QA

Quick Answer: How To Clean Old Cedar Chest

Start by gathering a vacuum with a brush attachment, some fine-textured sandpaper and 100-percent natural cedar oil. Remove everything from the chest, and sand in the direction of the wood grain. You may start to smell the cedar aroma again right away. Vacuum everything out with the attachment, and close up the chest.

How do you clean the outside of an old cedar chest?

Mild Maintenance– Furniture polish and furniture polish rag. Wipe down the exterior, wiping towards the direction of the wood grain. Moderate– Murphy’s Oil Soap or White Vinegar (especially if there is mold or mildew spots). Use a lint free cloth, wring out excess moisture and wipe down the exterior.

How much is a 70 year old cedar chest worth?

Online auction sites, antique shops and secondhand stores often sell Lane cedar chests — based on their age, condition or rarity — starting at $99 and as high as $700 or more for older chests. But most chests, on average, are valued between $200 and $400.

How do you restore cedar wood?

The restoration process is simple. You merely have to sand the cedar wood with coarse sandpaper. Sand until the aroma returns or the wood turns red again (sunlight and air turn it brown.) Never seal cedar with anything!Sep 6, 2020.

How do I get the cedar smell out of my chest?

Wet a lint-free white cloth with white vinegar, wringing out excess moisture. Wipe down all interior surfaces of the chest, then let the chest air dry while open. Repeat if needed to remove any remaining spots or slight odors.

How long does a cedar chest last?

So, in the best conditions, about a year. In okay conditions, 6 months. In fair conditions, 3 months.

How do you restore cedar smell in a cedar chest?

How to Recharge the Smell of a Cedar Chest Remove all items in the chest and wipe down the lining with warm water to remove dust and the surface coating of grime. Sand the wood by hand with 60-grit sandpaper. Apply a few drops of natural cedar oil to a clean cloth and rub the wood to enhance the natural aroma even more.

How do you clean an old chest?

Vacuum the inside and outside of your antique trunk. Use a brush attachment to gently vacuum along the inner walls and corners of the trunk. Clean metal antique trunks with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. Prop the trunk open and allow it to air dry completely.

Is Murphy Oil Soap safe for wood furniture?

A safe, natural cleaner based in vegetable oil, such as Murphy® Oil Soap, can be used after one pass of polish without worrying about residue. You’ll also want to consider how versatile the wood furniture polish is. If you do choose to use wax on your wood furniture, use only a damp or dry cloth to clean it.

How do you clean weathered cedar?

You can use water mixed with a bit of mild detergent for a basic cleaner. If you need a stronger cleaner, you can dilute bleach with water for a cleaner that will accentuate the natural luster of the cedar. This is particularly effective in the removal of mildew. Wipe the wood gently, and avoid excessive scrubbing.

What is the best cleaner for cedar siding?

A safe deep-cleaner for wood siding is oxygen bleach. It is a powder that mixes with water. It is non-toxic to vegetation and trees and will not remove any natural color from the siding. You simply keep the wood siding wet with the oxygen bleach solution for 15 minutes.

How do you brighten weathered cedars?

One part white vinegar to 3 or 4 parts water is fine. Dip a sponge in the vinegar solution, and wipe it on the bleached wood. Rinse the sponge in clear water before dipping it again in the neutralizing solution. Once the cedar is dry, you can leave it as is or apply the finish of your choice.

How do you make cedar wood look new?

10 Tips for staining your cedar Three choices for staining. Transparent stains have water-repellent features. Offer up a hint of colour. Coloured/Opaque finishes add a little charm. The sooner you treat your cedar, the better. Wash & wait for it to dry. Use a thick brush when staining. Work in the shade while staining.

Can weathered cedar wood be stained?

Semi-transparent stains are your best bet when you want the real look of slightly weathered cedar with protection. The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar’s wood grain. However, with semi-transparent stains, you will need to take care with the application.

How do you get the musty smell out of a wooden chest?

Bacteria and germs can permeate porous wood causing awful “old-smell” odors. To eliminate the smell, kill the bacteria and germs by cleaning the inside of the drawers and all surfaces with a sponge dampened with vinegar, Murphy’s Oil Wood Soap or any Anti-Fungal Detergents. Then let dry in a well ventilated area.

How do you refresh cedar?

Sand all six sides of the cedar block lightly with 120-grit sandpaper to cut the wood’s pores and expose new oil pockets. Continue lightly sanding the cedar block until each side turns red, indicating fresh cedar oil. Smell the cedar block to determine how strong its aroma is. Buff a final time to remove excess oil.