Cloves in the Onion: A Traditional Home Trick for a Fresher, Healthier Home

For many families, especially in colder seasons, this mixture is placed in bedrooms or living rooms. Traditionally, it is believed to help create a more comfortable atmosphere when the air is dry or when people are sensitive to dust or pollen.

Again, this is not a medical treatment, but many households use it as a natural way to:

  • feel more comfortable breathing

  • reduce stale air

  • keep rooms smelling clean

  • encourage a sense of freshness when windows are closed

Many people place a clove-studded onion next to their bed at night, claiming it gives the room a soothing aroma.


3. Helps Reduce Unpleasant Kitchen Odors

Cooking certain foods—like fish, fried dishes, or strong spices—often leaves stubborn smells in the kitchen.
A simple trick is to place an onion with cloves next to the stove or sink to help balance the air.

Here’s why many believe it works:

  • The onion acts like a sponge, absorbing nearby smells.

  • The cloves slowly release their aroma to neutralize strong odors.

This makes it a popular trick among people who prefer natural alternatives instead of chemical odor eliminators.


4. A Decorative and Aromatic Touch

Beyond its practical uses, onions decorated with cloves can actually look beautiful. Many people carve patterns or place cloves in artistic designs, turning the onion into a natural decoration.

Some people use it during:

  • holiday seasons

  • family gatherings

  • festive dinners

It adds both scent and a rustic, cozy look to the table or room.


5. A Fun DIY Project With Kids

Since this trick is simple and safe, many parents use it as a fun activity with children. Kids enjoy pressing cloves into the onion and creating shapes, patterns, or even little characters.

It’s:

  • easy

  • inexpensive

  • screen-free

  • sensory-stimulating

And at the end, they’ve created a natural air freshener themselves.


How to Make Your Own Clove-Studded Onion

Here is a simple step-by-step method to try at home:

You Need:

  • 1 medium onion

  • A handful of whole cloves

  • A small plate or bowl

Steps:

  1. Peel the outer dry layer of the onion.

  2. Use a small knife to make tiny holes (optional).

  3. Insert whole cloves into the onion in any pattern you like.

  4. Place it on a plate in the area you want to freshen.

You can replace the onion every 2–4 days depending on humidity and smell.


6. Why Some People Believe It Helps the Respiratory Environment

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