Have you ever walked into your grandma’s kitchen and noticed an onion pierced with cloves sitting on the counter? It might seem like an odd tradition, but this simple, old-school trick has some surprising benefits! When I first saw my grandmother doing it, I was confused. But when I discovered why she did it, I was completely blown away! Now, I use this trick myself, and I absolutely love the results.
From naturally freshening the air to keeping insects away, this method has been used for generations. But why does it work? Let’s break it down and explore the fascinating reasons behind this easy yet powerful household hack.
Why Stick Cloves into an Onion?
The combination of onion and cloves creates a powerhouse of natural benefits. Cloves are known for their strong, aromatic properties, and onions contain sulfur compounds that have antibacterial and antifungal properties. When combined, these two ingredients can be used for various purposes around the home and garden.
1. A Natural Air Freshener
One of the main reasons people use this trick is to neutralize bad odors. Onions are known for absorbing strong smells, while cloves have a warm, spicy scent that helps freshen the air. By sticking a few cloves into an onion, you can create a natural deodorizer that absorbs unwanted smells while releasing a pleasant aroma.
👉 How to Use It:
- Place the clove-studded onion in areas with strong odors, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or pantry.
- It helps eliminate smells from garbage bins, refrigerators, and even pet areas.
2. A Powerful Insect Repellent
If you struggle with flies, mosquitoes, or ants, this trick is a game-changer! Cloves contain eugenol, a natural compound that repels insects, while onions have sulfur compounds that discourage pests.
👉 How to Use It:
- Place the onion with cloves near windows, doors, or any place where bugs enter your home.
- This method is completely natural, meaning you can avoid toxic chemicals in commercial insect repellents.
3. A Cold and Flu Remedy
Onions and cloves both have antibacterial and antiviral properties. In the past, people placed a clove-studded onion by the bedside to help reduce congestion and boost immunity. Some even believed that onions could absorb toxins from the air and help prevent illnesses.
👉 How to Use It:
- Place the onion near your bed while sleeping to ease breathing and fight congestion.
- For extra relief, boil the onion and cloves in water and inhale the steam.
4. Extends the Life of Onions
Did you know this trick can also prevent onions from rotting too quickly? Cloves act as a natural preservative by absorbing excess moisture and reducing bacterial growth, helping your onions last longer.
👉 How to Use It:
- Store a clove-studded onion in your pantry to keep other onions fresh for longer.
5. A Kitchen Hack to Prevent Crying While Cutting Onions
Have you ever teared up while chopping onions? This happens because onions release a sulfur-based gas that irritates your eyes. However, cloves can help reduce the intensity of these gases, making chopping onions much more bearable.
👉 How to Use It:
- Before cutting an onion, stick a few cloves in it and let it sit for 10 minutes. This will reduce the gases that cause eye irritation.
6. A Natural Room Freshener for the Holidays
During the winter months, people often use this trick to create a festive and cozy atmosphere. The combination of spicy cloves and pungent onion makes a unique, earthy scent that reminds many people of old-fashioned holiday traditions.
👉 How to Use It:
- Add a clove-studded onion to your kitchen or living room for a warm, inviting aroma.
- You can also use this trick with oranges instead of onions for a sweeter scent.
How to Make a Clove-Studded Onion
Making your own clove-studded onion is incredibly easy! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
What You’ll Need:
✅ 1 medium-sized onion
✅ 10-20 whole cloves
Steps:
1️⃣ Choose a firm, fresh onion without any soft spots.
2️⃣ Take whole cloves and gently push them into the onion’s skin.
3️⃣ Space them evenly around the onion for maximum effectiveness.
4️⃣ Place the onion in your desired location—kitchen, bedroom, pantry, or window.
5️⃣ Replace the onion every 1-2 weeks or when it starts to dry out.
Bonus: Other Uses for Cloves and Onions
Looking for more ways to use onions and cloves around your home? Try these extra tricks!
🧅 Onion & Clove Tea for Colds
- Boil 1 chopped onion and 5 cloves in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink with honey to relieve congestion and sore throat.
🛡️ Onion & Clove Spray for Pest Control
- Blend 1 onion with water and 10 cloves.
- Strain and pour into a spray bottle.
- Use as a natural pesticide on garden plants to repel aphids and mites.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, the simplest tricks are the most effective! This clove-studded onion technique has been passed down for generations, and now you know why! Whether you’re using it to freshen the air, keep insects away, boost immunity, or extend the life of your onions, this hack is a must-try.
Now it’s your turn! Have you ever tried this before? If not, will you give it a shot? Drop a comment below and share your experience! 👇👇