Tired of pesky bugs in your home but don’t want to spray toxic chemicals everywhere? You’re not alone. Many people are switching to safer, natural alternatives—and one of the most powerful yet forgotten insect repellents is probably in your spice rack: cloves.
For generations, cloves have been used as a household remedy to repel flies, ants, moths, mosquitoes, and other insects. Not only are they incredibly effective, but they also leave your home smelling warm and inviting.
In this article, you’ll discover exactly how to use cloves with common household items like soap and vinegar to make your own insect-repelling bars and sprays. These easy DIY solutions are decorative, affordable, and eco-friendly—just like grandma used to make.
If you love natural living and want more pest-free ideas, check out sustainable DIY tips on Secrets of the Green Garden where green living meets modern life.
Let’s dive into why cloves work and how you can start using them today.
🧪 What Is the Clove Insect Repellent Method?
The clove insect repellent trick is a natural method that combines whole cloves with other household ingredients like soap, vinegar, and water to create a multi-purpose bug deterrent. These simple solutions help to:
- Repel a variety of insects naturally
- Eliminate odors in the home
- Add a pleasant, spicy scent to any space
- Decorate corners and surfaces with purpose
Cloves contain eugenol, a powerful compound that repels insects by interfering with their ability to detect scents. It doesn’t harm them—it simply makes your space inhospitable so they go elsewhere.
When used properly, cloves can help you control indoor pests without introducing synthetic chemicals into your living environment. It’s especially useful in kitchens, closets, bathrooms, trash areas, and near windows where bugs love to gather.
🧼 Step-by-Step Guide: 3 Easy Ways to Use Cloves Against Insects
You don’t need to be a DIY expert to create these homemade clove repellents. Below are three simple but effective methods using ingredients you already have at home.
1. Clove-Stuffed Soap Bar
This trick is both decorative and functional.
Ingredients:
- 1 bar of neutral-scented soap
- 25–30 whole cloves
Instructions:
- Take a dry bar of soap and gently insert whole cloves into the surface. Space them evenly.
- Place the soap in high-risk areas like windowsills, bathroom corners, near trash bins, or inside closets.
- The combination of the soap base and the aroma of cloves slowly releases a fragrance that insects dislike.
- Replace the soap or cloves every 4–6 weeks when the scent fades.
Tip: Use glycerin soap for easy insertion and a clear aesthetic.
2. Clove and Vinegar All-Purpose Spray
Perfect for kitchens, baseboards, and countertops, this spray cleans and repels bugs.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of hot water
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 2–3 tablespoons of whole cloves
Instructions:
- Heat the water and vinegar mixture until warm (not boiling).
- Add the cloves and let them steep for 15–20 minutes.
- Strain the liquid into a spray bottle.
- Spray around corners, floor edges, behind appliances, along doors, or even on trash cans.
Optional: Add a drop of dish soap to help the spray cling to surfaces.
3. Multi-Surface Clove Aroma Mist
Use this version to freshen up fabrics, furniture, curtains, and bedding.
Ingredients:
- 150 ml of water
- 1 handful of cloves
- 3–4 tablespoons of white vinegar
- 200 ml of rubbing alcohol (or vodka)
- 50 ml of natural fabric softener
Instructions:
- Boil water with the cloves for 5 minutes.
- Let it cool completely and strain out the solids.
- Mix the liquid with vinegar, alcohol, and softener.
- Pour into a spray bottle.
- Mist lightly over your fabric surfaces, closets, and airspace.
Tip: Always spot test fabrics before using the spray heavily.
❌ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using cloves at home is simple, but there are a few things to avoid to get the best results.
Mistake 1: Using stale or old cloves
Cloves lose potency over time. If they don’t have a strong scent, they won’t repel anything.
Solution: Use fresh, aromatic cloves for maximum effectiveness.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to refresh the mixture
Whether in spray or soap form, cloves lose strength after a few weeks.
Solution: Refresh sprays weekly and replace soaps every month.
Mistake 3: Over-spraying on delicate surfaces
Vinegar and alcohol may stain certain fabrics or finishes.
