I have a habit of trying old home remedies that most people have forgotten about. Most of them do not work. But every once in a while, I stumble onto something that changes the way I think about the ingredients sitting in my kitchen.
This was one of those times.
I had a jar of whole cloves that I used for tea and a bottle of white vinegar under the sink for cleaning. I had never thought to put them together. Then a friend from the Caribbean told me about a traditional infusion her grandmother used for everything from sore muscles to cleaning solutions. She said to fill a jar with whole cloves, cover them with white vinegar, and let them sit for two weeks.
I tried it. The result was so useful that I now keep a jar of clove-infused vinegar in my home at all times.
What Happens When You Steep Cloves in White Vinegar
White vinegar is a mild acid that slowly extracts the active compounds from the cloves, particularly eugenol, which is one of the most potent natural antiseptics and anti-inflammatories. The longer the cloves steep, the more eugenol and other beneficial compounds are released into the vinegar.
The result is a dark amber liquid that smells warm and spicy, with a faint sharpness from the vinegar. It has multiple uses around the home and for your body.
How to Make Clove-Infused Vinegar
Take a clean glass jar and fill it about halfway with whole cloves. Pour white vinegar over the cloves until they are completely submerged. Close the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks. Shake it gently every few days. The longer it sits, the more potent it becomes.
After two weeks, the vinegar will have darkened considerably and taken on the distinct aroma of cloves. You can strain out the cloves at this point, or leave them in for continued infusion.
What You Can Use It For
The most common use is as a natural cleaning solution. The clove vinegar cuts through grease and grime while leaving behind a pleasant, spicy scent. It also has mild antimicrobial properties, making it useful for disinfecting kitchen surfaces and cutting boards.
For your body, you can use it as a diluted foot soak to soften calluses and reduce foot odor. The cloves soothe tired muscles while the vinegar helps balance the pH of your skin.
Some people also use it as a scalp rinse to reduce dandruff and promote a healthy scalp. Mix two tablespoons of the infused vinegar with one cup of water and pour it over your hair after shampooing. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse.
What Others Have Noticed
People who have tried this infusion report that their kitchen and bathroom surfaces stay cleaner longer because the clove residue continues to repel bacteria between cleanings. Those who have used it as a foot soak say their feet feel softer and smell fresher after the first soak. The scalp rinse users note a reduction in itchiness and flaking within a few applications.
Why This Will Stay in My Home
I have a jar of clove vinegar steeping on my counter at all times. I use it for cleaning, for my feet when they are tired, and for my scalp when it feels dry. It cost me a handful of cloves and a bottle of vinegar to make something that has replaced several products I used to buy at the store.
The friend who taught me this said her grandmother had been making clove vinegar for decades. She used it for everything. Now I understand why. This simple infusion is one of those forgotten remedies that deserves a permanent place in every home.
If you’re looking for more natural remedies, check out these 9 natural ways to remove plaque and tartar buildup or discover the amazing benefits of castor oil and epsom salt combined.
