How to Boil Cloves for the Smell
The scent of cloves is warm and evocative of holiday cheer. Synthetic air fresheners try to capture this, but sometimes have an unappealing, artificial note. Boiling cloves as an air freshener is perfect for those who want to reduce the use of synthetic fragrances in the home, as these can be irritating to sensitive people. Cloves also blend well with other natural air fresheners, such as citrus peel and cinnamon. If you need to dispel cooking odors or want to fill your home with an enticing aroma without having to bake, cloves offer a soothing and inviting scent.
Step 1
Pour three cups of water into a saucepan. Add three tablespoons of cloves.
Step 2
Place the saucepan on medium heat. Bring to a boil.
Step 3
Reduce to a simmer. Turn the heat down to its lowest setting for the cloves to continue releasing their scent. Refill the saucepan whenever there is less than two inches of liquid in the pot.
Step 4
Turn off the heat when you no longer want the clove scent to be released. Allow the liquid to cool before removing the cloves.
References
Tips
- If you like the smell of cloves in your home, buy them in bulk at spice markets or in South Asian grocery stores. Prices for cloves from national brands can be too high to use them for freshening the air.
- The clove-infused water can be used as a rinse for brown hair, to enhance shine and color.
- Clove also blends well with lemon or orange peel, allspice, cinnamon and cardamom for a rich, slightly exotic scent.
Warnings
- Do not leave a pot on the stove unattended.
Writer Bio
Nakia Jackson has written for online publications since 2006, including columns for Sadie Magazine, Naseeb and Muslim Wake Up!. She has written on religion and beauty, crafts and music. Jackson's expertise stems from personal experience and her years at Berklee College of Music, pursuing a Bachelor of Music.
Photo Credits
- Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
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