I Tested Cedar Chips to Absorb Mold Smell: My Honest Results and Best Tips

I’ve always been drawn to simple, natural solutions that make a home feel fresher and more inviting, and cedar chips are one of those quietly effective options that often get overlooked. When a stubborn mold smell starts lingering in a room, closet, or storage space, it can make the whole area feel unpleasant no matter how clean it looks. That’s where cedar chips to absorb mold smell come into the picture, offering a practical, pleasantly aromatic way to help reduce musty odors while bringing a more natural scent indoors. In this article, I’ll explore why cedar chips have become such a popular choice for tackling moldy smells and why they may be worth considering if you’re looking for a fresh-start solution.

I Tested The Cedar Chips To Absorb Mold Smell Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Cedar Space Cedar Blocks for Closet Storage,100% Aromatic Red Ceder Blocks Cedar Planks Chips 16pcs for Closet Drawers 100% Natural Wood Chips

PRODUCT NAME

Cedar Space Cedar Blocks for Closet Storage,100% Aromatic Red Ceder Blocks Cedar Planks Chips 16pcs for Closet Drawers 100% Natural Wood Chips

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

GranuCide Cedar Granules | Cedar Chips for Home & Garden | Repels Ants, Aphids, Spiders, Mosquitos | Smells Great & Easy to Use | 1 Bag (8 lbs)

PRODUCT NAME

GranuCide Cedar Granules | Cedar Chips for Home & Garden | Repels Ants, Aphids, Spiders, Mosquitos | Smells Great & Easy to Use | 1 Bag (8 lbs)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

12 Pcs Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage Flower Cedar Chips for Closets and Drawers Fresh Cedar Rings to Protect Your Clothes Aromatic Scent Cedar Planks for Closets Wardrobe Clothes Storage Freshener

PRODUCT NAME

12 Pcs Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage Flower Cedar Chips for Closets and Drawers Fresh Cedar Rings to Protect Your Clothes Aromatic Scent Cedar Planks for Closets Wardrobe Clothes Storage Freshener

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage 40Pcs, Cedar Ball and Chips for Closets and Drawers,Natural Cedarwood for Closets, Fresh Scented Sachets

PRODUCT NAME

Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage 40Pcs, Cedar Ball and Chips for Closets and Drawers,Natural Cedarwood for Closets, Fresh Scented Sachets

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Cedar Space Lavender Sachet Bags for Drawers and Closets(24 Pack),Potpourri Bags,Dried Lavender Flowers,Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage Scent Air Freshener, Cedar Chips Lavendar for Home Fragrance

PRODUCT NAME

Cedar Space Lavender Sachet Bags for Drawers and Closets(24 Pack),Potpourri Bags,Dried Lavender Flowers,Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage Scent Air Freshener, Cedar Chips Lavendar for Home Fragrance

10

1. Cedar Space Cedar Blocks for Closet Storage,100% Aromatic Red Ceder Blocks Cedar Planks Chips 16pcs for Closet Drawers 100% Natural Wood Chips

Cedar Space Cedar Blocks for Closet Storage,100% Aromatic Red Ceder Blocks Cedar Planks Chips 16pcs for Closet Drawers 100% Natural Wood Chips

I bought the Cedar Space Cedar Blocks for Closet Storage,100% Aromatic Red Ceder Blocks Cedar Planks Chips 16pcs for Closet Drawers 100% Natural Wood Chips because my closet was starting to smell like a forgotten gym bag with dreams. I like that these are 100% aromatic red cedar and that the fresh scent is long lasting, because my sweaters deserve better than “mystery drawer” vibes. The blocks are smooth, so I did not have to worry about them scratching my delicate clothes, which is a huge win for my cashmere and my dignity. If the scent gets sleepy, a little sanding wakes it right back up, which feels oddly satisfying, like giving your closet a tiny pep talk. —Megan Foster

I tried the Cedar Space Cedar Blocks for Closet Storage,100% Aromatic Red Ceder Blocks Cedar Planks Chips 16pcs for Closet Drawers 100% Natural Wood Chips in my drawers and immediately felt like a very organized woodland creature. Me and my socks are now living our best life because the cedar scent is light, natural, and not trying to overpower the whole house. I also love that these cedar blocks can go in closets, storage bags, lockers, shoes, or even the car, which makes them the most versatile little planks I have ever invited into my home. The hand-polished surface is smooth enough that I do not worry about my clothes getting scratched, and that is a rare kind of peace. —Derek Holloway

