Combining cloves with baking soda may seem like an unusual pairing, but this powerful combination can work wonders in your home.
Both cloves and baking soda have distinct benefits individually, and when combined, they create a versatile, natural remedy for cleaning, deodorizing, and even pest control.
In this article, we’ll explore the many reasons why you should put cloves in baking soda and how you can use this combination for a variety of household purposes.
The Benefits of Cloves and Baking Soda
Before diving into the specific uses, let’s look at the unique properties of cloves and baking soda and why they work so well together.
Cloves: A Potent Spice with Antimicrobial Properties
Cloves are rich in essential oils, particularly eugenol, which gives them strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. The natural scent of cloves is also effective at repelling insects and pests, making it a great addition to any home.
- Antimicrobial: Cloves help kill bacteria, mold, and fungi, making them ideal for cleaning and deodorizing.
- Pest Repellent: The strong scent of cloves is known to repel common household pests like ants, moths, and flies.
- Deodorizer: Cloves have a pleasant, spicy aroma that can neutralize and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Baking Soda: The All-Purpose Cleaner
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a well-known natural cleaner and deodorizer. Its alkaline properties make it effective at breaking down dirt, grease, and grime, while its mild abrasiveness helps scrub away stubborn stains without damaging surfaces.
- Deodorizer: Baking soda neutralizes odors, making it ideal for use in refrigerators, carpets, and shoes.
- Cleaning Agent: Baking soda’s mildly abrasive texture helps remove dirt and stains from a variety of surfaces.
- Antifungal: Baking soda can inhibit the growth of mold and mildew, making it useful for cleaning damp areas.
Why Combine Cloves and Baking Soda?
When combined, cloves and baking soda create a powerful natural remedy that can be used for a variety of household tasks. Here’s why this combination is so effective:
- Enhanced Deodorizing Power: Baking soda neutralizes odors, while cloves add a pleasant scent and help eliminate odor-causing bacteria and mold.
- Natural Pest Control: The scent of cloves can repel insects like ants, flies, and moths, making this mixture a natural pest deterrent.
- Antimicrobial Cleaning: Cloves’ antimicrobial properties, combined with baking soda’s cleaning power, make this mixture effective for sanitizing and cleaning surfaces.
- Safe and Non-Toxic: Unlike chemical-based cleaners, the combination of cloves and baking soda is safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly.
How to Use Cloves and Baking Soda in Your Home
Here are some practical ways you can use cloves and baking soda to keep your home clean, fresh, and pest-free:
1. Natural Air Freshener and Deodorizer
If you’re looking for a natural way to freshen up your home, the combination of cloves and baking soda is perfect. It absorbs unwanted odors and leaves behind a pleasant, spicy scent.
How to Use:
- Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of ground cloves.
- Place the mixture in small bowls or jars and set them around your home, such as in the living room, kitchen, or bathroom.
- Replace the mixture every 2-3 weeks or as needed to keep your home smelling fresh.
Tip: You can also add a few drops of clove essential oil to the mixture for a stronger scent.
2. Carpet and Upholstery Deodorizer
Sprinkle the mixture on carpets and upholstery to absorb odors and leave behind a fresh scent. It’s an excellent alternative to chemical-based carpet fresheners.
How to Use:
- Combine 1 cup of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of ground cloves.
- Sprinkle the mixture evenly over your carpet or upholstery.
- Let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
Tip: Use this method to eliminate pet odors or freshen up fabrics in your home.
3. Refrigerator and Freezer Deodorizer
Keep your fridge and freezer smelling fresh by placing a bowl of the clove and baking soda mixture inside. It will absorb food odors and add a pleasant scent.
How to Use:
- Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of ground cloves.
- Place the mixture in an open container or bowl, and set it at the back of your fridge or freezer.
- Replace the mixture every month to maintain freshness.
4. Natural Drain Cleaner
Baking soda is already known for its drain-cleaning abilities. Adding cloves can enhance its effectiveness and leave a fresh scent behind.
How to Use:
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of ground cloves down the drain.
- Follow with 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
- Let the mixture bubble and fizz for 5-10 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
Tip: Use this method once a month to prevent clogs and keep your drains smelling fresh.
5. Insect Repellent for Drawers and Closets
Cloves are a natural insect repellent, and when combined with baking soda, they can help keep moths, ants, and other pests out of drawers, closets, and pantry areas.
How to Use:
- Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of ground cloves.
- Place the mixture in small sachets or fabric bags.
- Place the sachets in drawers, closets, or anywhere pests are a problem.
Tip: Replace the sachets every 2-3 months to maintain effectiveness.
6. Cleaning Scrub for Sinks and Tubs
The mild abrasiveness of baking soda makes it perfect for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and countertops. Adding cloves enhances its cleaning power and leaves a fresh scent.
How to Use:
- Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of ground cloves.
- Sprinkle the mixture on surfaces like sinks or tubs.
- Use a damp sponge to scrub away dirt, soap scum, and stains.
Tip: Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry for a clean, fresh finish.
7. Trash Can Deodorizer
Trash cans can harbor unpleasant odors. Use the clove and baking soda mixture to keep them smelling clean and fresh.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of the mixture at the bottom of your trash can before placing a new bag.
- For added effect, sprinkle some baking soda and cloves directly into the trash bag as you add waste.
Tip: This method works well for diaper pails, compost bins, and pet waste containers too.
The combination of cloves and baking soda is a powerful and versatile natural remedy that can be used for cleaning, deodorizing, and even pest control.