What You'll Need:
- A small glass jar or container (with lid)
- Whole cloves (about 20–30 pieces)
- Baby oil (or any mild carrier oil like coconut or almond oil)
⏱️ Time Required:
- Prep: 5 minutes
- Infusion: At least 48 hours (for best results)
🔬 Instructions:
Fill the Jar with Cloves Take a small jar and pack it with whole cloves — about 20–30 should do depending on size.
Pour in Baby Oil Cover the cloves completely with baby oil, making sure there’s at least ½ inch of oil above the cloves.
Let It Sit Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2–3 days . The longer it sits, the stronger the infusion.
Strain or Leave Cloves In You can remove the cloves after infusing or leave them in for extra potency and visual appeal.
Apply Generously Rub a small amount onto exposed skin — arms, legs, neck — before heading outside. Reapply every few hours if needed.
Why This Natural Repellent Works Better Than You’d Expect
Unlike DEET-based sprays, this mixture doesn’t kill bugs — but it does help keep them from landing on your skin by masking the scents they love most: carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and body heat .
Cloves have also been shown in studies to offer protection against mosquitoes for several hours — and pairing them with baby oil gives you a moisturizing, non-sticky formula that feels great on your skin.
And the best part? It’s safe for kids, gentle on sensitive skin, and costs less than $5 to make .
Benefits of Using Baby Oil and Cloves as a Repellent
✅ All-Natural Ingredients – No synthetic chemicals or artificial fragrances
✅ Safe for Sensitive Skin – Gentle enough for kids and adults alike
✅ Moisturizing Effect – Baby oil hydrates as it protects
✅ Easy to Make at Home – No special tools or skills required
✅ Long Shelf Life – Store in a sealed jar for up to 6 months
✅ Great for Camping, Hiking, or Backyard Nights
It’s a simple, effective way to enjoy the outdoors — without the itch.
Other Natural Bug-Repelling Options to Try
While clove and baby oil work wonders, here are other DIY insect repellents you might want to try:
These options are ideal if you want to rotate your repellent methods or need something more portable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does clove oil repel mosquitoes?
A: Yes! Studies show clove essential oil has significant mosquito-repelling properties , sometimes lasting up to 4 hours.
Q: Is baby oil safe to use as a base for insect repellent?
A: Absolutely — baby oil is gentle and helps extend the release of clove scent.
Q: Can I use this on my face?
A: Yes — just apply sparingly and avoid eyes and lips.
Q: Can I use this indoors too?
A: Definitely! Apply on wrists, ankles, or behind ears for indoor use — especially during early mornings or evenings.
Q: Will the smell linger?
A: Yes — the rich, spicy aroma of clove lasts for hours and blends beautifully with baby oil.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to protecting yourself from insects, you don’t always need harsh chemicals or expensive products. Sometimes, the answer is right in your kitchen cabinet.
The baby oil and clove combination is proof that simple ingredients can deliver powerful results — and once you try it, you may just find yourself reaching for it every time you step outside.
So next time you're planning a picnic, barbecue, or camping trip, skip the commercial sprays and give this all-natural, soothing, and surprisingly effective repellent a try.
