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If you’re a guy who is into the finer things in life, especially when it comes to suits and shoes you should not be living without cedar! It’s used for many reasons, from repelling moths to keeping your shoes in the best shape.
But as always, you shouldn’t cut corners. You need to know why, where, and what you should be using. 
Why Use Cedar: Top Three Reasons
The top three reason for using cedar are:
- Keeps clothes and shoes smelling fresh (not musty!)
- Wicks away moisture
- Is the best natural moth repellant
There are two primary applications of cedar: shoes and clothes.
Cedar Shoe Trees
Good shoe trees will keep your shoes like new for the long term. A fine pair of shoes is an investment, and shoe trees are the best way to protect that investment. The power is three fold:
- Help keep shape
- Wicks away moisture
- Make shoe smelling fresh
Top Tip: make sure the heel piece is also cedar to give that extra bit of utility.
Cedar Blocks & Shavings
Pretty much everywhere you have clothes it’s prudent to have some cedar there as well. I have it in my wardrobes, draws, and storage boxes (see below).
As the picture across shows there are an array of block styles, and shavings bags (which are especially fragrant).
Top Tip: get the ones with a hole to go over a coat hanger, making it super easy to keep that custom suit protected from moths and smelling fresh!
When Should I Replace My Cedar?
Cedar will naturally degrade by “drying out” losing its scent and most of its associated effectiveness. I usually replace my general clothing cedar every 12 months, and shoe trees about every 18-24 months as they seem to have greater longevity not being exposed to the air as much.
Note: DON’T buy used cedar to save money as you will not get the major benefits.
Treat Yourself, ONLY Use New Untreated Cedar
It goes without saying that the only way you should be buying cedar is untreated. When the cedar is treated (varnished), it completely covers the pores of the wood rendering all the benefits of cedar useless! This is especially a problem when it comes to shoe trees, as many are sold treated so watch out!
Where To Buy Cedar
As I replace me cedar every 12-24 months I have been going with the same two vendors for the past several years via their Ebay stores.
- Diverse Woodworking – I get cedar blocks, cost hanger rounds, and bags of cedar shavings (lots of great price options from only a few dollars…). Always super fresh! Highly recommended…
- Littemarystuff – For shoe trees in a range of sized at great prices (about $15 per pair)
The Extra Cedar Mile
I know of a few people who have cedar closets to store clothes. It’s most likely a worth while investment, especially if your have a few $1,000+ winter jackets, suits, and vintage clothes. When I actually settle down and buy my place it will be on the top of my additions list…
As always let me know if you have any questions, or please add your comments below on how and where you may also use cedar!
About the Author: Paul Anthony
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[…] recently wrote an article on the benefits of cedar. In short, the use of cedar has three main […]
Thank you for sharing such a nice and helpful information for shoe and suit care tips that really workable and easy to use.
Thanks, Katherine! Glad you enjoyed the article!
All the best,
CP