Solution: Always test a small hidden area before wide application.
Mistake 4: Assuming this kills insects
Clove is a repellent, not an insecticide.
Solution: Use this as a prevention method alongside good hygiene and other natural controls.
Mistake 5: Placing clove-soap near food
Soap and essential oils shouldn’t be in direct contact with food items.
Solution: Place them in corners, windows, or enclosed storage—not food prep zones.
🌟 Benefits of Using Cloves to Repel Insects
1. Safe and non-toxic
Cloves are food-safe and harmless to humans and pets when used correctly. Unlike chemical sprays, they don’t pollute indoor air or leave toxic residues.
2. Multi-insect defense
They help repel a variety of pests: mosquitoes, fruit flies, moths, ants, and even cockroaches.
3. Pleasant scent
Clove’s warm, spicy aroma creates a cozy home atmosphere, especially when combined with other natural ingredients like cinnamon or citrus.
4. Budget-friendly
Cloves and vinegar cost very little and last a long time, making this method affordable for anyone.
5. Decorative appeal
Clove-studded soaps look charming and can match your bathroom or kitchen decor.
6. Eco-friendly and zero waste
Reduce reliance on aerosol sprays and plastic packaging. You can even compost used cloves.
🌍 Seasonal and Regional Usage Tips
Spring and Summer
Bugs are more active. Use clove spray more often—every 2 to 3 days. Place soaps near doors and open windows.
Fall and Winter
Insects decrease, but rodents may show up. Clove scent may deter them too. Refresh soap and mist every 2–3 weeks.
In humid regions
Vinegar sprays help deter both insects and mold. Reapply daily in high-moisture zones like bathrooms or basements.
In dry climates
Soap bars last longer and don’t degrade quickly. Mist furniture and fabrics lightly to preserve fragrance.
In urban settings
Use the spray near garbage bins, floorboards, and pantry corners where bugs love to hide.
🧰 Tools and Materials Checklist with Emojis
🧼 Bar soap (mild, unscented)
🌿 Whole cloves (fresh, aromatic)
🍶 White vinegar
💧 Clean water
🫗 Spray bottle
🔥 Saucepan or kettle
🧻 Strainer or cheesecloth
🧴 Rubbing alcohol (optional for quick evaporation)
🧂 Measuring spoons
Keep all materials labeled and out of reach of small children or pets.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do cloves actually repel insects?
Cloves contain a compound called eugenol, which disrupts insects’ sense of smell and repels them from treated areas.
Q: Is clove soap really effective?
Yes. When cloves are embedded in soap and left in strategic places, they release aroma slowly and continuously, keeping bugs away.
Q: Can I use clove spray on my mattress or curtains?
You can, but always do a fabric test first. Alcohol and vinegar may discolor certain fabrics.
Q: Will this work against fruit flies?
Absolutely. Clove’s scent disrupts the flies’ ability to locate fruit or sugar, helping reduce their presence.
Q: Can I use ground cloves instead of whole cloves?
Whole cloves work best. Ground cloves can clog spray bottles and don’t release scent as gradually.
Q: Is this method child and pet friendly?
Yes—if used responsibly. Keep sprays out of reach and don’t allow pets to chew clove-stuffed soap.
Q: How long does the effect last?
Clove sprays last 3–5 days per application. Clove soap bars remain effective for about 4–6 weeks before needing replacement.
💬 Final Thoughts: A Simple Trick That Works
Sometimes, the oldest solutions are still the best. Using cloves as a natural insect repellent is one of those age-old home hacks that really works. It’s safe, smells great, and helps you maintain a cleaner, more peaceful home without relying on harsh chemicals.
Whether you use the clove-soap trick in the bathroom or a vinegar-based spray in the kitchen, you’ll love the results—and your guests will love the fresh scent too.
Have you tried cloves to repel bugs? Tell us in the comments! Share your favorite method, ask a question, or even upload a picture of your DIY clove creations.
Don’t forget to share this article with other nature lovers. And for more natural living tricks, visit Secrets of the Green Garden and explore eco-friendly guides, remedies, and plant care ideas that make every home greener 🌿