cedar chest and quilts
 

I have an old cedar chest, was wondering if it is ok to store my quilts in it. What do you think? Is it safe?

I don't think so.

If you line the cedar chest with muslin, it would be okay. Alternatively, place quilts inside pillowcases. Cedar chests, as is the case with all wood products (cardboard, tissue paper, etc.), leaks an acid that will gradually eat fabric. Many vintage quilts that were stored unprotected in cedar chests come out with "rust" lines along the folds where the fabric touched the wood; that is the beginning of the acid damage.

If you encase your quilts in pillowcases and take them out every year or so to wash the pillowcases (and refold the quilts along different lines), you would be okay.

Well, I am surprised. I don't have a cedar chest, but I know that is where my grandmother kept all of hers. Guess that wasn't such a good idea. I learn something every day.

Dina

Dina, that makes two of us!

As I understand it, the purpose of cedar chests was storage that would be free of moths and other bugs that might damage the items.
I think if you make sure the item is not touching the wood then it would still be a very desirable way of storing your quilts.

my mother stored family air looms in a cedar chest for 50 years, never took them out except to brag. at that time she would wash them, "because people had touched them," refolded the items put them back in the cedar chest and closed the top. we never noticed any damage. she has been gone over 30 years and I haven't noticed any since I've had the cedar chest.

Cedar chests, cedar-protected storage in general, are excellent protection against moths and other kinds of insect damage. I have never heard of 'leakage' damage at all. I highly recommend cedar.

Even storing fabric in cardboard can cause stains (ask me how I know). I would agree, have a layer between the quilt and the raw wood.

From HGTV.com

Be aware that cedar stains.
If you are storing clothing in a cedar chest or another wooden container, be sure to line it with acid-free paper, muslin or even old, clean, cotton bed sheets. This will keep the wood from contacting the clothing directly, which could stain or damage the item.