7 Best Cedar Blocks For Sweater Storage To Use
Protect your knitwear with our top 7 cedar blocks. Learn how these natural repellents preserve sweaters and keep your closet smelling fresh all year long.
After spending months meticulously crafting a hand-knit sweater, the last thing you want is to pull it out of storage only to find tiny, heartbreaking holes from moths. Protecting your precious fiber investments requires more than just a drawer; it requires a natural, aromatic barrier. Cedar blocks are a knitter’s best defense against pests, offering a chemical-free way to preserve your hard work. Here are seven of the best options to keep your knitwear safe and pristine for years to come.
Woodlore Cedar Fresh Cedar Blocks: Best Overall
When it comes to longevity and consistent performance, Woodlore is the gold standard in the knitting community. These blocks are crafted from high-quality American red cedar, which naturally contains the oils that deter pests.
Because they are dense and smooth, they won’t snag delicate yarns like mohair or hand-dyed singles. I recommend these for anyone who has invested significantly in luxury fibers like cashmere or alpaca, as they provide reliable, long-term protection.
The bottom line is that while they might cost a bit more, the consistency of the wood grain and oil content makes them worth the investment. They are the most dependable choice for your heirloom-quality sweaters.
Household Essentials Cedar Blocks: Best Value
If you are a prolific knitter with a massive sweater collection, you need a cost-effective way to protect every single garment. Household Essentials offers a high-volume pack that allows you to distribute cedar throughout every drawer in your dresser.
These blocks are simple and utilitarian, lacking the fancy finishes of premium brands, but they get the job done perfectly. They are ideal for tucking into plastic bins or cardboard boxes where you store your seasonal knits.
Don’t let the lower price point fool you into thinking they aren’t effective. Value lies in coverage, and with these, you can afford to place a block in every single storage container you own.
CedarFresh Cedar Hang-Ups: Best for Closets
Not every sweater is destined for a drawer; some of your favorite cardigans are better off hanging to maintain their shape. CedarFresh Hang-Ups are designed specifically for the closet rod, keeping the air around your hanging knits fresh and pest-free.
I often see knitters hang delicate sweaters on hangers only to have them exposed to moths in the open air of a closet. These hang-ups act as a localized barrier that works wonders for garments you reach for frequently.
The hook design is simple and sturdy, fitting most standard closet rods without issue. For your favorite go-to sweaters, these are an essential addition to your closet organization system.
Scented Cedar Blocks by Cedar Space: Best Scent
Some cedar blocks can lose their potency quickly, but these scented options are designed to provide a stronger, longer-lasting aroma. If you are sensitive to the smell of raw wood, or if you simply want an extra layer of protection, the added essential oils are a game-changer.
The scent is clean and forest-like, which is a lovely touch when you open a bin of woolens in the middle of winter. It makes the act of pulling out a sweater feel like a sensory experience rather than just a chore.
Be mindful, however, that the scent is quite potent upon opening. Keep them in a well-ventilated area for a day or two before placing them directly against your hand-knits to ensure the oil doesn’t transfer.
Stratton Cedar Blocks: Best for Sweater Boxes
When storing sweaters in airtight plastic bins, you need a block that fits snugly without taking up too much precious space. Stratton blocks are compact and flat, making them perfect for sliding into the corners of storage boxes.
Because they are thin, they don’t create awkward bulges in your neatly folded piles of knitwear. This is crucial if you are stacking sweaters; you don’t want a thick block pushing against the fabric and causing permanent creases.
These are the most efficient choice for space-saving storage. If your goal is to maximize the capacity of your bins while keeping pests away, look no further.
Cedar Valley Organic Cedar Blocks: Eco-Friendly
Sustainability is a huge part of the knitting ethos, and Cedar Valley provides an option that aligns with those values. These blocks are organic, chemical-free, and sourced from sustainable forests, ensuring your storage methods are as green as your yarn choices.
For those of us who prefer to avoid synthetic mothballs or harsh pesticides, these are a breath of fresh air. They offer peace of mind knowing that no chemicals are leaching into your hand-dyed or natural-fiber garments.
The wood is raw and unfinished, which is exactly what you want for maximum oil release. Choose these if you are committed to a non-toxic, eco-conscious knitting practice.
StorageWorks Aromatic Cedar Blocks: Best Bulk
When you are doing a deep clean of your stash and need to outfit twenty different storage bins at once, you need a bulk solution. StorageWorks provides a generous amount of cedar that ensures you won’t run out mid-project.
Having a surplus of these blocks means you can also place them in your yarn stash, not just your finished sweaters. Moths are just as happy to eat through your expensive skeins of hand-dyed merino as they are your finished sweaters.
Stocking up in bulk is the best way to ensure comprehensive protection. It’s much easier to keep your entire fiber collection safe when you have a box of these on hand.
Why Cedar is Essential for Protecting Knitwear
Moths and silverfish are the sworn enemies of natural fibers like wool, cashmere, and silk. These pests are attracted to the proteins in animal fibers, and once they find a sweater, they can cause irreversible damage in a matter of weeks.
Cedar works by emitting aromatic oils that repel these pests before they can lay eggs on your fabric. Unlike mothballs, which leave a lingering, chemical smell that is difficult to wash out, cedar leaves a light, natural scent that is actually quite pleasant.
It is important to remember that cedar is a repellent, not a killer. It creates an environment that pests want to avoid, making it the first line of defense for any serious fiber enthusiast.
How to Properly Use Cedar Blocks in Storage
Placement is everything when it comes to cedar. Do not just throw a block into a massive bin and expect it to protect every item; the scent needs to be somewhat contained to remain effective.
I suggest placing one or two blocks in each storage box, preferably tucked into a small muslin bag if you are worried about the wood oils touching your yarn. This prevents any risk of staining while still allowing the aroma to fill the container.
Furthermore, ensure your sweaters are clean before storing them. Pests are also attracted to human skin oils and food particles, so always wash your knits before long-term storage to minimize the risk of infestation.
Maintaining Your Cedar Blocks for Long-Term Use
Cedar blocks are not a "set it and forget it" solution. Over time, the surface of the wood will dry out and lose its scent, which means it is no longer effectively repelling pests.
To refresh them, simply take a piece of fine-grit sandpaper and lightly buff the surface of the block. This exposes fresh, aromatic wood and releases a new wave of cedar oil.
If you don’t have sandpaper, you can also use a drop of cedar essential oil on the wood, though be careful to let it dry completely before it touches your knitwear. Regular maintenance every six months will keep your cedar blocks working for years to come.
Protecting your hand-knits is a labor of love that extends well beyond the final bind-off. By choosing the right cedar blocks and maintaining them properly, you create a safe, aromatic sanctuary for your sweaters. Whether you prefer the premium quality of Woodlore or the bulk convenience of StorageWorks, your knitwear will thank you with years of wear. Stay diligent, keep your stash clean, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-protected collection.
