Mix baby oil and cloves, and after 10 seconds you will never use anything else in your life. The full article is in the first comment👇💬

 

Why Use Baby Oil + Cloves as a Bug Repellent?

Understanding the logic

When you apply a bug repellent, you’re doing one or more of the following:

• Masking or altering the smells/odours your skin gives off so insects (especially mosquitoes) don’t detect you so easily

• Offering a scent insects dislike (so they avoid landing)

• Providing a barrier or film over your skin that reduces attraction or bite penetration

• Using active compounds that insects find irritating or repulsive

In this case:

• Cloves (the spice) are rich in a compound called eugenol, which has documented insect‑repellent properties. For example, some studies and articles note that clove oil/extracts can repel mosquitoes for several hours. homeremediesseasy.com+2drbarbara.info+2

• Baby oil (typically a mineral‑oil or light carrier oil base) acts as a carrier and film‑forming agent: it helps the clove aroma linger, spreads easily on skin, moisturizes, and slows evaporation. Some write‑ups highlight that the oil “locks in” the clove scent and keeps the skin surface protected. cooking art+1

• Together they provide a natural, relatively gentle alternative to chemical sprays (DEET, synthetic pyrethroids) that many people want to avoid for health or environmental reasons. Articles promoting the recipe mention it being “non‑toxic,” “skin‑friendly,” “budget‑friendly.” greenrecipes.topmyhealth.com+1

What research and anecdote suggest

• Anecdotally, many people online report that cloves repel bugs: e.g., Reddit threads: > “clove water is so amazing!!! you can even use it as mouth wash, you can use it for your hair too!!!” Reddit

• Blog posts and DIY sites report that cloves + oil can keep mosquitoes away for hours. homeremediesseasy.com+1

• However: formal scientific studies on this exact baby oil + whole‑cloves system are limited. The compounds are promising, but the effectiveness may vary by mosquito species, environmental factors, concentration, skin chemistry, etc. So you should treat this as a supplementary approach, not guaranteed.

Why this stands out

• It uses easy‑to‑get ingredients (baby oil + whole cloves)

• It smells pleasant (spicy/clove) compared to many chemical‑sprays

• It may double as a skin‑moisturizer (since baby oil is hydrating)

• It offers a DIY, potentially more eco‑friendly alternative

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Materials, Ingredients & Preparation

What you’ll need

• Whole cloves (not just ground) — the aromatic spice. (20–50 cloves depending on batch size)

• Baby oil (preferably unscented/light, i.e., plain mineral oil or baby‑care oil)

• A clean glass jar with lid for infusion

• Optional: fine‑mesh strainer or cheesecloth (if you want to remove the solid cloves after infusion)

• Optional: small dropper bottle or roll‑on bottle for application

• Optional: additional essential oils (see tweaks below)

Recipe: Basic Baby Oil + Cloves Repellent

Here is a “one batch” version:

Ingredients

• ~½ cup (≈120 mL) baby oil (or up to 1 cup, adjust accordingly)

• ~30 whole cloves (adjust quantity: more cloves = stronger aroma/potential potency)

Instructions

1. Clean the glass jar and make sure it’s dry.

2. Place the whole cloves into the jar.

3. Pour the baby oil over the cloves until they are fully submerged, leaving perhaps ~½ inch of headspace.

4. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place (away from direct heat/light) for 2‑7 days to allow the cloves to infuse their scent and oils into the baby oil. Some sources say 2‑3 days is enough; others suggest up to a week for best effect. greenrecipes.topmyhealth.com+1

5. After infusion, you have two options:

   • Leave the cloves in (for continuing infusion and visual effect)

   • Strain out the cloves using a fine strainer or cheesecloth, then transfer the infused oil into a clean bottle/roll‑on for easier application

6. Label your bottle (e.g., “Clove‑Infused Bug Repellent Oil”) and store in a cool place. Some write‑ups say it can keep for several months if stored well. cooking art

Optional Tweaks & Enhancements

To boost the aroma or “bug‑repellent strength,” you may:

• Add a few drops of essential oils such as citronella, tea tree, lavender, peppermint, lemongrass. Some DIY articles suggest this. greenrecipes.topmyhealth.com+1

• Use a different carrier oil instead of baby oil if you prefer (e.g., fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil) — though shelf life and cost might differ.

