Is It Possible To Keep Vintage Clothes In A Cedar Chest?

Cedar chests are a historical storage device that has been passed down through generations, serving as a safe place for storing clothing, linens, and other personal items. They were traditionally used to store everyday items like blankets, sheets, and clothing during the change of seasons. However, they can be dangerous for fabric items, as the oil in cedar can dry out the fibers.

When storing leather or fur, it is important to use sachets of lavender instead of cedar. Once cleaned and restored, the chest should be adequately maintained at least once every 2-3 months. To maintain the cedar scent and beauty of the chest, a microfiber cloth can be used for regular cleaning.

Cedar chests are not effective in deterring clothes moths due to their seal being insufficient. However, they can be used for storing old wedding, vintage, or antique clothing. If storing clothing in a cedar chest or another wooden container, line it with acid-free paper, muslin, or old, clean, cloth. The natural scent of cedar wood deters moths and other insects, making it an ideal choice for collectors of antique clothing.

However, it is essential to avoid storing vintage textiles in attics, basements, or unheated and un-air-conditioned spaces. The temperature changes and moisture can harm the leather over time, as it does with textiles. Additionally, it is not recommended to store vintage clothing in non-archival plastic boxes or air-tight plastic bags.

Lastly, it is crucial to avoid using hangers when storing vintage clothes, as they can pose risks to the preservation of artifacts, historic textiles, wedding dresses, christening dresses, uniforms, or other family heirlooms.

What should not be stored in a cedar chest?

Cedar chests, popular since the early 20th century, are used to store off-season clothing, family heirlooms, and linens to protect them from moth damage. However, experts warn against storing delicate items in cedar chests, such as textiles, loose documents, mothballs, leather bags, vintage clothing and uniforms, quilts, loose photos, and wedding dresses. These chests are not as versatile as they seem, and experts suggest that you should think twice before storing your most valuable and delicate items in a cedar chest. Instead, consider using a different storage solution, such as a storage unit or a storage solution that can be easily moved and repurposed.

Can I store my clothes with cedar?

Cedar, a natural wood, loses its scent over time, so it’s recommended to sand it down every 2-3 months to prevent staining. Lavender, a scent that Clothes Moths and Silverfish can’t stand, can be used to protect clothes by hanging sachets or dabbing essential oil onto cotton balls. For clothing items that aren’t worn often, store them in airtight bags, garment bags, or dry, airtight containers. These containers should have no holes or gaps to prevent adult moths from entering and laying eggs on the clothing. If there are holes or cracks, simply tape them closed for extra security. These tips can help protect your clothes from pests and ensure a long-lasting, clean environment.

Is it OK to store photos in a cedar chest?

Experts in the field of cedar chest manufacture advise that photographs should be stored in an archival box with acid-free paper, provided that they are not in direct contact with the wood itself, as the latter is acidic and could otherwise cause damage to the photographs.

Can mold grow in a cedar chest?

1. Conquer dirt, mildew, or mold in the corners with a cotton swab or Q-Tip dampened with water.
2. Allow the chest to air dry for a day in a sunny location, leaving the interior open. Avoid drying on humid days.
3. Sand the interior to remove any remaining stains and refresh the cedar smell. This process ensures a clean and hygienic chest.

What cannot be stored in a cedar chest?

Vintage clothing and uniforms, like textiles, are often stored in cedar chests, which can cause issues. The acidity of cedar can destroy fabric integrity, leading to disintegration. To prevent this, textiles should not be stored in cedar chests for extended periods unless protected with another plastic bin or acid-free tissue. Cedar can also leach color onto fabric over time, so clothing should be properly protected. Additionally, quilts stored in cedar chests can be easily damaged due to the acidity, and they may take on an orange tint if exposed to the wood.

What are the disadvantages of cedar wood?

Despite its resistance to rot and insect damage, cedar wood is a costly material with a strong, unpleasant aroma. Furthermore, if not handled correctly, it may also be susceptible to splitting and splintering.

How to store fabric in a cedar chest?

To store textiles in a cedar chest, ensure separation from the chest and clothing, wrap them in unbleached muslin, and avoid plastic or paper bagging. Only certain plastics (Polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyester) are safe for storage in a cedar chest. Wool is the most common item stored in cedar chests, but it should be lined with acid-free tissue paper and wrapped with tissue paper. The same advice applies to silk.

Do cedar closets make clothes smell?

Cedar oil is a natural insect repellent, absorbing excess humidity to prevent mold and mildew damage to clothes. It is durable and resistant to rot, making it an economical and long-term solution. The scent of cedar keeps clothes fresh, eliminating the need for artificial air fresheners. A cedar closet kit or individual cedar planks for closets can make the installation process manageable. Before starting, ensure your closet is empty and clean. The basic steps for installing cedar lining include:

What is toxic in cedar?

The study investigates the potential etiologic mechanisms of chronic lung disease in workers exposed to cedar and pine woods and pine resin. The researchers exposed rat type II and human A549 alveolar epithelial cells, intact rat lungs, and rat tracheal explants to solutions of plicatic and abietic acids. The results showed that both plicatic and abietic acids caused lysis of alveolar epithelial cells, bronchial epithelial sloughing, and destruction of the alveolar epithelium.

The addition of either acid to rat tracheal explants caused epithelial desquamation that was dose- and time-dependent. The researchers hypothesize that repeated occupational exposure to these substances might promote the chronic lung damage observed in some cedar- and pine-wood workers and in electronic workers exposed to colophony. The study also raises the question of whether abietic acid is the allergenic component of colophony. The findings suggest that combining exposure to these substances may be a potential risk factor for chronic lung disease.

Is cedar wood good for clothes?

Cedar is frequently described as having “special anti-moth” properties, which serve to safeguard fine wools and knits from moths when not in use.