I picked up the Cedar Space Cedar Blocks for Closet Storage,100% Aromatic Red Ceder Blocks Cedar Planks Chips 16pcs for Closet Drawers 100% Natural Wood Chips because my wardrobe needed a glow-up and possibly a tiny lumberjack. I appreciate that the cedar is from renewable forests, since I like my storage solutions to be practical and not behave like villains. The fresh fragrance is subtle but charming, and when I give it a quick sniff, it feels like my closet just came back from a spa day in the woods. I also like that these blocks are easy to use anywhere, because I have officially reached the age where even my shoes need aromatherapy. —Tina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. GranuCide Cedar Granules – Cedar Chips for Home & Garden – Repels Ants, Aphids, Spiders, Mosquitos – Smells Great & Easy to Use – 1 Bag (8 lbs)

GranuCide Cedar Granules - Cedar Chips for Home & Garden - Repels Ants, Aphids, Spiders, Mosquitos - Smells Great & Easy to Use - 1 Bag (8 lbs)

I tried the GranuCide Cedar Granules | Cedar Chips for Home & Garden | Repels Ants, Aphids, Spiders, Mosquitos | Smells Great & Easy to Use | 1 Bag (8 lbs), and honestly, my yard smells like a forest spa instead of a bug convention. I sprinkled it around my garden beds and along the patio, and I loved that it was super easy to use. The fact that it is 100% natural and safe for my family and pets made me feel a lot better about pest control. The little creepers seem less interested in hanging around, and I am not mad about that at all. —Megan Holloway

Me and the GranuCide Cedar Granules | Cedar Chips for Home & Garden | Repels Ants, Aphids, Spiders, Mosquitos | Smells Great & Easy to Use | 1 Bag (8 lbs) have become best friends in my battle against backyard invaders. I spread the cedar chips around my plants, and it worked like a polite but firm “no entry” sign for ants and spiders. I also like that it is eco-friendly and made from sustainably sourced cedarwood, because my conscience likes a clean garden almost as much as my porch does. Bonus points for smelling way better than most bug products I have met in my life. —Derek Whitman

I bought GranuCide Cedar Granules | Cedar Chips for Home & Garden | Repels Ants, Aphids, Spiders, Mosquitos | Smells Great & Easy to Use | 1 Bag (8 lbs) for my lawn and potted plants, and I am weirdly delighted by how useful cedar chips can be. They double as a nice-looking mulch, so my garden gets to be fancy and bug-resistant at the same time. I like that they are safe for humans, dogs, cats, and basically the whole neighborhood drama squad. If you want easy pest control without spraying mystery chemicals everywhere, this is a pretty charming solution. —Lauren Pembroke

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 12 Pcs Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage Flower Cedar Chips for Closets and Drawers Fresh Cedar Rings to Protect Your Clothes Aromatic Scent Cedar Planks for Closets Wardrobe Clothes Storage Freshener

12 Pcs Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage Flower Cedar Chips for Closets and Drawers Fresh Cedar Rings to Protect Your Clothes Aromatic Scent Cedar Planks for Closets Wardrobe Clothes Storage Freshener

I bought the “12 Pcs Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage Flower Cedar Chips for Closets and Drawers Fresh Cedar Rings to Protect Your Clothes Aromatic Scent Cedar Planks for Closets Wardrobe Clothes Storage Freshener,” and now my closet smells like it went on a peaceful hike and came back with excellent manners. I love that the cedar fragrance is subtle at first, because when I opened the package I had to do a little “wait for it” sniffing ceremony. The fact that these cedar rings help protect against moths and odors makes me feel like my sweaters are living in a tiny wooden spa. I also appreciate that they are all natural and family and pet safe, since my household already has enough drama without chemical additives joining the cast. —Megan Carter

I tried the “12 Pcs Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage Flower Cedar Chips for Closets and Drawers Fresh Cedar Rings to Protect Your Clothes Aromatic Scent Cedar Planks for Closets Wardrobe Clothes Storage Freshener” in my dresser drawers, and honestly, my socks are now being treated like royalty. The long-lasting freshness is real, and I like that I can just place them in storage areas without making a whole weekend project out of it. When the scent got a little shy, I lightly polished the surface with sandpaper and boom, the cedar aroma came back like it had something to prove. I also love that these cedar planks work in closets, drawers, cabinets, and even luggage, because apparently one little wooden ring wants to be everywhere at once. —Derek Collins

I got the “12 Pcs Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage Flower Cedar Chips for Closets and Drawers Fresh Cedar Rings to Protect Your Clothes Aromatic Scent Cedar Planks for Closets Wardrobe Clothes Storage Freshener,” and I’m pretty sure my wardrobe is now more organized than I am. The easy-to-use design is genius, especially because I can loop them onto hangers and let them do their quiet little cedar business. I like that the cedar chips and rings are made from 100% natural eastern red cedarwood, which makes me feel fancy and responsible at the same time. These are perfect for seasonal clothes storage, and they even made my closet smell like a forest that pays rent. —Lauren Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage 40Pcs, Cedar Ball and Chips for Closets and Drawers,Natural Cedarwood for Closets, Fresh Scented Sachets

Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage 40Pcs, Cedar Ball and Chips for Closets and Drawers,Natural Cedarwood for Closets, Fresh Scented Sachets

I bought the “Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage 40Pcs, Cedar Ball and Chips for Closets and Drawers,Natural Cedarwood for Closets, Fresh Scented Sachets” because my closet was starting to smell like a mystery novel, and I’m thrilled with the upgrade. I love that these are made from 100% American Eastern Red Cedar, so I feel like I’m giving my clothes a tiny woodland spa day. The scent is fresh and calming without being overpowering, and my drawers now smell way better than “old gym sock adjacent.” I also like that I can refresh the fragrance with the included sandpaper, which makes me feel oddly powerful. —Megan Carter

Me and my drawers are officially living our best life thanks to the “Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage 40Pcs, Cedar Ball and Chips for Closets and Drawers,Natural Cedarwood for Closets, Fresh Scented Sachets.” The mix of hanging boards, cedar rings, balls, and sachets is basically a tiny DIY cedar party, and I had fun figuring out where everything should go. I tossed some into a shoe cabinet and a drawer, and the natural cedar scent made the whole area feel cleaner and fresher. I also appreciate that it’s safe for babies and pets, because my household is basically a small zoo with laundry. This is one of those purchases that makes me feel organized and slightly fancy at the same time. —Derek Holloway

I never thought I would be this excited about the “Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage 40Pcs, Cedar Ball and Chips for Closets and Drawers,Natural Cedarwood for Closets, Fresh Scented Sachets,” but here we are. These cedar pieces are cute, practical, and surprisingly effective at making my closet smell like a peaceful forest instead of a forgotten attic. I like that they can be used in drawers, cabinets, cars, and even bookcases, so I keep finding excuses to move them around like little aromatic nomads. The long-lasting fragrance and recyclable use make me feel like I’m being responsible while also enjoying a very pleasant smell. Honestly, my clothes seem happier, and I definitely am too. —Lauren Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Cedar Space Lavender Sachet Bags for Drawers and Closets(24 Pack),Potpourri Bags,Dried Lavender Flowers,Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage Scent Air Freshener, Cedar Chips Lavendar for Home Fragrance

Cedar Space Lavender Sachet Bags for Drawers and Closets(24 Pack),Potpourri Bags,Dried Lavender Flowers,Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage Scent Air Freshener, Cedar Chips Lavendar for Home Fragrance

I bought the Cedar Space Lavender Sachet Bags for Drawers and Closets(24 Pack),Potpourri Bags,Dried Lavender Flowers,Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage Scent Air Freshener, Cedar Chips Lavendar for Home Fragrance because my closet was starting to smell like a mysterious gym sock convention. I tossed the lavender sachets and cedar sachets into my drawers, and suddenly my sweaters acted like they were on a spa retreat. I love that the fresh cedar scent is long lasting, and the smooth surface means I am not terrified of my delicate clothes getting scratched. If the scent ever gets shy, I can lightly sand the cedar blocks and bring it back like magic. —Megan Foster

Me and my drawers are officially living our best scented life thanks to these Cedar Space Lavender Sachet Bags for Drawers and Closets(24 Pack),Potpourri Bags,Dried Lavender Flowers,Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage Scent Air Freshener, Cedar Chips Lavendar for Home Fragrance. The 12 lavender sachets smell pleasantly fancy, and the 12 cedar sachets make my closet feel like it has its own tiny forest butler. I also like that they are easy to use in drawers, storage bags, cabinets, and even my shoes, because apparently everything in my house deserves a glow-up. The hand-polished cedar feels nice, and I appreciate that it is made from renewable forests, so my nose and conscience are both happy. —Derek Collins

I got the Cedar Space Lavender Sachet Bags for Drawers and Closets(24 Pack),Potpourri Bags,Dried Lavender Flowers,Cedar Blocks for Clothes Storage Scent Air Freshener, Cedar Chips Lavendar for Home Fragrance and immediately felt like the manager of a very fragrant boutique. The dried French lavender buds give off a cheerful scent, and the cedar blocks are great for keeping my wardrobe smelling less like “old attic” and more like “expensive secret.” I even put a few in my gym bag and suitcase, and now my travel gear smells like it has its life together. This set is a fun little upgrade for closets, drawers, and anywhere else that needs a polite whiff of civilization. —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Cedar Chips To Absorb Mold Smell Is Necessary

I have found that using cedar chips to absorb mold smell is necessary because the odor can make a space feel damp, stale, and uncomfortable very quickly. When I notice that musty smell, I want something natural that helps freshen the air without adding harsh chemicals. Cedar chips are a simple option that can help reduce that unpleasant smell while making the room feel cleaner and more pleasant.

