Avoid One Common Mistake When Cleaning Your Cedar Closet

Have you noticed your cedar closet starting to lose its scent? This is a common issue as cedar closets age, and it's why these unique additions require maintenance every few years to keep them in top condition. Specific care and maintenance routines may differ between households, but one mistake you should avoid when cleaning your cedar closet is using wax to seal or finish the wood. This can cause several issues that can affect the appearance of your closet and end up blocking the natural cedar scent more than emphasizing it.

While they may not be as popular as they once were, particularly in the early 1990s, walk-in variations on the cedar closet became the standard by the 1950s. Today, it's common to find closets lined with cedar planks, as well as freestanding armoire varieties. People choose this wood as an herbal way to keep moths out of their home – and that's not all, though it's definitely the most famous use. Cedar can also keep rats and mice away. Most find the smell to be pleasant, yet the odor is a deterrent to vermin. The scent comes from the wood's natural oils but requires care and maintenance to remain prominent. This is why it's so important to avoid using wax.

Cleaning a cedar closet differs slightly from cleaning cedar wood furniture, but many steps remain the same. For example, you should only hand wash the wood to remove any buildup before sanding away the top layer. Many people reach for wax after sanding to seal the wood, but this can lead to serious issues with the wood's finish. The buildup of wax can block the natural scent from filling the space, and the surface can also experience staining. You don't want to risk wax affecting the longevity of your cedar and having to prematurely replace it. Sanding may be enough to remove buildup if you've applied wax to your closet, but professional help may be needed in severe cases.

Instead of reaching for wax after sanding your closet, add a tiny bit of natural cedar oil to the wood as a scent refresh if you find it still lacking after your annual maintenance routine. The oil will also help bring back the wood's original appearance. If you're getting ready to sand your closet and bring it back to life, be sure to wear a mask to prevent inhaling any dust. It's also important to properly store your clothes in these types of closets. Don't let the clothes actually touch any of the cedar, or they may become stained from the wood's oils. Keeping a cedar closet clean does require dedication, but they remain loved by those who need to keep delicate materials like wool safe from damage.