How to Care for the Exterior of a Ceder Chest

Dust the cedar chest weekly with a microfiber cloth. Microfiber traps small dirt particles and dust.

Clean a finished cedar chest with a homemade furniture polish to restore its shine. Mix 2 parts sweet oil with one part apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the cedar wood, and wipe its surface with a soft cloth.

Store a cedar chest at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

Place a humidifier or dehumidifier in the room as needed to add or remove moisture. Too much humidity can cause the wood to warp. Too little humidity can cause the wood to dry and crack. Avoid placing the cedar chest next to air vents.

Protect the surface of the cedar chest. Use coasters to protect the surface from beverages. Cover the bottoms of lamps, jewelry boxes, and other items with felt to prevent scratching the surface of the wood. If you do not have felt, cover the top of the cedar chest with a decorative pillowcase or table runner.

Wash the cedar chest surface with two or three drops of liquid dish soap mixed in 1 quart of warm water. Wring most of the solution from the cloth. Rinse the chest with another damp cloth.

Apply a paste wax to the cedar chest with a soft cloth. Follow the directions on the wax, and always wipe the wax in the direction of the grain. Buff the wax in small circles to prevent streaks from forming.