What is Safe to Store in a Cedar Chest?
Why are cedar chests so popular?
What is a cedar chest?
How to prep a cedar chest for wool?
What is the best way to store cedar?
Why is cedar wood brittle?
Can you line cedar chests with sheets?
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What can go in a cedar chest?
Cedar chests are used to store everyday items such as blankets, sheets and clothing at the change of seasons. Photographs and other memorabilia can also be stored safely in a cedar chest.
Is cedar good for storing clothes?
Cedar removes moisture from the air, so in humid climates, it will act as a natural dehumidifier and keep your clothes from developing mildew. Cedar's natural smell is very pleasant and aromatic, so it will keep your home and your clothes smelling fresh, even as the scent protects them.
Should you wrap items stored in cedar chest?
Cedar chests are lovely and they smell good. But textiles in direct contact with cedar can be damaged by the acid. The solution is to wrap the textiles in unbleached muslin (available at fabric stores) before putting them in the chest. You also can drape muslin over that wedding dress or other fine clothes on hangers.
Can you store quilts in a cedar chest?
Storing a Quilt Do not store a quilt in a cedar chest; the oil in the wood can leave brown stains on the fabric. When storing the quilt, fold it differently every time or roll it up. Place acid-free tissue at the folds to prevent sharp creases. When folded, wrap the quilt in an old sheet.
How do you keep clothes from bugs in storage?
Bugs are incredibly attracted to paper-based products, so stay away from that storage option. Instead, store seasonal clothing in zippered canvas garment bags. Another option is clear plastic storage containers with a tight-fitting lid. These options will keep your seasonal clothes safe from bugs and dust.
Can I store sweaters in a cedar chest?
A cool, dark closet is a good location for storage. Woolen garments should be stored in cedar chests or other airtight containers. Second choices for storage are cloth or canvas bags and cardboard boxes. If you store your garments in a closet, drape a cloth sheet over your clothes to protect them from dust and light.
Can mold grow on cedar chests?
A chest made of cedar wood is susceptible to mold growth, just like other items and surfaces in your home. If the chest is located in an area of your home with high humidity and low sunlight, it makes an ideal breeding ground for mold.
Can bed bugs get in a cedar chest?
There's a good chance you won't ever find cedar wood and bed bugs in the same place. Why? Because cedar wood contains natural oils that bed bugs and lots of other pests don't like.
Do cedar chests keep bugs away?
Pest Protection – One of the greatest benefits of a cedar chest is that cedar wood serves as a natural deterrent against moths and other pests. With a cedar chest, you won't have to buy mothballs to keep your clothes in good shape!
Should a cedar chest be sealed?
Never add finish to the inside of a cedar chest. The structure, molding and trim on the outside might be of any species and requires proper sealing and finishing to protect and add beauty to the chest.
Can you use Murphy's oil Soap on cedar chest?
For medium cleaning, use white vinegar or Murphy's Oil Soap and a lint-free cloth. For the toughest jobs, add 3 tablespoons of bleach into 1 cup of water and wipe the surface; rinse with clean water and dry off with a clean cloth.
What's the difference between a hope chest and a cedar chest?
Hope chest is the term for a trunk or chest design that is used for storing heirlooms, valuables and keepsakes. A cedar chest is a chest made of cedar, simply. A hope chest can be a cedar chest and vice versa.
Can cedar damage clothes?
Because cedar wood (and many other wood products for that matter) is highly acidic. As the wood ages, it off gasses acids. And when those acids come into physical contact with your garments, the acids could possibly yellow your garments and deteriorate the fibers.
How do you store clothes with cedar?
Cedar hookup – Place these on hangers with your garments that are in closets or garment bags. You can also hang them on their own in the back of the closet. Cedar drawer liner – These liners provide a great way to protect clothes and keep them fresh even in dressers and chest of drawers.
What material is best for storing clothes?
The best way to store clothes in storage is to place all your clothes in plastic containers with clip-on lids. These will protect your clothes from moisture, dust, mould and mildew. Make sure you give your plastic containers a good clean and dry them thoroughly before you place any clothes inside.
What is the best material to store clothes in?
You should store clothes in plastic rather than wood, paper or cardboard boxes. It's waterproof and protects well from pests. Cardboard and wood contain chemicals that can transfer on to clothes and damage them.
