Swedish Red Cedar Wood & Oil for Wardrobes and Storage
Swedish red cedar wood and oil offer a practical way to bring the characteristic cedar aroma to wardrobes, drawers and clothing storage. RedCedar products combine 100% solid red cedar wood with 100% pure cedar oil, allowing suitable wooden pieces to be refreshed and reused when their scent becomes less noticeable.
Why cedar quality matters
Products described as cedarwood or cedar oil are not always the same. Some may use different woods, diluted oils, carrier oils or added fragrances.
RedCedar oil is 100% pure cedar oil. It is not diluted with water or blended with a carrier oil, so only a small amount is needed when refreshing suitable cedarwood pieces.
Our cedarwood pieces are made from 100% solid red cedar wood rather than MDF, compressed fibreboard or fragrance-coated imitation wood. The wood naturally contains the aromatic compounds that give red cedar its recognisable scent.
Which cedar product is right for each storage space?
Red cedar has a long history of use in wardrobes, linen cupboards, clothing chests, drawers and other storage spaces. Different formats make it easier to place cedar throughout the home.
| Product format | Best for | How to use it | Care and refreshing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocks and cubes | Shelves, drawers and storage boxes | Distribute them around folded clothing or place them on wardrobe shelves. | Refresh suitable unfinished pieces by light sanding or with pure cedar oil. |
| Balls and discs | Drawers and compact storage spaces | Place them beside folded garments, using a breathable pouch where useful. | Keep recently oiled pieces away from direct fabric contact until fully dry. |
| Rings and hanging pieces | Wardrobe rails and hanger hooks | Place rings over hanger hooks or use hanging pieces between garments. | Remove them from the wardrobe before sanding or applying oil. |
| Cedarwood hangers | Coats, jackets, suits and suitable woven garments | Use supportive hangers for garments that are suitable for hanging. | Check the wood regularly for rough surfaces or splinters. |
| Sachets and cedar shavings | Shoes, drawers and smaller storage areas | Position them where the cedar aroma is wanted without obstructing airflow. | Follow the product instructions for refreshing or replacement. |
| Cedar oil sprays and drops | Refreshing suitable cedarwood products | Apply a small amount to the wood away from clothing. | Allow the wood to absorb the oil and dry fully before returning it to storage. |
Explore solid cedarwood products for wardrobes and storage.
Why does cedarwood lose some of its scent over time?
The aroma of cedarwood comes from naturally occurring compounds within the wood. These compounds are gradually released from the exposed surface, so the scent may become less noticeable over time.
A fading scent does not necessarily mean that the wood needs to be replaced. Suitable unfinished cedarwood can often be refreshed and reused.
How to refresh cedarwood
Suitable unfinished cedarwood can usually be refreshed in two ways: light sanding or the application of pure cedar oil.
Refreshing cedarwood by sanding
- Remove the cedarwood from the wardrobe, drawer or storage box.
- Lightly sand the exposed surface of the unfinished wood.
- Remove all sanding dust.
- Check that the surface is smooth before returning it near clothing.
Light sanding exposes a fresh layer of wood and can make its natural aroma more noticeable again.
Refreshing cedarwood with pure cedar oil
- Remove the cedarwood piece from the storage area.
- Place it on a protected, non-porous surface.
- Apply a small amount of 100% pure cedar oil.
- Spread the oil evenly and avoid excessive application.
- Allow the wood to absorb the oil and dry fully before returning it to storage.
Pure cedar oil is undiluted, so only a modest amount is normally needed. Keep recently treated wood away from pale, valuable or delicate fabrics until it is completely dry.
Shop 100% pure cedar oil for refreshing cedarwood.
How should cedarwood be used with wool and cashmere?
Wool, cashmere and other natural textiles should be stored clean and completely dry. Food marks, skin oils and dust should not be left on garments during long storage periods.
Fold knitted garments such as jumpers and cashmere to avoid stretching the shoulders. Woven coats, jackets and suits may be placed on supportive hangers when their care labels allow it.
Keep wet oil and recently refreshed cedarwood away from direct contact with delicate fabrics. Check that the wooden surface is smooth before placing it close to clothing.
