Restoring Aroma Cedar: Simple Steps To Revive The Scent

Cedar chests are beloved pieces of furniture, often passed down through generations. However, over time, they can lose their distinctive and wonderful aroma. The good news is that it is possible to restore the smell of an old cedar chest with a few simple techniques. One popular method is to lightly sand the interior of the chest, using fine-grit sandpaper along the grain of the wood. This process helps to release the naturally fragrant oils in the cedar, bringing back its delightful scent. If sanding doesn't do the trick, you can also try using cedar oil or aromatic cedar blocks and discs, which can be purchased from woodworking or discount stores. These products will not only restore the aroma but also help deter insects, keeping your cedar chest in good condition for years to come.

Lightly sand the cedar item to expose new oil pockets

To restore the aroma of a cedar item, lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper (120-grit or higher) to expose new oil pockets. This simple technique can effectively restore the item's fragrance.

When sanding cedar, always follow the natural grain lines of the wood. Continue sanding until each sanded area turns red, indicating the presence of fresh cedar oil. Be careful not to over-sand the wood; stop once the brown layer of wood disappears.

Wearing a breath mask is recommended if the dust produced during sanding bothers you or if you have respiratory issues such as asthma.

After sanding, use a wet cloth to wipe away any dust and grit from the cedar item. Allow the item to dry before proceeding to the next steps.

Exposing new oil pockets through light sanding is an effective way to restore the aroma of cedar items. However, if the scent remains weak, you can further enhance it by applying natural cedar oil extract or placing aromatic cedar blocks inside.

Wipe the item with a damp cloth and let it air dry

To restore the aroma of your cedar item, you can wipe down the exterior and interior with a damp cloth. Here is a detailed guide:

Step 1: Wipe Down the Exterior

Firstly, choose the appropriate cleaning method depending on the level of dirt and grime on the exterior of your cedar item. For mild maintenance, use furniture polish and a furniture polish rag. Wipe down the exterior, always wiping in the direction of the wood grain. For a moderate level of dirt, use Murphy's Oil Soap or white vinegar, especially if there is mould or mildew. Use a lint-free cloth, wringing out excess moisture before wiping down the exterior.

Step 2: Wipe Down the Interior

For mild maintenance of the interior, use furniture polish and a furniture polish rag, wiping in the direction of the wood grain. For a moderate level of dirt, use white vinegar. Dampen a lint-free cloth, wring it out, and wipe down the interior.

Step 3: Wipe Down with a Damp Cloth

For more extreme cases, you can use a stronger cleaning solution. For the exterior, mix 1/8 cup of TSP into a gallon of water with a dash of bleach. Use a scrubby pad, soaking it in the liquid mixture, and gently wipe towards the grain of the wood, starting from the bottom and working your way up.

For the interior, mix 3 tablespoons of liquid bleach into 1 cup of water. Dampen a microfiber cloth and thoroughly wipe down the interior.

Step 4: Air Dry

Once you have wiped down the cedar item with a damp cloth, it is important to let it air dry. Place your cedar item outdoors in a safe location in the sunshine and leave it to dry for a full day. If you are drying the interior, be sure to leave the chest open. Avoid drying on humid days for best results.

After the initial air dry, you can proceed to sand the interior, re-vacuum, and wipe down with a moist microfiber cloth. Finally, leave the cedar item open for a final air dry.

Apply cedar oil to a clean cloth and rub it over the unfinished wood

To restore the aroma of cedar, one of the easiest methods is to apply cedar oil to a clean cloth and rub it over the unfinished wood. This technique is perfect for cedar chests or closets that have lost their distinctive scent over time.

First, ensure you have purchased 100% pure cedar oil, which is distilled from aromatic red cedar. You can typically find it in woodworking stores or online at a reasonable price. Eight ounces of pure cedar oil usually costs less than $20.

Before applying the oil, it is essential to prepare the surface. Start by clearing all clothing and other items from the cedar chest or closet. Then, use a vacuum to remove dust and dirt from all surfaces. Be careful not to wipe cedar wood with a damp cloth, as this can cause staining by raising the grain.

Once the surface is clean and dry, it's time to apply the cedar oil. Pour a small amount of the oil onto a clean, soft cloth. Rub the oil gently over the unfinished wood, ensuring even coverage. If the oil is in spray form, follow the directions on the bottle and spray generously onto the wood.

After application, allow the cedar oil to soak into the wood. During this time, the oil will not only restore the fresh, aromatic scent of cedar but also provide insect-repelling benefits. Before using your cedar chest or placing your belongings back into the closet, ensure that the oil has dried completely and the scent has fully developed.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively restore the aroma of cedar and enjoy the pleasant fragrance of fresh aromatic red cedar once again.

Place cedar blocks or discs inside the item

If you want to restore the aroma of cedar blocks or discs, you can place them inside the item you want to freshen up. Cedar blocks and discs are quite aromatic and can be used to refresh the smell of old items. They are often found in the storage solution aisle of most discount stores or online.

Before placing the cedar blocks or discs inside the item, it is recommended to lightly sand them first. Use fine-grit sandpaper, such as 120-grit or 220-grit, and sand along the grain of the wood until each side turns red, indicating the presence of fresh cedar oil. Be careful not to over-sand, just enough to remove the brown layer of wood.

After sanding, wipe the cedar blocks or discs with a damp cloth to remove any dust and grit. Allow them to dry completely before placing them inside the item.

If you want an even stronger aroma, you can apply natural cedar oil extract to the cedar blocks or discs. Generously buff the oil onto each side and allow it to absorb for 24 hours before placing them inside the item.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively restore the aroma of cedar blocks or discs and use them to freshen up your storage spaces.

Sealants will trap natural oils inside cedar blocks

Sealants will permanently trap natural oils inside cedar blocks and prevent the fragrance from emitting. The whole purpose of using cedar blocks is to enjoy the forest-fresh aroma of natural cedar wood. Cedar blocks are also used to prevent insect larvae from infesting and devouring wool, linen, cotton and other fabrics. The small pores of the cedar blocks can get clogged with dust buildup over time, and sunlight and air can also cause the blocks to stop releasing aromatic oils.

To restore the aroma, you need to expose new oil pockets in the wood. This can be done by lightly sanding the cedar block with fine-grit sandpaper (between 60 and 220 grit). Sand along the grain of the wood until each side turns red, indicating fresh cedar oil. Do not over-sand, just sand until the brown layer of wood disappears. After sanding, wipe the block with a wet or dry cloth to remove any dust and grit.

If the aroma is still weak, you can apply natural cedar oil extract generously to each side of the block and then buff off any excess. Place the damp block on wax paper to air-dry for 24 hours before use.

By avoiding sealants and following these simple steps, you can effectively restore the aroma of your cedar blocks and protect your fabrics from insect damage.

Frequently asked questions