My grandma stores her gold jewelry in clove water—and when I saw the result, I was stunned ✨🧼 But that’s just one of the genius things cloves can do. From banishing pests to making your whole house smell amazing, this humble spice is packed with surprising uses 🧂💡 Full list in this article 👇
Cloves are more than just a kitchen spice—they’re a powerful tool for everyday household hacks. With their bold scent and natural antiseptic qualities, cloves can solve a surprising number of problems around the home.
1. A Natural Solution for Pests
Cloves are a great way to keep insects at bay—no chemicals needed:
Moths: Place a few dried cloves inside your closets or dresser drawers. Their strong aroma helps repel moths and keeps your clothes safe.
Ants: Sprinkle some ground cloves where ants tend to appear. The scent confuses their trails and encourages them to move on.
Fruit flies: Fill a small dish with apple cider vinegar and drop in a few whole cloves. The smell attracts the flies, but the setup traps them inside.
2. Say Goodbye to Bad Smells
Thanks to their powerful scent, cloves can help neutralize unpleasant odors around the house:
In the fridge: Leave a small bowl of dried cloves on a shelf to absorb lingering smells from food.
In the trash bin: Drop a few cloves at the bottom of the can before placing a new bag—it’ll help keep bad smells under control.
In shoes: Sprinkle some ground cloves inside your shoes and leave them overnight for a natural deodorizing effect.
3. A Cozy Home Scent Without Synthetic Air Fresheners
Want your home to smell warm and welcoming? Cloves can do the trick:
Aroma lamps: Add a few drops of clove oil to water in an aroma diffuser to create a rich, comforting scent.
DIY sachets: Mix dried cloves with lavender and cinnamon in small fabric bags. Place them in drawers or hang them in closets for a natural, pleasant fragrance.
4. A Gentle Jewelry Cleaner
This is the secret my grandmother swears by—and the one that surprised me most. She soaks her gold jewelry in warm water with crushed cloves. After 5 to 10 minutes, she rinses each piece and wipes it down with a soft cloth. The result? A noticeable, natural shine without any harsh chemicals.
5. Nail Care That Actually Works
Cloves can also give your nails a boost:
Add a few drops of clove oil to a bowl of warm water.
Soak your fingers for 10 to 15 minutes.
This simple clove soak helps strengthen nails, prevent brittleness, and leaves them looking healthier.
