How can I restore the aroma of my cedar chest
and cedar lined drawers?
The linings of cedar chests and drawers often lose their aroma
with time and use. The aromatic properties of cedar serve as a natural
pest deterrent, keeping moths and other insects away from your
clothing. Over time the pores in the cedar can become clogged with
dust and dirt or pinched closed from use. This prevents the aromatic
oils from escaping and causes old cedar chests to loose their aroma.
There are many products on the market to "rejuvenate" the
aroma in old cedar furniture such as cedar oil extracts and sprays. A
less expensive solution is to lightly sand the surface of the cedar
with a fine grit sandpaper (200 grit) and a sanding block. The
sandpaper will help "cut" the pores open thus exposing new
oil pockets. Try to sand with the grain to avoid scratch marks and
don't over-sand. Usually only a light sanding is needed to rejuvenate
the wood.
If the cedar has been finished with a sealant such a varnish or
polyurethane you will need to sand through the finish to expose the
oils. Finishes that have deeply penetrated the wood may have permanently
sealed the oils into the wood.
It's advisable to sand a small out of sight area to ensure you can
bring the oils back to the surface. If all else fails you can still
buy the cedar oil extracts at the store.
Interested in building a cedar
chest?
Click on the links below for woodworking plans.
Heirloom
Oak and Cedar Chest Plans
Cedar Chest
Plan
Blanket Chest
& Seat Plan
Mission
Style Hope Chest
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