Quck answer
Cedar chests are known for their distinctive scent, but sometimes they can develop bad odors. To get rid of these unpleasant smells, follow these simple steps:
1. Empty the chest and remove any lining or drawer inserts.
2. Vacuum the inside of the chest to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Wipe down the interior with a mixture of white vinegar and water. This will help eliminate any lingering odors.
4. Place a bowl of baking soda or activated charcoal inside the chest to absorb any remaining smells.
5. Leave the chest open and exposed to fresh air for a few days to allow it to air out.
6. Finally, replace any lining or drawer inserts and enjoy your fresh-smelling cedar chest.
By following these steps, you can easily get rid of bad odors and restore the pleasant scent of your cedar chest.
Acquiring a cedar chest as a family heirloom or stumbling upon one at a sale is a delightful find. However, it can be quite disappointing when you open the chest and discover a lingering unpleasant odor. Removing these odors from a cedar chest may require several weeks of effort. Throughout the process, you may need to experiment with different methods until you find the one that works best for you.
Step 1
Empty the contents of the cedar chest.
Step 2
Gently sand the interior wood using fine-grit sandpaper. This will help reactivate the natural cedar scent.
Step 3
Thoroughly wipe the inside of the chest to remove any residual dust from the sanding process.
Step 4
Place an open box of baking soda inside the chest and close the lid for a duration of 48 hours.
Step 5
After 48 hours, open the lid and check for any remaining odor. If the original odor is still present but less intense, it may be necessary to repeat Steps 2 to 4 and perform an additional round of sanding. If the second round of sanding fails to eliminate the odor, proceed to the following steps until the smell is completely gone.
Step 6
Pour approximately 2 quarts of kitty litter into a flat container and place it inside the chest. Close the lid and leave it undisturbed for 48 hours.
Step 7
Expose the chest to direct sunlight for several days with the lid open.
Step 8
Line the inside of the chest with several layers of newspapers and close the lid. After 24 hours, check if the odor has decreased. If it has, remove the newspapers and replace them with fresh ones for an additional 24 hours.
Step 9
Purchase cedar chips or cedar blocks and place them inside the chest with the lid closed.
