Cedar Furniture Care

Types

• Outdoor cedar furniture includes small tables, chairs and other patio furniture. Indoor cedar furniture typically refers to cedar chests, where clothes can be stored. Cedar chests can simply be oiled with cedar oil and occasionally sanded with fine sandpaper to preserve their strong aroma. Outdoor furniture needs more diligent attention.

Features

• When you are looking to care for your outdoor cedar furniture, you need to think about washing it and removing stains. Water and a mild detergent can be used when the furniture itself looks dirty. Remove stains with a solution that is 20 percent bleach, 80 percent water. This solution can be applied to the stain and left to soak in for a few minutes. Rinse it off thoroughly with water before it is entirely dry.

Considerations

• Purchase outdoor furniture covers to protect the cedar when it is not in use. Similarly, look into putting your cedar furniture into storage when you know that the season is turning and you will not be using it for months at a time.

Prevention/Solution

• Brush wood sealant onto your cedar furniture. Sealant will prevent water from getting into the cedar and distorting the wood. There are many wood sealants available; follow the directions on the packaging to get the best results. You can also place scraps of cedar wood underneath the legs of your outdoor cedar furniture. This will lift the furniture's feet off of the damp ground and prevent rot.

Warning

• Avoid oiling outdoor cedar furniture because dust and sediment will get caught in the oil. This can cause the finish to look permanently roughened and dirty. Do not use a pressure washer on the cedar wood because it is somewhat fragile.