Cedarwood has been valued for centuries for its natural ability to repel moths and other insects that can damage clothing, textiles and other household items. The aromatic oil found in cedar trees has a pleasant, woody scent for humans, but moths find it overpowering and avoid the smell at all costs.
Making your own cedarwood moth repellents is an eco-friendly, chemical-free way to harness the power of this wood to keep your belongings pest-free.
Cedarwood as a natural moth repellent
There are several great reasons to explore homemade cedarwood moth control options. Store-bought mothballs and pesticide sprays contain harsh chemicals like napthalene and paradichlorobenzene that can be toxic to humans and pets with prolonged exposure. Making your own cedarwood products allows you to control the ingredients and customize the scents to your liking. It’s also very affordable, since you can source cedarwood oil, cedar blocks and shavings fairly inexpensively.
Homemade cedarwood repellents also make great gifts for crafty friends or those with extensive textile collections. You can get creative with different presentation ideas too, like sachets, jewelry boxes, and potpourri blends. The aroma of cedarwood lends a comforting, earthy feel to living spaces.
This blog will teach you all you need to know to start crafting effective cedarwood moth protection for your home, clothing and linens. We’ll cover how to use cedarwood in its various forms:
- Cedarwood essential oil - Distilled oil with concentrated cedar aroma
- Cedar blocks and rings - Repel moths in closets and drawers
- Cedar sawdust/shavings - Make sachets to tuck in with stored clothes
- Complementary herbs - Enhance cedarwood with moth-repelling plants
- Essential oils - Boost aroma with other natural scents
In the following chapters, we’ll explore specific techniques for making moth repellents using these cedarwood products and compatible natural ingredients. From custom cedarwood oil blends to targeted sachets, you’ll have all the DIY recipes you need to make your home inhospitable to moths without using a drop of toxic chemicals.
Let's get started!
Cedarwood oil moth repellents
Cedarwood essential oil is distilled from the wood and leaves of cedar trees, concentrating the aromatic compounds that drive moths away. There are a few options for obtaining this versatile oil:
- Purchase it online or from craft stores - Most common and affordable option.
- Extract it yourself from cedarwood - Requires some DIY distilling equipment/skill.
- Make "cedar oil" by soaking wood in a carrier oil - Less concentrated but still effective.
When buying cedarwood oil, look for 100% pure therapeutic grade for the best quality and scent. Prices range from $10-$30 for a 1oz bottle from reputable essential oil companies. The aroma is fresh, woody and slightly balsamic - pleasant for humans but off-putting for moths.
Here are some easy ways to use cedarwood oil for moth control:
Cedarwood Sachets - Add 10-15 drops of cedarwood oil per sachet along with lightweight fabric, cotton balls or a natural filler like wood shavings. Place in drawers, closets and with stored clothing to repel moths.
Cedarwood Fabric Spray - Mix 15 drops cedarwood oil with 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Mist lightly onto clothing, curtains, rugs, upholstery to discourage moths from lingering. Avoid antique fabrics or delicate materials.
Cedarwood Reed Diffusers - Combine 1/2 cup carrier oil like jojoba or fractionated coconut oil with 30-50 drops of cedarwood oil. Add diffuser reeds and place in closets, drawers and moth-prone areas.
Cedarwood & Herb Potpourri - Blend cedarwood oil into DIY potpourri mixes along with dried herbs and spices. Place in small bowls around the home for a fume-free repellent.
When working with concentrated cedarwood oil, be sure to follow safety precautions:
- Use carrier oils and dilute before applying directly to skin/fabrics
- Work in well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling concentrated oil
- Store oil properly in cool area out of sunlight to preserve aroma
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
Thoughtfully used, cedarwood oil is a moth-banishing powerhouse. Just a few drops can sustainably protect clothing and textiles without toxic chemicals.
Cedarwood and sawdust repellents
Cedarwood lumber, cedar blocks and cedar shavings provide another chemical-free, renewable option for deterring moths. Cedar has natural properties that make it resistant to insects, mold and decay. Using cedarwood products around the home adds an extra layer of pest protection:
Cedar closet and drawer lining
Thin cedar planks and screw them into closets or dresser drawers. The boards repel moths and impart a pleasant aroma as clothing brushes against them. Unfinished cedar works best.
Cedar storage chests
Keep woolens, linens and clothing in vintage cedar chests, blanket boxes or hope chests. The thick cedar walls ward off moths and protect heirlooms from damage.
Cedar balls and rings
Fill small cloth bags with cedar sawdust or shavings. Add a few rings or balls to dresser drawers, boxes and closets to scent and preserve contents. Shake bags occasionally to refresh aroma.
DIY cedar blocks
Cut unfinished cedar into squares or circles. Stack blocks with sweaters, blankets and other textiles to absorb moisture and repel moths naturally.
