Cedar closets are not only functional, but a beautiful high-end addition to any home. Cedar lined closets have recently been made popular by boutique hotels and do-it-yourself home improvement shows. However, cedar has been a popular wood option since ancient times. Today, we know why cedar’s properties are so valuable to us, so we use cedar where it is most beneficial, in the closet.
Cedar, specifically Red Cedar (Juniperus Virginiana), is a species of juniper native to North America. The fragrant part of the wood is the pinkish brown heartwood, which we use for cedar hangers, liners, and shelving in our closets. The wood doesn’t just emit a fresh scent that we all enjoy, but it actually deodorizes the air. This makes it perfect for storing shoes, coats, and other items that are rarely laundered in our closets.
Another big benefit of cedar is its absorbent properties. Cedar absorbs moisture from the air. This is important when hanging coats and storing boots that are wet with snow. It’s also popular in humid climates because the humidity alone can make your clothes smell musty. The odor that you smell when something has been in storage, is actually mold and mildew. Cedar controls the growth of mold and mildew by keeping the closet at a low moisture level.
Cedar is a fine, densely grained wood that does not require stains or varnishes. This makes it possible for us to enjoy the beauty of its natural color while reaping the benefits of using cedar in our closets. Cedar is rot resistant and repels many insects, including moths, silverfish, and cockroaches. If you have a cedar closet in your home, then I’m sure you love it!
When a cedar closet gets to be a few years old, it may start to dry out and lose its fragrance. You may notice a waxy build-up or that your cedar has lost its shine. Caring for your cedar will enable it to last for many years. It should not be exposed to rapid temperature or moisture changes, so don’t store cedar items in a basement or garage. Rapid changes can cause cracking. If you get a crack, you can place fresh orange peels, white side down, tightly against the wood for several days. The oils in the orange peels will pull the crack shut again.
Antique cedar products should be treated by a professional to avoid damage. Newer cedar products may get a waxy coating on them. Clean the wax away with oil soap cleaner. Regular dusting with a vacuum attachment is generally sufficient, but you can wax cedar to restore shine. You have to use a specific kind of wax called carnauba wax to fill in cracks, restore shine, and protect the surface of your cedar closet.
Restoring that wonderful fragrance that you love is as easy as gently hand sanding the surface of your cedar shelves and cedar coat hangers with a fine-grit sandpaper. Cedar clothes hangers are not only beautiful, but protect your coats and suits from damage. Cedar hangers are the most popular wood hangers on the market. Taking care of your closet cedar will ensure years of pleasurable use for you and your family.
About the Author: Charlie Hafter is on the staff of Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online resource for clothes hangers. Get all of the closet and clothes hanger accessories you could need at http://www.closethangerfactory.com, which is recognized worldwide for their excellent quality hangers.