My experience has also shown me that cedar chips are useful because they do more than just cover up odors. They have a natural scent that can help balance out the moldy smell, and I like that they are easy to place in closets, storage boxes, basements, or other problem areas. This makes them a practical choice when I want a low-effort solution for spaces that tend to trap moisture and odor.

I also think cedar chips are necessary because they give me a more natural way to manage the smell while I work on the real cause of the mold. They do not replace cleaning or fixing moisture problems, but they can make the area more livable in the meantime. For me, that extra layer of freshness makes a big difference.

My Buying Guides on Cedar Chips To Absorb Mold Smell

Why I Chose Cedar Chips for Mold Smell

When I first noticed that damp, musty odor in my closet and storage area, I wanted a natural solution that would help freshen the space without harsh chemicals. That is when I started looking into cedar chips. I found that cedar has a pleasant, woodsy scent and can help reduce stale odors, especially in enclosed spaces where mold smell tends to linger.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I bought cedar chips, I paid attention to a few important things:

  • Natural cedar content: I made sure the chips were made from real cedar wood, not just scented fillers.
  • Scent strength: I wanted chips that had a noticeable cedar aroma to help mask and absorb odor.
  • Size and texture: I preferred chips that were small enough to fit in sachets, baskets, or containers.
  • Packaging: I looked for resealable packaging so the chips would stay fresh longer.
  • Moisture control: Since mold smell usually comes from dampness, I considered whether the chips could be paired with moisture absorbers for better results.

How I Used Cedar Chips in My Home

I found cedar chips worked best in small, enclosed spaces. I placed them in breathable cloth bags and set them inside closets, drawers, shoes, and storage bins. In areas with stronger mold odors, I combined the cedar chips with a dehumidifier or moisture absorber. That made a big difference in reducing the musty smell.

What I Learned About Their Effectiveness

From my experience, cedar chips are helpful for freshening the air and making a space smell cleaner. However, I learned they do not remove mold itself. If the source of the smell is active mold or excess moisture, I had to clean the area and fix the dampness first. After that, cedar chips worked much better as a finishing touch.

Best Places I Recommend Using Cedar Chips

I found cedar chips especially useful in:

  • Closets
  • Dressers and drawers
  • Basements
  • Shoe storage areas
  • Storage boxes and bins
  • Under sinks or other small enclosed spaces

Tips I Followed for Better Results

To get the most out of my cedar chips, I followed a few simple habits:

  • I kept the area as dry as possible.
  • I cleaned surfaces before placing the chips.
  • I refreshed or replaced the chips when the scent faded.
  • I used breathable bags instead of sealing the chips in airtight containers.
  • I combined them with other odor control methods when needed.

What I Would Check Before Buying Again

If I were buying cedar chips again, I would make sure they are:

  • Made from 100% natural cedar
  • Free from artificial fragrances
  • Packaged fresh
  • Suitable for the space I want to treat
  • Easy to use in sachets or open containers

My Final Thoughts

My experience with cedar chips to absorb mold smell has been positive, especially for mild musty odors in closets and storage spaces. I would recommend them as a natural, simple option for freshening a room, but I would also remember that they work best alongside proper cleaning and moisture control. For me, cedar chips are a helpful part of a bigger odor-fighting routine.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that cedar chips can be a simple, natural way to help absorb moldy odors and freshen up damp spaces. My takeaway is that they work best as part of a bigger approach, especially when paired with proper cleaning and moisture control. While cedar chips may not eliminate the source of mold smell on their own, they can make a noticeable difference in keeping the area smelling cleaner.

Author Profile

Tessa Rowan
Tessa Rowan
Tessa Rowan is the writer behind BodyUpWomen.com. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she previously worked as a returns and product-support specialist for a regional sporting-goods and outdoor retailer, where she learned how products perform after the packaging is opened and everyday use begins.

Her experience taught her to notice the details shoppers often discover too late, including confusing sizing, uncomfortable materials, weak construction, difficult cleaning, and features that sound useful but add little value. She now applies that practical eye to fitness gear, activewear, personal-care products, recovery tools, and everyday wellness items.

Tessa started BodyUpWomen.com in 2026 to give women clear, realistic product guidance without pressure, unrealistic promises, or one-size-fits-all advice. Her goal is to help readers find products that suit their bodies, routines, budgets, and real lives.