Mixing baking soda and cloves is a classic, cost-effective “home hack” that relies on the natural chemistry of these two simple ingredients. While viral videos often present this as a “secret,” it is actually a wonderful example of using traditional knowledge to replace expensive, chemical-heavy household products.
The effectiveness of this duo comes down to a simple balance: Baking soda is a master at neutralizing and absorbing acidic odors, while cloves provide a warm, antibacterial aroma that naturally refreshes the air.
Three Ways to Use Baking Soda and Cloves
1. The Passive Air Freshener
This is the most common use. Commercial “plug-ins” and sprays can be expensive and contain synthetic fragrances.
How to do it: Fill a small glass jar halfway with baking soda and place 5–10 whole cloves on top.
Why it works: The baking soda pulls bad smells (like those from cooking or pets) out of the air, while the cloves slowly release their spicy, clean scent.
Where to put it: In the bathroom, inside a musty closet, or near your kitchen trash can.
2. Natural Pest Deterrent
Many small household pests, such as ants and certain types of beetles, are highly sensitive to strong scents.
How to do it: Mix ground cloves with baking soda and sprinkle it lightly along baseboards or in the back of pantry shelves.
Why it works: Cloves contain eugenol, a natural compound that insects find repulsive. The baking soda acts as a carrier and helps keep the area dry, which further discourages pests.
3. Shoe and Fabric Deodorizer
Instead of buying pricey deodorizing balls or sprays, you can make your own reusable sachets.
How to do it: Fill a small cloth pouch or a clean old sock with baking soda and a few crushed cloves.
Why it works: Placing these in your shoes or gym bag overnight allows the baking soda to absorb moisture and the cloves to kill odor-causing bacteria.
A Warming Clove-Spiced Treat
Since you are looking to save money and use what you have in the pantry, this traditional recipe turns basic ingredients into a comforting, aromatic snack.
Spiced “Pantry” Shortbread
This recipe is simple, inexpensive, and uses the warmth of cloves to create a high-end flavor.
Ingredients:
1 cup plain flour
1/2 cup butter (softened)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
A tiny pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 160°C.
In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Sift in the flour, ground cloves, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Press the dough into a small square baking tin (about 1cm thick). Use a fork to prick the surface in a decorative pattern.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until just golden around the edges.
While still warm, cut into fingers or squares, then let them cool completely in the tin to crisp up.