Cedar Closets Anyone?

[HejazSunKat]

I have a couple of cedar closets in my house that I estimate were installed in the 1940's or 1950's. While they're beautiful to look at they don't smell cedary (is that a word? ) anymore. Do you think they're still 'working' to repel moths from my winter woolies? If not, does anybody know what I can do to bring them back to life short of sanding them down by hand (which ain't gonna happen)?

TIA!

[wallycat]

I hear that it is the scent that keeps moths out. I can't recall where I read this, but the suggestion was to take some sandpaper and gently rub the surface to peel down a small layer for oil release.

You can also buy essential cedar oil and apply I guess

Your closets sound beautiful

[MinEaston]

Yes, sand them down lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. We did that in our house when we moved in last year and it made a difference.

One thing, though - be sure to wipe down the closet well afterwards, with tack cloth or a damp cloth. My husband emerged from our cedar closet with some reddish dust on a few navy blue blazers... which came off just fine but we could've done better.

[Leisa M]

Interested too.

[HejazSunKat]

*sigh* thanks guys...I was afraid I would have to get in there with a sanding block and some elbow grease and one of them is pretty big with a double closet rod i.e. one on top of the other so you can stack 2 levels of clothes. I suppose I don't have to do the whole closet, just enough to get the scent going again. This sounds like a job for DH eh?

[wallycat]

Good job for a DH, but you can get the oil and drizzle it around till it soaks up in the wood