Replies

1. 
   Alan | Jun 14, 2004 12:06am | #1

   Mike,

   I've heard that sanding aromatic cedar will renew the scent--but I've never tried it.

   Alan

2. 
   nikkiwood | Jun 14, 2004 12:46am | #2

   Alan is right -- give it a good sanding, and you'll be back in business.

   I am assuming the cedar was never oiled or varnished (which it should not have been).

1. 
   Grande | Jun 14, 2004 03:00pm | #3

   I just bought a house with a cedar closet in the basement. Are there steps that I should take to maintain it?

1. 
   nikkiwood | Jun 14, 2004 05:13pm | #5

   I have never heard that it is necessary to periodically sand the cedar surface. The rule I have used is that if the discernible smell of the cedar is gone, then sand.

   So, if you are just moving in and the closet has been there for years, and you have not yet loaded up the closet, I would go in there and give it a quick sanding -- either by hand or with a sander. I'd use an 80 grit sandpaper. Vacuum off the dust, and give it a wipe down with a plain cloth, and you should be good for years to come. Gezuar......

3. 
   Dave45 | Jun 14, 2004 04:35pm | #4

   If it's never been finished (oiled, stained, etc) a light sanding should do the trick.  If it's been finished, you'll need to replace it.

4. 
   mknewell | Jun 15, 2004 04:01pm | #6

   Thank you all for the help, I'll give it a little sanding. Mike

1. 
   jhausch | Jun 17, 2004 03:16am | #8

   220 grit should do it.

5. 
   Bill5507 | Jun 15, 2004 05:31pm | #7

   Check out http://www.woodcraft.com, they sell cedar oil.  I've used it and it works very well.  Just a light application every few years and you're back in business.

   Bill

6. 
   bill_1010 | Jun 20, 2004 07:15pm | #9

   after sanding, you can buy cedar oil, rub it in, its not a finishing film but basically the oils in cedar youre just rejuvinating the wood.  Sanding will work but be advised many people complain about the dust causing skin rashes.  Just be smart and sand with a respirator, gloves and full clothing if it gives you problems

7. 
   Pondfish | Jun 21, 2004 03:32pm | #10

   Before you do ANYTHING, understand that the nice cedar scent does nothing to prevent, deter or repel moths.  That's a well-perpetuated myth; there is no scientific evidence that shows the oils from Cedrus,Thuja  or Juniperus will actually repel insects.  It does smell nice...

   Also, adult moths (the kind with wings) do not eat fabrics--it's the larvae (the "caterpillar" or maggot like juvenile) that will eat the clothing.  If you want to keep your woolens and silks from being eaten, clean them (and clear out the closet).  Killing the adult moths will keep new eggs from being laid, but just dealing with the adults will not stop your clothes from being eaten. 

   Mothballs (naphthalene) will kill insects, but the scent may be unpleasant to some.  Maybe use mothballs to store your clothes, then clean them (or just air them out) a day or two before use.

   Best of Luck,

   Paul in TF

   ps: old joke, PG-13: did you ever smell mothballs? yes? How did you get their little legs apart?