What does research say about cedar oils and insects?
Cedar and cedar-derived oils have been studied for their interactions with different insects. Laboratory research in Japan examined essential oil from Japanese cedar and reported repellent activity against silverfish under controlled test conditions. View the study in the Journal of Wood Science.
Results can vary according to the cedar species, oil composition, concentration and test conditions.
For everyday household use, cedarwood is best included within a wider routine based on clean clothing, dry storage, regular inspection and monitoring where insect activity is suspected.
A practical cedarwood clothing-storage routine
- Clean and dry clothing before storage.
- Vacuum wardrobe shelves, drawer corners and surrounding edges.
- Inspect seams, folds, collars and cuffs.
- Fold knitwear and hang suitable woven garments correctly.
- Select cedar pieces that suit the size and shape of the storage space.
- Distribute the pieces rather than placing them all in one corner.
- Keep recently oiled wood away from direct fabric contact.
- Inspect stored garments and refresh suitable cedarwood periodically.
Cedarwood should not be treated as a complete remedy for an established clothes-moth infestation. Repeated holes, webbing, larvae or continuing activity should be investigated, and affected garments should be isolated where appropriate.
Why use cedarwood and cedar oil together?
Solid cedarwood provides reusable formats for wardrobes, drawers and storage boxes. Pure cedar oil can then be used to refresh suitable pieces when their natural aroma becomes less noticeable.
- 100% solid red cedar wood
- 100% pure cedar oil
- No added artificial cedar fragrance
- Reusable formats for different storage spaces
- Refreshable by light sanding or cedar oil
How much cedarwood or oil should you use?
The right quantity depends on the size of the storage space and the format of the product. A small drawer may need only a few compact pieces, while a larger wardrobe may benefit from several pieces placed in different areas.
When refreshing wood with pure cedar oil, begin with a small amount. Excess oil will not necessarily improve the result and may increase the risk of marking nearby surfaces or fabrics.
Important care instructions
- Follow the directions supplied with the individual product.
- Apply cedar oil to suitable cedarwood rather than directly onto clothing.
- Allow refreshed wood to dry fully before returning it to storage.
- Protect delicate, pale and absorbent materials from direct oil contact.
- Remove sanding dust before placing cedarwood near textiles.
- Check cedar pieces for splinters or rough surfaces.
- Keep cedar oil and small wooden pieces out of reach of children and animals.
- Do not assume that aromatherapy or diffuser oils are suitable for refreshing cedarwood.
What to remember
RedCedar combines 100% solid red cedar wood with 100% pure cedar oil for wardrobes, drawers and clothing storage. Choose a format that suits the space, begin with clean and dry garments, and refresh suitable cedarwood when its characteristic aroma becomes faint.
Frequently asked questions
Is RedCedar oil diluted?
No. RedCedar oil is 100% pure cedar oil and is not diluted with water or a carrier oil.
Are RedCedar wood products made from real cedarwood?
Yes. Our cedarwood pieces are made from 100% solid red cedar wood rather than MDF, compressed fibreboard or imitation cedar material.
Can cedarwood be refreshed?
Suitable unfinished cedarwood can be refreshed by lightly sanding the surface or applying a small amount of pure cedar oil. Remove sanding dust and allow oiled wood to dry fully before returning it near clothing.
Can cedar oil be applied directly to clothing?
Do not apply cedar oil directly to clothing unless the instructions for a specific product expressly allow it. Oil may mark absorbent materials.
Which cedar format is best for drawers?
Cedar balls, cubes, discs and compact blocks are practical for drawers because they can be distributed around folded clothing without taking up much space.
How long does cedarwood last?
Cedarwood is reusable, although its aroma naturally becomes less noticeable over time. Suitable unfinished pieces can be refreshed by light sanding or with pure cedar oil.
Does cedarwood treat a clothes-moth infestation?
Cedarwood should not be treated as a complete treatment for an established infestation. Cleaning, inspection, monitoring and appropriate pest-management measures may also be required.
Explore Swedish red cedar products
Choose solid cedarwood pieces for wardrobes and drawers, compare hanging formats or find pure cedar oil for refreshing your existing products.