Oil of Cloves known by its botanical name as Eugenia caryophyllata is native to Indonesia. The oil is steam distilled from the plant to yield a pale to light yellow flowing liquid. The aroma of Oil of Cloves is typical clove with its warm, rich and comforting aromatics.
Oil of Cloves is an incredibly useful essential oil to have around the home. Its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties make it useful for cleaning, healing, and aromatherapy.
1. Cleaning with Oil of Cloves
For cleaning, Oil of Cloves is most notably known for its effectiveness on mould. Amongst the varied chemical constituents of Oil of Cloves is Eugenol which gives the oil its mould killing capability. For long term or severe mould infestation, we suggest using a higher strength product such as Oil of Cloves Platinum Pro.
Cleaning Mould from Bathroom & Kitchen Surfaces
Prepare a solution of Oil of Cloves, typically ½ to 1 teaspoon of the oil per 1 Litre of water into a spray bottle. Spray over all mouldy and non-mouldy surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom including benchtops, tiles, and shower curtains. Do not use on polymarble surfaces. Leave on the surface for at least one hour and then rinse off residue with water or damp cloth. The spray will also work on grout between tiles and silicon around benchtops. Gently brush with a toothbrush to dislodge mould from these surfaces.
Any staining from the mould left behind after the Oil of Cloves for mould treatment is best cleaned with a product that kills mould and also helps to lift staining such as Oil of Cloves Bathroom, Kitchen & Glass Cleaner.
Cleaning Mould from Walls & Ceilings
Use your solution of diluted Oil of Cloves in a spray bottle to treat mould on internal painted surfaces. Use as a spot treatment on small areas or as an overall treatment on all walls and ceilings in the home. Lightly spray over the area to be treated. Wait for one hour and then wipe over with a damp cloth to remove mould and any residue.
Mould stained painted surfaces can be cleaned with Oil of Cloves Wall & Ceiling Cleaner which works to kill mould and remove staining.
Cleaning Mould from Wooden Floorboards or Wood Furniture
Make sure that wooden surfaces are clean, dry and dust-free to get the best results from your Oil of Cloves solution. Spray the solution onto a soft cloth or soft mop and clean over the surface to be treated. Any residue can be gently removed with a soft clean cloth that has not been used to apply the mould treatment.
Mould staining on wooden surfaces may require sanding and revarnishing to be completely removed.
2. Healing
Oil of Cloves like many essential oils has botanical properties that lend it to promoting natural health.
Dentistry
Oil of Cloves has a traditional and long-standing use in dentistry as an analgesic. A drop of Oil of Cloves on a cotton bud applied to the tooth (not the gum) may help to relieve tooth pain.
Colds & Flu
Due to its antimicrobial and antiviral properties, Oil of Cloves may be useful in relieving cold and flu symptoms. Combining with Tea Tree Essential Oil will boost the cold-fighting properties of this method. Place either 6 drops of Oil of Cloves or 3 drops each of Oil of Cloves and Tea Tree Essential Oil in a large bowl of boiling water. Lean over the bowl at a comfortable distance with a towel over your head to capture the steam. Close your eyes and breathe through your nose for 2-minute intervals.
Do not directly inhale any essential oil undiluted, do not use on children, and do not use when pregnant.
3. Aromatherapy
The warming and uplifting scent of Oil of Cloves make it a natural choice for using alone or in combination with other essential oils for use around the home.
Household Odours
To combat household odours use 2 drops Oil of Cloves and 2 drops Lemon Essential Oil in an oil burner or vaporiser. Using Oil of Cloves in this way will have the added bonus of assisting in killing airborne mould and the combination with the Lemon Essential Oil will give the home a wonderful warm, welcoming, and uplifting aroma.
Scented Candle
The combination of Oil of Cloves with Lemon Essential Oil in candle making makes a delightful fragrant candle for scenting the home.
Insect Repellant
As an alternative to commercial insect sprays, use your Oil of Cloves solution on its own or combine with 1 teaspoon Lavender Essential Oil and spray in and around areas of pest infestation to deter flying insects and ants.
If you have enjoyed this article and would like to share your experience with using Oil of Cloves around the home or have any noval uses for Oil of Cloves we would love to hear from you in our comments section below.
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