How to Put Blankets in a Chest if the Wood is Still Wet

Wooden chests are ideal for storing blankets and other household goods, though they must be properly handled.

Wooden chests might be a convenient form of storage for your blankets, but if the wood is wet--from water or from a coat of varnish--you'll be better off not putting your blankets in it for a while, as doing so might damage both your blankets and your chest. If you have no choice, however, there is a last ditch effort you can make. It will protect your blankets, but your chest might be damaged in the process.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Trashbag

1. Dry your chest with a towel if it's wet with water. Although some moisture is likely to have soaked into the grain of the wood, the towel will help you to remove any standing water or drops. If the chest is wet with varnish or paint, skip this step, as it will damage both your towel and your wooden chest.

2. Put your blankets in a garbage bag. Garbage bags will protect your blankets from moisture.

3. Place the garbage bag in your wooden chest. Ideally, you'll leave the top of the chest open to promote evaporation.

4. Remove the blankets from the trash bag and place them back in the chest once the chest is dry. If you're unsure, run your finger along each interior surface of the chest, feeling for moisture. If there's varnish on the chest, check your finger for residue.

Tips & Warnings

• Water can lead to wood rot, even after it's dried. If your chest is wet from water, dry it as quickly and thoroughly as possible so as to reduce the chances of rot.

References

• Family Education: Diagnosing Wood Rot