21 Things to Not Put into Your Cedar Chest – Furnishing Tips
You might be surprised to learn that you should not store photographs in a cedar chest but over time the acid in the chest can damage the photographs. Storing them in a photo album is even worse. The sleeves are not usually made acid-free, and the plastic and adhesive produce acidic gases that will damage the photographs and anything else you have in the cedar chest.
Anyone store bedding in a cedar chest? Any better ideas?
A cedar chest is a fine way to store clothing. It's intended more for sweaters and things vulnerable to damage by moths and other insects as they hate cedar but they're great for any type of clothing. If you don't want to spring for a cedar chest, you can get cedar planks and put them in the bottom and sides of a box you already own.
Storing Heirlooms Inside of a Cedar Chest
To see beautiful photos of the furniture mentioned in this article, please see Erik Schimek's bedroom furniture website. This website features bed frames, armoires, cedar chests, bedroom dressers, nightstands and organic mattresses. Erik Organic is an independently owned family business whose goal is to assist our customers in creating a safe and healthy home.
What Can I Store in Cedar Chests? | eHow
Storage in a cedar chest protects your precious items and family heirlooms from the elements that would otherwise ruin them. ... Cedar chests have been used to store valuables since ancient times. Ancient Egyptians used them as a single box to store valuable papyrus writings and gold.
Closet with Cedar lining? Good or bad for Food pantry
I mean that's why I have a cedar chest that I store my bedding in at the food of my bed ;-). So would the natural ... arnt cann goods in 5 gal buckets that way it doesnt matter. cann goods would be fine in the closet. all else in buckets you dont want rats you can get 5 gal buckets at bakery shops for cheap if not free. just make ...
cedar chest and quilts - Quiltingboard Forums
my mother stored family air looms in a cedar chest for 50 years, never took them out except to brag. at that time she would wash them, "because people had touched them," refolded the items put them back in the cedar chest and closed the top. we never noticed any damage. she has been gone over 30 years and I haven't noticed any since I've had the cedar chest.
What is the function of cedar wood?
Function. The natural oils in the cedar wood naturally repel insects and keep moisture out, protecting your valuable items from damage. The natural oils also provide a pleasant scent to clothing or blankets stored in your cedar chest. Advertisement.
What are cedar chests used for?
Cedar chests have been used to store valuables since ancient times. Ancient Egyptians used them as a single box to store valuable papyrus writings and gold. Over time they were used in Europe and Colonial America and were created as chests with drawers.
What is Rempe's job?
In addition to her freelance writing, Rempe is working on a romance novel and short stories. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Cedar chests are the perfect gift for a woman's college graduation, wedding or for her first baby.
What is the cedar hope chest?
When given to a woman when she marries, the cedar hope chest is filled with linens, dishes and sometimes her wedding dress. When given to a woman for the birth of a child, it is filled with such items as newborn clothes, diapers and blankets. Advertisement.
What to store in a cedar chest?
Cedar chests are the perfect place to store your child's baby items to treasure and remember. Baby blankets, clothing, rattles, first toys, and books are all good items for a cedar chest.
Where did Stephanie Rempe go to school?
After attending the University of Missouri St. Louis, Stephanie Rempe worked as a documentation manager in the finance industry 10 years before turning to her first love, writing, which she's been doing professionally since 2008.
Photographs
You might be surprised to learn that you should not store photographs in a cedar chest but over time the acid in the chest can damage the photographs.
Important Papers
On this same train of thought, any documents that you deem important can be damaged by the acid and oil in a cedar chest.
Collectible Cards
Collectible trading cards like sports cards or game cards have plenty of sentimental value that would be a shame to lose to the oil and acidity inside your cedar chest.
Books
Books are a recipe for disaster when it comes to preservation. Storing paper is hard enough, especially when you have to care for the ink on that paper. Books have both these problems, and on top of that, all the pages are bound together and touching each other.
Artwork
While most of your artwork will be on display, there are plenty of times when you would want to store smaller pieces. Unfortunately, you should look for other ways to store them before putting them in a cedar chest. The acidity and oil could easily destroy the artwork.