Cedar potpourri
Mix cedar shavings with dried herbs and a few drops of essential oils. Place in small fabric sachets or bowls to make a custom moth-repelling potpourri blend.
Look for untreated cedar boards and sawdust at lumber yards, craft stores or woodworking suppliers. The smaller the wood pieces, the stronger the initial aroma. Over time the scent fades, so refresh cedar blocks every year or two.
Reuse and recycle cedar
As cedar wood moth repellents lose potency, put them to work around the home in other ways:
- Use as outdoor kindling or fire starter
- Upcycle into DIY projects like planters or pet beds
- Compost cedar sawdust once scent fades
- Chip planks for pathways or mulching gardens
With proper sourcing and end-of-life use, cedarwood products offer sustainable protection from moths as well as a charming accent to home decor.
Moth repellent sachets and potpourri
While cedarwood on its own can deter moths, combining it with complementary herbs and oils makes an even more powerful repellent. Certain plants contain their own insect-repelling properties that can enhance cedarwood's natural aroma. Dried herbs are easily incorporated into potpourri mixes or sachets for targeted placement around the home.
Here are some of the best options for herbs to blend with cedarwood:
Lavender - The soft floral scent repels moths and other insects. Buds and flowers are commonly used dried.
Rosemary - This woody, pine-like herb masks cedar's balsam with its own moth deterring oils.
Mint - Peppermint, spearmint and other mints add a sharp freshness that puts moths off.
Thyme - Both the lemon and common garden variety have excellent moth-banishing aromatics.
Bay Leaves - With their bitter, pungent scent, bay leaves complement woodsy cedar well in repellent sachets.
To make a custom aromatherapeutic moth deterrent blend:
- Purchase loose herbs and essential oils along with small fabric sachets or reusable tea bags.
- Mix your chosen ingredients in a bowl. For a 2 cup blend, use 1 cup cedar shavings plus 1/2-1 cup other dried herbs.
- Add 15-25 drops of suitable essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass or lavender.
- Funnel the potpourri blend into sachets or jars. Make sure scent permeates fabric.
- Tuck sachets in closets, drawers, garment boxes or display jarred blends. Refresh monthly.
Over time, the aromatic compounds dissipate so refresh herbs every 4-6 months. Try various mixtures to find your ideal moth-repelling potpourri recipe.
Here are some suggested cedarwood potpourri blend ideas:
Forest Pines - Cedarwood, rosemary, pine needles, balsam fir, juniper berry oil
Citrus Zest - Cedarwood, lemon thyme, lemon balm, orange peel, lemongrass oil
Lavender Dreams - Cedarwood, lavender buds, bay leaves, chamomile, lavender oil
Herb Garden - Cedarwood, rosemary, spearmint, eucalyptus, thyme
Get creative and customize scents to make your home cozy and pest-free. Shared or gifted, these natural moth repellent potpourri blends make memorable DIY projects.
You can also shop our made-to-order cedar sachets.
Practical tips and recap
Now that you’re inspired to craft your own cedarwood moth protection, here are some final tips for handling and troubleshooting:
Storing cedarwood products
- Keep essential oils in cool area out of direct light to preserve aroma
- Refresh limp herbs in the oven on low heat to reactivate oils
- Use airtight containers for potpourri mixes and sachets
Preventing damage
- Test cedar oil sprays discreetly first since some antique fabrics are sensitive
- Use unvarnished raw cedarwood to avoid fabric discoloration from finishes
- Spot clean stained garments; avoid excessive heat from dryers/irons
Maximizing effectiveness
- Target closet floors, corners and entryways where moths congregate
- Maintain aroma intensity by making new batches every season
- Freeze infested items for 72 hours before applying cedarwood
Troubleshooting issues
- Replace stale sachets/blocks with fresh homemade blends
- Increase concentration of cedarwood oil in sprays and diffusers
- Supplement cedarwood with stronger oils like clove, thyme or eucalyptus
Creative cedarwood gifting
- Make one-of-a-kind sachets for crafty loved ones
- Gift pretty glass jars filled with custom potpourri
- Bundle cedar blocks in handmade fabric pouches
If you're exploring natural pest control beyond moths, you might also be curious whether mothballs keep mice away and how cedar compares as a safer alternative.
Cedarwood's natural insect-repelling capacity has been relied on for centuries to protect clothing, textiles, books and other valuables without harmful chemicals. With the recipes and tips in this blog, you can easily craft beautiful moth deterrents using cedarwood essential oil, cedar blocks, cedarwood shavings and complementary dried herbs and plants.
For a deeper dive into sustainable options, read the complete guide to eco-friendly wardrobe care and discover more sustainable moth prevention methods.
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