• Make a “spray” version: Some blogs mention infusing cloves in alcohol or witch hazel, then mixing into oil for a spray type. For example, use 250 mL alcohol + 40 cloves for 4 days, then strain and add baby oil. يوتيوب+1

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Step‑by‑Step Application & Use

How to apply the clove‑baby oil repellent

1. Patch‑test first: Apply a small amount to a small area of your arm and wait 15–20 minutes to check for any skin reaction (redness, itching).

2. Before outdoor exposure: Apply a thin layer of the infused oil to exposed skin areas: arms, legs, ankles, neck—not inside nose, eyes, lips or mucous membranes. Some sources advise avoiding face if using strong blends. يوتيوب

3. Reapply periodically: Because natural repellents evaporate faster than some synthetic ones, reapply every 2‑3 hours or after heavy sweating, swimming, or wiping skin. Many DIY sources advise this. wo-kidcare.com+1

4. Keep clothing and surroundings bug‑safe: Use in conjunction with other protective measures: long sleeves, light colours, avoiding dusk/dawn in mosquito‑heavy zones, screens on windows, etc.

5. Storage: Keep the infused oil in a closed bottle, stored in a cool dark place, ideally away from sunlight/heat, to preserve potency. Some sites say it lasts up to 6 months. greenrecipes.topmyhealth.com

Tips for Best Protection

• Use quality whole cloves, fresh and aromatic, for better infusion.

• Avoid applying too thickly — thin even layer is sufficient; too much oil may feel heavy, increase sweating or attract dust.

• When outdoors in high‑bug areas (tropical, wetlands, over water), consider layering: this oil + insect‑netting/clothing. Don’t rely solely on any one method.

• After returning indoors, wash off the oil if you will be in air‑conditioned or closed spaces (to avoid residue buildup on skin).

• If you also apply sunscreen or other oils, apply those first, then the clove‑infused oil on top (or vice versa according to your skin preferences), but ensure you’re not diluting the effect by layering heavy scents.

• If you have a baby or young child: be cautious; for infants it’s better to use clothing + nets rather than topical oils. Many natural repellents are not recommended for infants. Parents

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Limitations, Safety, and Realistic Expectations

What it won’t necessarily do

• It likely won’t kill insects on contact. It is more a repellent (deterring insects) rather than pesticide. Many sources emphasize the “keep‑away” rather than “kill on contact” aspect. homeremediesseasy.com+1

• It may not be as long‑lasting or as universally effective as high‑strength synthetic repellents (e.g., high‑percent DEET, permethrin on clothing) especially in extremely mosquito‑heavy areas or disease‑transmission zones.

• The strength of effect depends a lot on concentration, individual skin chemistry, type of insect, environment (wind, humidity, sun, vegetation), so results will vary.

• Don’t expect it to replace all other protective methods (nets, covers, avoiding bites) when risk is high. Use as part of a layered strategy.

Safety considerations

• Patch test first to check for skin sensitivity to clove scent or baby oil. Clove oil (and related compounds) can be irritating in concentrated form.

• Avoid sensitive areas: eyes, inside of nose, mouth, broken skin, infants <2‑3 months, or people with skin conditions without consulting a professional.

• Photosensitivity: some essential oils (if added) can increase sun sensitivity; if you add citrus or other essential oils, be cautious about sun exposure.

• Clean skin before applying: sweat, sunscreen, dirt may reduce efficacy. Clean skin applies the oil more evenly.

• Storage: Keep out of reach of children, ensure the container is stable (oils can be slippery), label clearly.

• Disease risk environments: If you are in a malaria, dengue, Zika or other vector‑borne disease region, rely on tested repellents approved by health authorities (e.g., WHO/CDC recommended). Natural options are helpful, but may not be sufficient alone.

Realistic expectations

• Some users report “pretty good” protection for several hours in moderate bug‑exposure conditions. Others note that in heavy‐infestation zones the effect is less dramatic.

• Because “bugs” covers many species (mosquitoes, flies, ticks, ants), the repellent may work better for some than others. Clove aroma is more clearly associated with mosquitoes/flies.

• The smell: you may notice a clove (spicy) scent on your skin; if you or others are sensitive to fragrances that may matter.

• Moisture/sweat reduces longevity: as you sweat, the oil layer may wear off faster; regain protection by reapplying.

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Putting It All Together: A Typical Use Scenario

Here’s how you might incorporate this repellent into your weekend outdoor outing (for example, a backyard barbecue or early evening patio time).

Morning & Preparation

• Make sure your clove‑infused oil is ready (at least 2‑3 days infusion done).

• Pack a small roll‑on or easy‑apply bottle in your bag.

