How to renew inside of a cedar chest?

Question

I'm inheriting a large cedar chest. The outside is painted but the inside is plain cedar . However the cedar smell is gone. Would sanding help revive the moth-repelling cedar properties of this chest?

Carol · Answer

I believe a light sanding is all you would need to do for the cedar smell to come back.

Cindy · Answer

As Carol said, the best way to renew the scent of the cedar is to sand it lightly with fine sandpaper. Sometimes the chest can have a musty smell. For that, sprinkle generously with baking soda and fill the chest with crumpled newspaper. Leave it for a few day. Remove the paper and vacuum. Now sand and vacuum again. You should be good to go.

Linda · Answer

I'm with Carol and Cindy! Light sanding will do it!

Valerie Binninger · Answer

I agree with everyone here. I did find cedar balls and planks for shelving that you put your shoes on etc. at home depot. perhaps adding those in there would help after the sanding is done. sometimes the moth ball scent permeates the wood and is hard to get out. I have an ancient seaman's chest with the same issue. but i let it be because of how old it is, nearly 300 yrs old

Irish53 · Answer

Be sure not to keep it where it will continue to dry out.

Pat Nolan · Answer

How about adding a very small amount of cedar oil? Its sold at Home Depot and Amazon.

Wanda.ll · Answer

try looking here. he tells you how. http://www.happyhandyman.com/Articles.asp?ID=254

Cynthia Riley · Answer

If sanding please wear a mask. It is dangerous to breathe in cedar shavings.

Terry Altstatt · Answer

you might try rubbing down the inside with cedar oil. it would also help the wood. don't use so much that when you put things in it that the oil gets all over it.

Pauliegirl1 · Answer

I would do a combination of all above....lightly sand (w/a mask) rub w/cedar oil..close it and let it sit....rub w/ oil again..let it sit until you get that wonderful smell!!

Linda T · Answer

I worked in a dry cleaner and people were always shocked when their good clothes were eaten by moth larvae. They had never been told to sand their chests or closets! We told them to do that, then spray with a non toxic insect spray, leave closed for a day or two, then leave open to air out. If you like strong perfume (I do) find some high quality lavender bath soap and put one or two in a few layers of clothes. (Coast works too, but lavender is more feminine) I buy any French or Italian bars, especially now, before Christmas, in the good outlet stores, like TJMaxx. They are ½ the original price, around $4-5.00 apiece and well worth the price to save your precious 'woolies', and you can always use them after a year or so.

Leslieb127 · Answer

The cedar oil is the trick. I have a large master closet that is lined with cedar planks and once a year I refresh it with oil. I think there's also a product that is specifically designed for 'refreshing' the wood, but sorry - I can't remember the name.

JESS · Answer

Personally, I would have it done professionally.

JESS · Answer

Maybe go to a very fine high end lumber place and see if they have cedar veneer and have them cut to your measurements and use tiny finish tacks long enough to go through the veneer and into the existing cedar, and just apply right on top of existing lining? At least the larger pieces. Are you happy with the outside paint job? I bet underneath the paint is a very pretty wood! Maybe some liquid sandpaper on some inconspicuous place to see what is under the paint? If nice, strip the paint, and extra super fine sandpaper then clear Shellac for a natural look. Maybe somewhere like Sherwin Williams for super fast drying polyurethane. Do this will excellent ventilation, out side would be best.

Adrian · Answer

Yes, sanding will fix your problem. If you do it your self be sure to do it outside and wear a mask. Any local hardware store should have someone who can help you find the items you'll need for this project.

Brenda Juris · Answer

Take fine sand paper and sand the cedar lightly. Itvwill bring the smell back. My grandfather taught me that trick.

How to renew inside of a cedar chest?

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How to renew inside of a cedar chest?

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