Does Home Depot Sell Cedarwood Oil? Real Products & Prices

Yes, Home Depot sells cedarwood oil, both a pure wood-care oil and a fragrance-blend essential oil, but it’s not filed under one single label. Look for Giles and Kendall Cedar Oil (8 oz, around $28, pure steam-distilled cedar oil for reviving cedar wood) in the cleaning/wood-care aisle, and HoMedics Vanilla Cedarwood Essential Oil (15 mL or 120 mL) in the home fragrance section. Here’s exactly what’s on the shelf and how to use whichever bottle you end up with.

Hello, fellow makers! Md Meraj here. Most “cedarwood oil at Home Depot” guides just tell you to “check the paint aisle” and leave it at that. I actually pulled up Home Depot’s own product listings to confirm what’s really carried right now, under what names, and roughly what it costs, so you’re not wandering the store guessing. Then I’ll show you what to actually do with a bottle once you’ve got one.

Does Home Depot Sell Cedarwood Oil? Here’s What’s Actually In Stock

Home Depot carries two genuinely different products under the “cedarwood oil” umbrella, and mixing them up is the most common mistake:

• Giles and Kendall 8 oz. Cedar Oil (model OIL008, roughly $28) – 100% pure oil steam-distilled from aromatic cedar wood, made to revive the scent and grain of real cedar chests, closets, and blocks. This is the one you want for wood care and pest-repelling projects. It’s typically stocked with cleaning and wood-care products, not the paint department.
• HoMedics Vanilla Cedarwood Essential Oil (15 mL for about $15, or 120 mL for about $35) – a vanilla-cedarwood fragrance blend meant for diffusers and home scenting, shelved in the home decor/fragrance section, not with wood-care products. It smells nice but it’s a blend, not a pure cedar oil for DIY use.

Store layouts and stock vary by location, and the exact aisle number isn’t something Home Depot publishes centrally, so your fastest move is to search the item on the Home Depot app before you drive over. It’ll show you real-time local stock and the exact department, which beats guessing at the store.

If neither is in stock near you, or you want a larger, lab-tested pure oil for the DIY projects below, that’s exactly the gap the pick below fills.

Whichever bottle you end up with, here’s what it’s actually good for around the house and workshop.

What Exactly is Cedarwood Oil?

Cedarwood oil is extracted from the wood of cedar trees, usually from the sawdust and offcuts left over from lumber milling, through a gentle process called steam distillation. That’s why it smells like a freshly opened cedar chest, because it’s essentially that scent in concentrated liquid form. For centuries it’s been used for its aroma and its very real practical benefits: repelling insects, discouraging mildew, and creating a calm, grounded scent in a room.

For DIYers, one small bottle can replace a furniture polish, a moth repellent, and an air freshener. It’s natural, effective, and now that you know exactly which Home Depot product to grab, easy to find on your next trip.

A Natural Polish to Revive Your Wood

Tired of dull, dry-looking wood furniture? Skip the waxy, chemical-filled sprays. Cedarwood oil conditions and protects wood: it seeps into the grain, moisturizes the wood fibers to prevent cracking, and leaves behind a subtle sheen that makes the natural grain pop, like giving your wooden furniture a refreshing drink of water.

DIY Cedarwood Furniture Polish Recipe

Making your own wood polish is easy and often works better than store-bought options, because you know exactly what’s in it. Here’s my favorite simple recipe:

1. Gather Your Supplies: a clean glass jar, 1/2 cup of mineral oil (or fractionated coconut oil), and about 10-15 drops of 100% pure cedarwood oil.
2. Mix the Ingredients: Pour the mineral oil into your jar, add the cedarwood oil, cap it tightly, and shake well.
3. Apply to Wood: Put a small amount of your new polish onto a soft, clean cloth (an old t-shirt works great).
4. Polish Gently: Rub it into your wood furniture following the direction of the grain, using gentle circular motions, and let it sit about 10 minutes to soak in.
5. Buff to a Shine: With a second clean, dry cloth, buff the surface until it has a warm, lovely glow.

This polish works well on dining tables, wooden chairs, bookcases, and even wooden tool handles. Always test any new polish on a small, hidden spot first.

Your Best Defense Against Moths and Pests

One of cedar’s best-known powers is repelling pests. Moths, carpet beetles, and even spiders can’t stand the smell, which is why cedar closets and chests have been used for generations to protect woolens and linens. You can get the same benefit from a bottle of oil without rebuilding your closet.

Simple, Chemical-Free Pest Control

• Closets and Drawers: Put a few drops onto a cotton ball or a small, unfinished block of wood, and tuck it into the corners of drawers, closets, or storage bins.
• Refresh Cedar Blocks: If your cedar blocks or hangers have lost their scent, lightly sand the surface to expose fresh wood, then rub in a few drops of cedarwood oil to bring them back to life.
• DIY Pest-Repellent Spray: Mix 1 cup of water with 15-20 drops of cedarwood oil in a spray bottle, shake well before each use, and lightly mist along baseboards, pantry corners, and window sills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), cedarwood oil is registered as a minimum-risk pesticide known for its repellent qualities.

It’s a much safer, more pleasant alternative to smelly, toxic mothballs, especially with kids or pets in the house.

Cedarwood Oil vs. Chemical Mothballs

Feature	Cedarwood Oil	Chemical Mothballs
Scent	Pleasant, fresh, woodsy	Harsh, chemical odor
Safety	Generally safe around kids and pets (use caution with cats)	Contains toxic chemicals; harmful if ingested
Ingredients	Natural, plant-derived	Naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene
Environmental Impact	Biodegradable and eco-friendly	Can contaminate soil and water

Deodorize and Refresh Your Entire Home

Beyond its practical uses, cedarwood oil just smells clean and comforting. Its grounding, earthy aroma eliminates musty or stale odors instead of just masking them, leaving your home smelling like a walk through a quiet forest.