• Dress in protective clothing: light long‑sleeves, long pants if mosquitoes are active.

• Ensure outdoor lighting and patio screens are insect‑managed.

Pre‑Outdoor Time

• Wash/exfoliate exposed skin lightly (remove build‑up of sweat/oil from earlier).

• Apply sunscreen first (if needed).

• Once sunscreen is dry, apply about a pea‑sized amount of the clove‑infused baby oil to exposed zones: wrists, ankles, neck, forearms. Rub in lightly but evenly.

• Reapply every 2‑3 hours if you’re outside through dusk or in active bug zones.

While Outdoors

• If you start sweating heavily or wipe hands/face often, reapply.

• Avoid heavy scents/perfumes that may attract insects or interfere.

• Use ambient strategies too: keep food covered (flies), use screens or fans (mosquitoes dislike breeze).

After Outdoor Time

• Wash off the oil if indoors for extended time (to avoid oil build‑up, dust, pollution sticking to skin).

• Check skin for any bites or irritation.

• Store your bottle of infused oil in a cool, dark place so it’s ready for next use.

Maintenance

• Top up cloves if you find the scent has weakened (add ~10 fresh cloves to the bottle after some time) or make a fresh batch every few months.

• Observe efficacy: if you notice many bites, you may need alternative or backup repellent.

• Keep logs or notes: location, bug intensity, hours outside, reapplication times — to learn how your DIY repellent performs in your environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use this on kids?
A: Generally yes for older children (e.g., >2 years), but with caution: patch‑test first, avoid face/neck, ensure you’re using a mild, unscented baby oil base, and for infants (<2–3 months) it’s better to rely primarily on clothing, nets, screens. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that natural repellents are not always well‑tested in infants. Parents

Q: Can I use it on my face?
A: You can apply sparingly to outer surfaces (temples, jawline) but avoid the eye area, nostrils/mouth, and broken skin. Because the scent is strong and skin on the face is more sensitive, you might prefer to use clothing or head nets rather than facial application.

Q: What about ticks?
A: This blend is more targeted toward mosquitoes/biting flies rather than ticks. Ticks may require other measures (permethrin‑treated clothing, tick checks). Don’t rely solely on this for tick protection.

Q: Can I skip reapplying?
A: Probably not for optimal protection. Natural repellents evaporate or wear off quicker than some synthetic ones. Reapplication every couple of hours is recommended if you’re in bug‑rich environment.

Q: Does coconut oil or other carrier oil work?
A: Yes, you could substitute a light carrier oil (fractionated coconut, jojoba) if you prefer no mineral oil base. Just know that shelf life, smell, texture and skin‑feel may differ. The “baby oil” base is popular for its neutral scent and film‑forming properties.

Q: Will the cloves stain my skin or clothing?
A: Generally unlikely at the levels used, but test on a small skin/cloth patch if you’re using light‑coloured clothes. Some essential oils or spices can leave faint residues.

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Why You’ll “Love” This DIY Repellent

• Budget‑friendly & simple: Fewer ingredients, easy to source whole cloves + baby oil.

• Pleasant aroma: Unlike many bug sprays that smell chemical, the spicy clove scent is more pleasant and acceptable.

• Skin‑friendly & moisturizing: The oil base leaves skin soft rather than dry or chalky.

• Natural/DIY appeal: If you’re trying to avoid synthetic chemicals (DEET, etc.), this offers an alternative.

• Customizable: You can tweak by adding other natural scents or making roll‑ons.

• Multipurpose: Might also serve as a lightly fragranced body oil when you’re not outside.

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Final Thoughts & Summary

The baby oil & cloves insect‑repellent method is a clever, accessible DIY alternative that harnesses natural aromatic compounds (from cloves) and a carrier oil to create a barrier and scent mask for insects. While you shouldn’t expect it to completely replace high‑performance synthetic repellents in high‑risk areas, for moderate outdoor settings (backyard gatherings, patios, light hiking) it can be a very good option — especially if you value natural solutions and prefer gentle on‑skin formulas.

To make it work best:

• Follow the infusion and application steps carefully

• Patch test and use responsibly, especially on children or sensitive skin

• Combine with other protective habits (clothing, nets, screens)

• Monitor how well it works in your environment, and adjust as needed

If you like, I can send you a printable PDF of this recipe + a one‑page quick‑guide version you can take outdoors, or even a version adapted for use in Morocco/Casablanca (with locally available oils/spices). Would you like that?