How to Clean Cedar Wood Furniture

Cedar wood furniture is prized for its stunning reddish grain, remarkable durability, and most famously, its wonderful, fresh aroma that naturally repels moths. Whether it’s an heirloom cedar chest, an outdoor bench, or a beautiful dresser, this type of wood is a valuable addition to any home. Over time, however, cedar can accumulate dust, grime, or even develop a weathered gray patina if left outdoors. Proper cleaning is essential to maintain its health and restore its vibrant color and scent. This guide will provide simple, beginner-friendly instructions on how to clean cedar wood furniture and keep it looking its best for years to come.

Cedar wood furniture is not only known for its durability but also for its natural beauty and aromatic scent. However, to preserve its charm and functionality, regular maintenance is key. By understanding the right cleaning techniques and using the proper tools, you can ensure your cedar furniture remains a cherished centerpiece in your home. Whether indoors or outdoors, a little care can go a long way in protecting this timeless material from wear and tear.

Cleaning Indoor Cedar Furniture

Indoor cedar furniture requires gentle cleaning to maintain its natural oils and luster. Dusting the furniture regularly with a soft cloth is recommended, as it helps prevent buildup and scratches on the surface. To remove any stubborn dirt or grime, use a mild soap or detergent solution and wipe it down with a damp cloth. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the wood’s delicate surface.

To keep your indoor cedar furniture looking fresh and nourished, consider applying a coat of protective oil every few months. This not only brings out the natural beauty of the wood but also helps preserve its moisture content.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Cedar Wood Furniture

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Gather Supplies

Before you begin, prepare your cleaning area. If possible, move your cedar furniture outdoors to a shady, well-ventilated spot. If you must work indoors, lay down drop cloths to protect your flooring from drips and spills. You will need a few basic supplies: soft, lint-free cloths, a bucket, a soft-bristled brush, and a mild, pH-neutral soap like dish soap. For outdoor furniture with mildew, you will also want to have some oxygen bleach and a garden hose or pressure washer on a low setting. Having everything ready will make the cleaning process go much more smoothly.

Step 2: Dry Dusting

The very first cleaning step, regardless of whether your furniture is indoors or outdoors, is to remove all loose dust, cobwebs, and surface debris. Use a dry, soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire piece. For any crevices, carvings, or hard-to-reach areas, a soft-bristled brush or the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner works perfectly. This step is crucial because it prevents surface grit from becoming an abrasive paste when you start wet cleaning, which could scratch the delicate surface of the wood. A thorough dusting provides a clean slate for deeper cleaning.

Step 3: Perform a Gentle Wash

For indoor cedar furniture like chests and dressers, a gentle cleaning is all that’s needed. Create a mild cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of a pH-neutral dish soap into a bucket of warm water. Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water and wring it out until it is just damp. You never want to saturate cedar wood with water. Gently wipe down the furniture, following the direction of the wood grain. This will effectively remove fingerprints, smudges, and light grime without harming the wood’s finish. This simple wash is a core part of the process.

Step 4: Tackle Outdoor Pieces

Outdoor cedar furniture often requires a more robust cleaning approach to handle dirt, mildew, and weathering. For this, oxygen bleach is a safe and effective choice. Mix the powdered oxygen bleach with water according to the manufacturer’s directions. Apply the solution to the cedar furniture with a soft brush, gently scrubbing the surface to lift grime and kill any mildew. Let the solution sit on the wood for about 10-15 minutes, but do not let it dry. This method is excellent for brightening the wood and restoring its natural color without the harshness of chlorine bleach.

Step 5: Rinse the Furniture Thoroughly

After washing, it is critical to rinse away all soap or cleaning solution residue. For indoor furniture, simply use a new, clean cloth dampened with plain water to wipe the piece down one more time. For outdoor furniture that you’ve treated with an oxygen bleach solution, rinse it thoroughly using a garden hose on a gentle setting. You can also use a pressure washer, but it must be on its lowest possible pressure setting and the nozzle should be kept at a safe distance to avoid damaging the soft wood fibers. Proper rinsing prevents any film from being left behind.

