away from the cedar due to their strong smell, as they could damage the wood and contribute to unpleasant odors in the closet.
Does a cedar closet keep bugs away?
Yes, a cedar closet can help keep bugs away due to the aromatic residue that the cedar wood releases. The cedar oil acts as a natural insect repellent, which makes it difficult for most bugs to survive in cedar closets.
The natural oils in cedar wood can also help eliminate odors and mold, making it an ideal material for closets. Additionally, cedar wood contains certain acids and natural chemicals that will repel some types of moths, ants, and other insects.
By installing a cedar closet, you can reduce the risk of bugs in your home and keep your clothes and other items protected from damage.
Do cedar blocks ruin clothes?
No, cedar blocks do not ruin clothes. Cedar blocks are a great way to naturally keep pests such as moths out of clothing, without the use of any harsh chemicals. Cedar blocks are made from natural cedar wood, and act as a deterrent to moths and other insects by releasing a natural smell or aroma.
This smell is pleasant to humans, but is disliked by moths and other insects.
Since cedar blocks are made from wood, there is no risk of them ruining clothes. In fact, the smell of the cedar is beneficial to the preservation of clothes, as it helps to naturally protect your clothing from moths.
If you have an area of your wardrobe or closet where you store items such as blankets and coats for extended periods, adding cedar blocks can help keep them smelling fresh and free from moths.
Another great thing about cedar blocks is that they are reusable. Once the aroma of the cedar has dissipated, you can simply put them back in the sun for a few hours and they will be just as fresh and effective as when you first purchased them.
In conclusion, cedar blocks are a safe and natural way to deter moths and other pests without putting your clothes at risk of being ruined.
Do cedar closets prevent mold?
Yes, cedar closets can help to prevent mold growth. This is because the aromatic oil extracted from cedar wood is a natural mold inhibitor and can help to keep moisture levels low, which can make your closet inhospitable to mold growth.
Cedar also has antibacterial properties which can help keep bacteria at bay. Additionally, by using a cedar closet, you can create a better airflow in the closet and reduce the humidity level, both of which are important steps in preventing mold growth.
Finally, cedar is naturally resistant to mold and insects and can help prevent the materials in your closet from deteriorating, which can help keep mold from forming.
How do you protect clothes with cedar?
One way to protect clothes with cedar is to get cedar blocks, blocks of cedar chips, or cedar sachets. Place them in drawers, closets, and other areas where you store clothes. Cedar blocks, chips, and sachets can be found in most stores that carry home goods and some antique stores.
Once you have your cedar, you can place it in drawers and closets with the clothes. It will absorb any excess moisture and help keep the moths away. Cedar oils, cedar sprays, and cedar rings can also be used to protect your clothing.
Cedar oils and sprays have a strong scent and can be used directly on the clothing. Cedar rings can be hung in closets and also help with keeping moths away. Always be sure to keep your clothing clean, as this will also help protect them from moths and other pests.
Can cedar damage clothes?
Yes, cedar can damage clothing. Cedar closets, cedar sachets, and other cedar storage containers can leave dark stains on clothes, or cause them to become brittle and turn yellow. This occurs when too much oil is released from the cedar and reacts with the fibers of the clothing.
Even if the oil transfer onto clothes doesn’t cause a stain, it can cause damage to the fibers, leaving them weak and prone to tearing. The best way to protect your clothes from cedar damage is to use cedar sparingly and store clothing in air-tight plastic containers or garment bags.
Avoid storing clothes in cedar chests as well, as they are too porous and will quickly saturate clothing with the cedar oil. If oil does stain a garment, vinegar can help remove it and restore the garment to its original condition.
Will bed bugs get in cedar chest?
It is possible for bed bugs to get into a cedar chest. It is important to note that cedar chests WILL NOT repel bed bugs due to the fact that bed bugs do not have any particular aversion to cedar products.
Bed bugs are survivors, and a cedar chest, on its own, will not prevent them from infesting an area of the home. However, there are steps you can take to help reduce their chances of getting into a cedar chest.
One important preventive measure is to make sure your cedar chest is properly sealed. In addition, frequently vacuuming and cleaning the cedar chest can help to eliminate any bed bugs that have managed to get inside.
Additionally, it’s wise to not store items in the cedar chest that may already be infested with bed bugs. This can help to ensure that if any bed bugs have made it in, they won’t have any food source that will help them survive and breed.
Finally, examining the cedar chest routinely for signs of bed bugs such as eggs, shells, and excrement is another good way to help prevent an infestation from taking hold.
Can clothes touch cedar?
Yes, clothes can definitely come into contact with cedar. Cedar has been used for centuries for its mosquito repellent properties, and today it is also commonly used in closets, chests and drawers to deter moths and other insects from damaging clothing and other fabrics.
Cedar oil is even added to some cleaning products specifically designed to control pests and reduce odors. Cedar is typically used as a block of wood, a drawer liner, or a cedar hanging rod in closets, and can come into direct contact with clothes.
That said, cedar wood and cedar oil can be a bit overdrying, so it is important to take proper care of clothing exposed to cedar. For any wood exposed to dirt and moisture, like the cedar wood in closets, it is important to routinely dust and wax it to keep it in good condition, and avoid fabric discoloration.
If a cedar drawer liner is used, clothes can be placed directly on top of it; however, it is best to avoid using fabric softeners and laundry detergents with strong fragrances to help preserve the natural scent of the cedar.
Additionally, if cedar hanging rods are used, it is important to avoid placing heavy, wet clothing on them as this can cause warping and discoloration of the wood. All in all, clothing can come into contact with cedar, but it is important to take proper care of it to make sure it is kept in the best condition possible.
What do people use cedar chests for?
People use cedar chests for a variety of purposes. Cedar chests are often used to store warm sweaters, blankets, quilts, and other seasonal items throughout the year. In the summer months, cedar chests are ideal for storing out of season clothing and linens.
Cedar chests can also be turned into art pieces with paint, stencils, and other customizations. Additionally, many families use cedar chests to store precious keepsakes including photographs, scrapbooks, and other mementos.
Due to it’s deep, powerful aroma, cedar chests also act as natural air fresheners that freshen up any room. Finally, a unique use of a cedar chest is turning it into an outdoor cooler, perfect for entertaining guests at a well-appointed party or cookout.
Can you use a cedar chest as a coffee table?
Yes, you can use a cedar chest as a coffee table. A cedar chest offers the perfect combination of storage and style to create a stunning coffee table. The warm cedar wood can add a timeless, rustic feel to any room, and the added storage can be used to hide away books, magazines, or other items you don’t want cluttering up the room.
To create a coffee table, add some legs to your cedar chest and you’re all set. You can customize the look with different stain or paint colors and make your coffee table unique to your home’s style.
Plus, with storage included, you can keep your living room uncluttered and enjoy the functional, vintage feel of your cedar chest coffee table.
