4 Secret Uses of Clove Spice You Need to Know
Beyond its familiar role in baking and mulled drinks, clove is a versatile spice with surprising household, wellness, and culinary applications. Here are four lesser-known uses that make it a true pantry powerhouse.
- Natural Ant Repellent & Pest Deterrent
Cloves contain eugenol, a compound that ants and many insects dislike.
How to use:
· Place whole cloves in pantry corners, windowsills, or entry points where ants appear.
· Make a sachet with cloves and dried mint to keep moths out of closets.
· Sprinkle clove powder (or use clove essential oil diluted in water) along trails or nests as a natural, non-toxic repellent.
- Oral Health & Breath Freshener
Long used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine, cloves have antimicrobial and analgesic properties.
How to use:
· Toothache relief: Apply a drop of clove oil on a cotton ball to the affected area (dilute with a carrier oil if sensitive). Do not swallow.
· Homemade mouthwash: Steep a few cloves in hot water, strain, cool, and use as a gargle to reduce bad breath and soothe sore gums.
· Spice-infused breath freshener: Chew on a single whole clove for a minute (then discard) to instantly freshen breath.
- Unexpected Sweet & Savory Flavor Booster
Cloves can add depth where you least expect it.
How to use:
· In coffee or tea: Add one whole clove to your coffee grounds or tea infuser for a warm, aromatic note.
· Rich stews & broths: A single clove in beef stew, bean soup, or bone broth enhances savory undertones without overpowering. Remove before serving.
· Fruit compotes: Add 1–2 cloves to simmering apples, pears, or berries for a spiced complexity.
- DIY All-Purpose Cleaner & Deodorizer
Clove’s antiseptic properties and strong, pleasant scent make it useful for cleaning.
How to use:
· Simmer pot deodorizer: Boil a handful of cloves with citrus peels and cinnamon sticks to neutralize cooking odors.
· Surface spray: Steep 10–12 cloves in 2 cups of white vinegar for a week. Strain, dilute with water, and use as an antibacterial kitchen or bathroom spray.
· Fridge/freshener sachet: Place dried orange peel and cloves in a small muslin bag to absorb odors in shoes, closets, or cars.
Important Precautions:
· Clove oil is highly concentrated—always dilute before topical use and avoid contact with eyes.
· Not recommended for pregnant women or young children in concentrated forms.
· For medicinal use, consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
Clove is far more than a holiday spice—it’s an affordable, natural, and effective tool for health, home, and cooking. Try these clever uses and you’ll never look at this tiny spice the same way again!