Step 6: Let the Cedar Wood Dry Completely

Patience is key in this step. Wood needs to dry completely to prevent any issues like warping or mildew growth. After rinsing, use a dry towel to blot away as much excess moisture as you can from the surface. Then, leave the furniture in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or intense heat. For outdoor pieces, a warm, breezy, and shady day is ideal. For indoor pieces, opening a window or using a fan can help speed up the air-drying process. Ensure the piece is 100% dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 7: Restore the Cedar Aroma

One of the most beloved qualities of cedar is its fresh, clean scent. If the aroma of your cedar chest or closet lining has faded, you can easily revive it. Once the wood is completely dry, take a piece of fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit is a good choice) and lightly sand the unfinished interior surfaces. This process removes a micro-thin, oxidized layer of wood and exposes a fresh layer, releasing the natural oils and instantly restoring that wonderful cedar scent. Wipe away the sanding dust with a dry cloth when you are finished.

Step 8: Apply a Protective Finish

For outdoor cedar furniture, applying a protective finish after cleaning is crucial for protecting it from the elements. A high-quality UV-inhibiting sealer or a penetrating oil specifically designed for cedar will help prevent the wood from weathering to a gray patina and protect it from moisture damage. Apply the finish according to the product’s instructions, using a brush or cloth. For indoor furniture, a light coat of furniture wax or polish can be applied to finished surfaces to restore shine and provide a layer of protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can I Remove White Water Stains From My Cedar Chest?

White rings are caused by moisture trapped in the finish. You can often remove them by placing a dry cotton cloth over the stain and pressing it with a warm, dry iron for a few seconds. The gentle heat helps release the trapped moisture. For stubborn stains, a paste made of baking soda and water, or a dab of non-gel white toothpaste, can be gently rubbed on the area and wiped clean.

Will Cleaning Remove the Natural Cedar Smell?

Washing the exterior of a finished cedar piece will not affect the smell, as the aroma comes from the natural oils within the unfinished wood, usually on the inside of a chest or closet. If the interior scent has faded, you can easily restore it by lightly sanding the unfinished wood with fine-grit sandpaper. This exposes fresh wood fibers and releases the natural aromatic oils.

What Is the Gray Color on My Outdoor Cedar Furniture?

That silvery-gray color is a natural patina that develops when cedar wood is exposed to sun and rain over time. It is a surface-level change and does not indicate that the wood is rotting. Many people like this weathered look, but if you prefer the original reddish-brown color, you can restore it by cleaning the furniture with an oxygen-bleach solution and a soft brush.

Can I Use Chlorine Bleach to Clean Mildew Off Cedar?

It is not recommended to use chlorine bleach on cedar wood. Chlorine bleach is very harsh and can damage the wood fibers, leaving them looking washed-out and blotchy. It can also be corrosive to any metal hardware. Oxygen bleach is a much safer and more effective alternative for killing mildew and brightening wood without causing damage.

How Often Should I Clean My Cedar Furniture?

For indoor furniture, a light dusting weekly and a gentle wipe-down with a damp cloth every few months is usually sufficient. Outdoor cedar furniture should be cleaned more thoroughly at least once a year, typically in the spring, to remove winter grime and prepare it for the season. Applying a fresh coat of sealer annually will also extend its life.

Conclusion

Cedar wood is a beautiful and functional material that, with the right care, can last for generations. Whether you are maintaining an indoor heirloom or reviving a weathered outdoor set, the cleaning process is straightforward and yields fantastic results. A gentle approach using mild cleaners, followed by proper drying and conditioning, is all it takes to restore the wood’s vibrant color, protective qualities, and signature fresh scent. Now that you have this comprehensive guide on how to clean cedar wood furniture, you can confidently preserve the beauty and integrity of your cherished pieces.