Mix Cloves With Petroleum Jelly: A Secret No One Will Ever Tell You — Thank Me Later
Every now and then, a simple household combo takes the internet by storm. One such mixture generating buzz lately is cloves combined with petroleum jelly. While it sounds unusual, this blend has been used in traditional home-care routines for generations. But before you try it, here’s what it actually does, how to make it safely, and what to avoid.
Why Cloves? A Tiny Spice With Big Benefits
Cloves are more than a fragrant cooking spice — they contain eugenol, a natural compound known for:
Mild soothing properties
A warm, stimulating scent
Natural antimicrobial activity
A refreshing, spicy aroma perfect for balms and rubs
Crushed or infused cloves have been traditionally used in balms, salves, and herbal care routines for decades.
Why Petroleum Jelly?
Petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) has long been used to:
Seal in moisture
Protect dry or cracked skin
Provide a smooth base for DIY balms
Slow the evaporation of essential oils and aromatic compounds
This makes it the perfect carrier for aromatic ingredients like cloves.
What the Mixture Is Commonly Used For
Here are the most popular (and safe) uses people swear by:
1. A Natural Aromatic Chest Rub
Crushed cloves mixed gently into petroleum jelly create a warming, aromatic balm that many people use as a DIY chest rub during cold weather.
The scent helps clear the nose, while the jelly keeps the aroma on the skin longer.
Safe tip: Avoid applying near the nostrils on infants or young children.
2. A Spice‑Scented Foot Balm
Clove-infused petroleum jelly can make a comforting foot rub that:
Softens dry heels
Provides a warm, spa-like aroma
Creates a soothing bedtime routine
3. A DIY Mosquito‑Repelling Balm (Aromatic Only)
Cloves naturally repel mosquitoes thanks to their strong scent.
When mixed with petroleum jelly, the fragrance lasts longer on the skin.
Important:
This is for aroma only — it’s not a substitute for medically approved insect repellent in high‑risk areas.
4. An Excellent Lip Care Hack — With a Warning
Some people use a tiny pinch of clove powder mixed into petroleum jelly to create a warm, tingling lip balm. It offers a natural plumping and warming effect.
Safety reminder:
Cloves can irritate sensitive skin.
Always test on a small patch first.
Never use clove essential oil directly — it’s too strong for lips.
How to Make It Safely
Here’s a safe, simple version:
Ingredients
1 tablespoon petroleum jelly
1 or 2 whole cloves (or a very small pinch of clove powder)
Instructions
Warm the petroleum jelly for a few seconds until soft — do not heat directly on the stove.
Add the whole cloves or a tiny amount of powder.
Let the mixture sit for 12–24 hours so the aroma infuses.
Strain out whole cloves if desired.
ADVERTISEMENT