Unsecured Breakables
There is no reason you cannot store breakable items in a cedar chest, but take the time to ensure they are properly secured. If the chest is moved, the delicate items can easily fall on the inside and break. If the items are heavy enough, they can damage the softwood.
Watch out for Batteries in a Cedar Chest
While you probably are not intending to use your cedar chest as a battery storage container, you should take care not to forget about any batteries in items you are storing.
What can I store in a cedar storage chest?
Cedar storage chests are traditionally built to store thick woolen fabrics. Why? Cedar wood naturally repels moths, and moths like to chew holes in woolen fabrics. As thick woolen blankets and sweaters are an investment, it’s worth to protect that investment from moths by putting those pieces in a place where they’re unlikely to be exposed to moth activity.
What to put in a cedar chest?
That said, if you have a beautiful and traditional piece like a cedar chest, fill it with whatever you have in your home that needs to be stored! Blankets and sweaters are traditional, but games or books would also be a good idea.
Why are chests made of cedar?
Many storage chests are made of cedar because it passes that wonderful smell onto the items within, giving them a hint of the chest's charm and loving construction. For all your storage needs when trying to hide blankets or other fabric items, try a cedar storage chest. You'll be glad you did.
What is a storage chest?
Expand storage into your home with this large storage chest. The piece is constructed from cedar and comes with a nice lid attached that can double up as a bench when closed. The box is finished in a glossed light brown stain and is a great choice for the bedroom or the garage.
What Should I Do with ALL my Cedar Chests?
Perhaps you have accumulated a few cedar chests over the years. Maybe you are old furniture guru or your just inherited a cedar chest (s) from your mother or aunt. Maybe at one point you were gifted a cedar chest as a wedding gift …
What is the best place to rest after a long day?
1. Coffee table. Coffee tables provide the perfect spot to rest your cup of Joe while relaxing after a long day. Cedar chests provide an attractive and classic look as a centerpiece to your living room. For added protection for your cedar chest you can add a piece of glass or plexiglass over the top.
Can you reuse a cedar chest?
The following are 18 ways you can use or reuse a cedar chest! Restoring cedar chests are a genius idea especially if you want the chest to add a certain touch or look to a room . Sprinkled into the following pictures are restored and refurbished cedar chests for you to glean inspiration as well as ideas for use.
What is Safe to Store in a Cedar Chest?
Although cedar chests provide great safety and durability (as we noted earlier in this blog) for your personal items, not all items are preserved best by simply setting inside one of these chests and left for months or years. While you may enjoy the good-smelling gases emitted by the cedar wood, these gases over time can also cause deterioration and discoloration on the edges of some of your favorite fabric pieces. Also, because of the acidic environment, there is the possibility for your quilts or linens to become brittle.
Why are cedar chests so popular?
Cedar chests proved to provide excellent storage because it is built with solid cedar wood. Cedar wooden chests offer lasting, reliable, and resilient storage for the following reasons: Water Resistant – Cedar wood is naturally designed to withstand harsh environmental elements such as rain or snow. No need to worry about occasional water spills ...
What is a cedar chest?
Cedar chests appear to hold valuable treasures or at least something worthy of being stowed away under lock and key. Now as an adult you don’t wonder anymore what kind of treasures grandma hid in her cedar chest. You are the one putting your own treasures or valuables into this beautiful wooden box.
How to prep a cedar chest for wool?
Preparation Tip: Even though wool is commonly stored in cedar chest, you still should prep your chest by lining the inside with a sheet or acid free tissue paper and/or wrapping them with the tissue paper. Same advice goes with silk.
What is the best way to store cedar?
Wrap your textiles in unbleached muslin (available at your local fabric stores). Avoid plastic or paper bagging of your textiles. Remember that only certain plastics (Polypropylene, polyethylene or polyester) are safe to store items in a cedar chest.
Why is cedar wood brittle?
Also, because of the acidic environment, there is the possibility for your quilts or linens to become brittle. Good news!
Can you line cedar chests with sheets?
And/or you can line the inside of your cedar chest with a bedsheet. You must make sure though, that your bed sheet is rinsed of any detergent, bleach, or softener residue. You want to ensure the cleaning chemicals don’t interfere with the natural make-up of your cedar wood.