Easy Ways to Create a Calming Atmosphere

• Homemade Room Spray: Use the same recipe as the pest-repellent spray above. Spray it into the air, or lightly mist it on fabric surfaces like curtains or upholstered furniture (test a small spot first).
• Diffuser Magic: If you have an essential oil diffuser, 5-7 drops of cedarwood oil is one of the easiest ways to fill a room with the scent, especially calming in a bedroom or living area.
• Carpet Freshener: Mix about 20 drops of cedarwood oil into one cup of baking soda, sprinkle it over carpets, let it sit 15-20 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
• Trash Can Deodorizer: A few drops on a cotton ball placed at the bottom of your trash can (under the bag) helps neutralize odors.

A Helper for Your Outdoor and Garden Projects

Cedarwood oil’s benefits don’t stop at the door. Its natural water-repellent and pest-deterring properties make it handy for outdoor and garden applications too.

Protecting Outdoor Wood

For smaller outdoor projects like planters, birdhouses, or untreated patio furniture, cedarwood oil offers a light layer of protection. Mix about 1 part cedarwood oil with 4 parts linseed oil or tung oil to create a simple, natural finish that helps repel water and deters surface mildew. Wipe it onto clean, dry wood with a rag, let it soak in, then wipe away the excess. For heavy-duty protection on a deck or fence, use a dedicated outdoor sealant instead; cedarwood oil is better suited to smaller items and refreshing existing cedar.

A Gardener’s Secret Weapon

Cedarwood oil can also help deter certain unwanted visitors from non-edible plants. Mix about 20 drops of oil per 16 ounces of water with a small drop of dish soap to help it blend, then spray it around the base of ornamental plants to discourage slugs, snails, and other crawlers. The National Pesticide Information Center notes that essential oils like cedarwood can play a role in an integrated pest management strategy.

Outdoor Cedarwood Oil Applications

Project	Application Method	Benefit
Wooden Planter Boxes	Wipe on a mix of cedarwood and linseed oil	Helps repel moisture and resist rot
Garden Tool Handles	Rub in a small amount of pure oil	Conditions the wood and deters pests
Patio Table (Untreated)	Apply with a cloth as a light polish	Enhances wood grain and repels insects

Safety First: Using Cedarwood Oil The Right Way

As with any tool in the workshop, using cedarwood oil safely matters. It’s natural, but it’s also concentrated and potent.

• Always Dilute for Sprays: Never use undiluted oil in a spray bottle; always mix it with water or a carrier oil like mineral or coconut oil.
• Pets and Oil: Be cautious around pets. It’s generally safer than chemical products, but some animals, especially cats, are very sensitive to essential oils. Check with your veterinarian before using it extensively in a home with cats.
• Do a Patch Test: Before applying it to a large piece of furniture or fabric, test a small, inconspicuous area first to rule out discoloration.
• Ensure Good Ventilation: Open a window and let fresh air circulate when applying or spraying indoors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Home Depot really sell cedarwood oil?

Yes. Home Depot carries Giles and Kendall 8 oz. Cedar Oil, a pure wood-care oil, and HoMedics Vanilla Cedarwood Essential Oil in 15 mL and 120 mL sizes, a fragrance blend for diffusers. They’re shelved in different sections (wood-care/cleaning versus home fragrance), so check the Home Depot app for local stock before your trip.

Is cedarwood oil from Home Depot the same as essential oil?

It depends which one you grab. The Giles and Kendall product is steam-distilled from real cedar wood, similar in origin to a therapeutic-grade essential oil, but packaged for household and wood-care use. The HoMedics option is a vanilla-cedarwood fragrance blend, not a pure single-note oil. If you want it for DIY wood or pest projects, look for “100% pure cedarwood oil” or “cedar oil” on the label rather than a fragrance blend.

Can I use cedarwood oil to treat my entire deck?

I wouldn’t recommend it as a primary sealant. It offers some moisture and pest resistance, but it isn’t durable enough to protect a large, high-exposure surface like a deck. Use a proper deck stain or sealant designed for heavy outdoor use instead; save cedarwood oil for smaller projects and refreshing existing cedar.

Is cedarwood oil safe for my pets?

For dogs, cedarwood oil is often used in natural flea and tick repellents and is generally considered safe when properly diluted. Cats lack a specific liver enzyme and can have a harder time metabolizing essential oils, making them more sensitive. It’s best to avoid diffusers or sprays in homes with cats, and always consult your vet.

How long does the moth-repellent smell last?

The scent from a few drops on a cotton ball or wooden block can last several weeks to a few months, depending on air circulation. When you can no longer smell it easily, it’s time to reapply. Refreshing your cedar blocks or cotton balls every 2-3 months is a good practice.

Can I mix cedarwood oil with my paint or stain?

It’s not a good idea to mix essential oils directly into commercial paints or stains. Doing so can affect the product’s chemical composition, drying time, and overall durability. Stick to using cedarwood oil for polishing, cleaning, or creating your own simple oil finishes.

Your New Secret Weapon in the Workshop

There you have it: that humble bottle of cedarwood oil at Home Depot, whichever version you pick up, is so much more than an air freshener. It’s a genuinely useful tool for polishing and protecting wood projects, keeping pests out of your home naturally, and creating a clean, welcoming environment for your family.

It’s affordable, effective, and made from nature. By adding it to your DIY arsenal, you’re choosing a simpler, more resourceful way to care for your home and creations. So on your next trip, pick up the right bottle for the job. Happy building!