Many people across the globe trust Martha Stewart’s expertise for maintaining an organized home. Her advice extends beyond organization to include cleaning hacks, entertaining tips, recipes, and even clothing care. One of her tips for storing sweaters not only keeps them tidy but also helps deter moths that are notorious for damaging knitwear.
In a video clip from one of her older shows, shared on Instagram, Stewart showcases her velvet-lined jewelry and decorative scarf drawers before turning attention to a more robust lining: cedar wood. She uses quarter-inch thick plywood sourced from a lumber yard, custom cut to fit the base of her sweater drawer. If visiting a lumber yard isn’t feasible, Cedar Space cedar blocks offer a similar solution to Stewart’s custom approach. While wood and fabric might seem incompatible, Cedar Space assures a polished finish—but it’s wise to inspect them before use.
In the video, Stewart mentions that the cedar wood scent deters moths. But is this accurate? We delved into the science of this claim, and there is some credible evidence supporting it.
How cedar wood is said to repel moths
Cedar wood’s efficacy is attributed to the oils that produce its distinctive scent. This aroma is derived from a compound known as cedrol, believed to repel pests. However, neither the oils nor the scent are permanent.
The New York Times endorsed cedar closets for moth prevention as far back as 1938. More recently, in 2010, the paper cited an expert who stated that cedar fumes are only toxic to moths at high concentrations. Therefore, as this concentration diminishes, the cedar wood pieces need frequent replacement or reactivation (the expert suggests sanding) to remain effective.
Cleaning and organizing, as Martha Stewart might agree, also play a crucial role in keeping moths at bay. Regularly cleaning your drawers and closets, not just organizing them, helps eliminate any hidden pests. This means occasionally wiping down neglected surfaces with your preferred household cleaner. Additionally, washing new fabrics before storage is advisable, as thrift and department store finds might bring unwanted guests. To keep moths out of the kitchen, a simple ammonia application can be effective.
