My name is Tom Lopatosky. I’m the President of LOPCO Contracting (www.LopcoContracting.com) and I’m honored to have the opportunity to talk to you about home improvement on a monthly basis. I love answering your questions! Please send them to tom@LopcoContracting.com or call 401-270-2664. Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this column!
What Is The Purpose Of A Cedar Closet?
Maybe you have one in your own home or perhaps have an Aunt Betty that once in a while refers to her ‘Cedar Closet’.
You may already even be familiar with cedar closets in general, but never really understood much about them other than they were good places to store certain types of clothing.
What exactly is a cedar closet, what is it meant to do, and how does it function?
A cedar closet is a special type of storage space made with cedar wood, often lined with aromatic cedar planks.
The main purpose of a cedar closet is to
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Cedar wood has natural properties that make it ideal for storing fabrics, wool, and delicate items.
These closets are especially useful in homes where people want to preserve clothing for long periods of time, such as winter coats, blankets, or family heirlooms.
One of the biggest reasons people use cedar closets is because of cedar’s natural oils.
These oils give off a strong but pleasant scent that repels moths, silverfish, and other insects.
Moths and their larvae can cause serious damage to clothing (especially wool!), by chewing holes through fabric.
Cedar naturally discourages these pests from nesting or feeding inside the closet, which helps protect your clothing without needing chemical sprays or mothballs. Unlike mothballs, which have a harsh odor and can be toxic, cedar provides a safe, natural solution.
Another key purpose of a cedar closet is to control moisture.
Cedar wood helps absorb extra humidity in the air, keeping the environment inside the closet dry and stable.
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This is important because too much moisture can cause mildew or mold to grow on fabrics, leather, or shoes.
By balancing the humidity, cedar protects items from becoming musty or damp. This makes cedar closets especially useful in basements, older homes, or humid climates where moisture problems are common.
Cedar closets also help neutralize odors.
Over time, clothing and stored items can pick up unwanted smells from sweat, smoke, or general storage.
The natural aroma of cedar wood replaces these smells with a clean, woody scent.
Many people find this fragrance calming and associate it with freshness and cleanliness. The scent can also linger on clothes, helping them smell pleasant even after long storage periods.
In addition to its practical benefits, cedar wood adds a touch of beauty and luxury.
The wood used in cedar closets has a warm reddish tone with unique grain patterns, giving the closet a natural and elegant appearance. This makes cedar closets not only functional but also stylish.
Many homeowners choose to add cedar lining to walk-in closets, wardrobes, or storage chests for both their look and their usefulness.
Cedar closets can also increase the value of a home.
Since cedar wood is known for being durable, pest-resistant, and attractive, a cedar-lined closet is considered a premium feature. Homebuyers often appreciate having one because it shows attention to detail and care for preserving clothing.
Maintaining a cedar closet is simple.
Over time, the natural oils that create the scent and protective qualities can fade.
To refresh the aroma and keep the wood effective, you can lightly sand the cedar surface every few years. This releases more of the wood’s natural oils and renews its pest-repelling power.
You can also buy cedar oil to apply to the planks for an extra boost.
Whether used for everyday clothes, seasonal storage, or treasured keepsakes – for you or Aunt Betty! – a cedar closet provides a safe, clean, and attractive way to care for your belongings year in and year out.
About Tom Lopatosky
Tom Lopatosky has run his own RI-based painting and repair business since 1995; LOPCO Contracting – the “Personable, Particular Professionals” – specializes in exterior & interior painting and carpentry. Recently LOPCO Contracting was named ‘RI’s Finest Painting Contracting Company’ by ShopInRI Magazine. In 2013, Tom was named “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) and a “40 Under 40” award winner by Providence Business News. He is a member of both the PCA (Painting Contractors Association) and RIBA (Rhode Island Builders Association). Tom has often had weekly ‘Home Improvement Tips’ that have aired on the radio on 630 WPRO AM and on television on WPRI 12. You can catch Tom LIVE on the radio EVERY Saturday, 2pm-3pm, on 630 WPRO AM (99.7 FM) during his weekly PROTalk Home Improvement Radio Show! Tom has also written a book ‘The Care And Maintenance Of A New England Home’ (available on Amazon or through Barnes & Noble), detailing what he believes every New England Homeowner should be acutely aware of while owning a home in the region.
