Recently I inherited a chest my father built for my mother about sixty years ago. It is lined with cedar that has long since lost its nice smell. Is there anything we can do to bring back the smell other than relining the chest? Is there a spray or a rubbing compound or something? I have a feeling you'll tell us to remove the original and start over, but an alternative is worth the try.
Answer:
No matter when it was built, use a fine grit abrasive pad (300 grit sandpaper) to it very lightly. You'll find a vacuum picks up the dust and the aroma returns. You might want to repeat this every six or eight years but in the meantime, make sure it is kept in a dry place.
