How to Moth Proof a Cedar Chest

To learn how to moth proof a cedar chest, check out the following helpful hints. Use distilled cedar oil to revive the old cedar wood and repel moths and other gnawing insects.

1. First: Buy essential oils

   It is important to get the correct type of oil for this project. Find a store that sells essential oils for cedar furniture. The cedar oil sold in some home improvement stores and hardware stores is too diluted, so it does not work as well as pure essential oils. If the product is too diluted, it does not last long nor achieve the objective of repelling moths or other chewing insects that are usually driven away by the powerful odor.

2. Second: Putting on the new scented oil

   Apply the cedar essential oil to the wood using a round-tipped paintbrush. Do this by dipping the brush into the oil, brushing off the excess and painting it onto the wood. It is not necessary to completely coat the cedar chest, since the oil spreads out and the powerful smell is sufficient even in smaller doses.

3. Third: Sachet balls and cedar blocks

   Spread cedar oil onto wooden sachet balls and wood cedar blocks. Allow the oil to absorb into the wood before putting the balls or blocks by clothing. Apply the essential oil generously, the wood absorbs quite a bit of the oil and the stronger scent is all the more effective at repelling moths and other insects.

4. Fourth: Spray on protection

   Use a combination of cedar oil diluted with alcohol and pour this into a spray bottle. The alcohol disperses fast and does not impact the strength of the oil. This is a better option when there is a chance of clothing or other vulnerable items becoming stained by the oil in refreshed cedar.