Care & Cleaning of a Cedar Wood Chest

Red cedar tree.

With proper care and cleaning, a cedar wood chest will retain its natural beauty for generations. Storing or displaying a cedar chest in a room that maintains a high level of humidity is not recommended.

Routine Care Considerations

Dust your cedar chest on a regular basis, using either a soft cloth or soft bristled vacuum brush. If you choose to wax a newer chest, periodically clean it with oil soap cleaner. This will eliminate the possibility of wax build-up. When applying the wax, use a motion that goes with the wood grain.

Repair Considerations

Deep scratches and stains will typically require refinishing, but it is sometimes possible cover minor scratches and even cracks with paste wax.

Warning

Avoid using waxes and spray polish products, which contain silicone. Silicone buildup makes it more difficult to do future refinishing work on the chest. Never place a vase of flowers or a glass of water directly on a cedar surface.

References

• Cedar Chests: Routine Care Will Keep Your Ceder Chest Tip Top
• Home Furnish: Caring for Your Cedar Chest