She Soaked Cloves in Baby Oil and Called It Her “Everything Fix” — I Tried It for 7 Days and Here’s What Happened

Discover how soaking cloves in baby oil may support softer skin, soothe itchy scalp, and ease minor aches—plus how to make it safely at home.

Introduction: A Simple Jar on Grandma’s Shelf That Did More Than You’d Expect

My grandmother always had a small glass jar tucked beside her dresser.

Inside? Whole cloves soaking in baby oil.

She called it her “everything fix.”

Dry skin? Rub it on.
Itchy scalp? Massage a little in.
Aching knees after gardening? Warm some up and apply.

I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect much when I finally made my own jar. It sounded like one of those old-fashioned remedies that feel comforting but don’t really do anything.

But after one week, I noticed:

My skin felt softer and smoother
My scalp itching calmed down
My knees felt less stiff after long walks
And when my husband borrowed some for his back and asked for his own bottle… I knew this wasn’t just nostalgia talking

So what’s really going on with this simple two-ingredient infusion?

Let’s break it down — clearly, realistically, and safely.

What Happens When You Soak Cloves in Baby Oil?

This isn’t magic. It’s basic plant chemistry.

Cloves contain a natural compound called eugenol, which has been studied for its soothing and warming properties. In fact, clove oil has long been used in dental care for temporary tooth discomfort.

When whole cloves sit in oil over time, some of those plant compounds slowly infuse into the oil.

Baby oil, typically made from mineral oil, acts as a carrier. Mineral oil is commonly used in skincare because it:

Locks in moisture
Reduces water loss from the skin
Creates a protective barrier

So what you end up with is:

A moisturizing base
Lightly infused plant compounds
A warming, aromatic blend

Simple — but surprisingly versatile.

My 7-Day Experience (Realistic, Not Overhyped)

Day 1–2: Softer Skin

After showering, I applied a small amount to my arms and legs.

What I noticed:

Immediate softness
Less dryness around elbows
A subtle warming sensation

It wasn’t dramatic — just steady improvement.

Day 3–4: Scalp Relief

I tend to get an itchy scalp in winter (especially with indoor heating).

I massaged a few drops into my scalp 30 minutes before washing.

Result:

Noticeably less itching
Scalp felt calmer
No greasy buildup after shampooing

Important: I used a small amount. Too much can weigh hair down.

Day 5–7: Joint Comfort

After longer walks, my knees sometimes feel stiff.

I warmed a little oil between my hands and massaged it into the area.

What happened:

Gentle warming effect
Temporary relief
More comfort when moving afterward

Was it a medical treatment? No.

But as a soothing massage oil? Absolutely.

Why This Combination May Work

Let’s look at each component realistically.

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)

Cloves have been traditionally used for:

Temporary discomfort relief
Circulation stimulation
Antioxidant support

Eugenol, their primary compound, has mild warming properties that may create a comforting sensation when applied topically.

However, concentrated clove essential oil can be irritating — which is why infusing whole cloves into oil creates a much milder preparation.

Baby Oil (Mineral Oil Base)

Mineral oil is widely used in dermatology and recommended by organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology for moisture retention.

Benefits include:

Non-comedogenic for most people
Affordable
Stable (doesn’t easily go rancid)
Excellent for dry skin

It doesn’t “heal” skin — it protects and hydrates it.

How to Make Your Own Clove-Infused Oil

Ingredients

1 cup baby oil
1–2 tablespoons whole cloves
Clean glass jar with lid

Instructions

Place whole cloves in the jar.
Pour baby oil over them until fully covered.
Seal tightly.
Store in a cool, dark place.
Let infuse for 5–7 days (shake gently once daily).

For stronger infusion, wait up to 2 weeks.

Strain before use if desired — or leave cloves in for continued infusion.

6 Practical Ways to Use It

1. Post-Shower Moisturizer

Apply to damp skin to lock in hydration.

Best for:

Dry legs
Elbows
Knees

2. Scalp Massage Oil

Use sparingly before shampooing.

Good for:

Seasonal dryness
Mild scalp tightness

Avoid if you have open sores or diagnosed scalp conditions.

3. Warming Massage Oil

Massage into:

Lower back
Knees
Shoulders

Great after workouts or long days at a desk.

4. Cuticle Softener

Rub into nails before bed to reduce dryness.

5. Foot Softening Treatment

Apply before wearing cotton socks overnight.

6. Hand Repair Treatment

Massage into hands after washing dishes or gardening.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Extremely affordable
Easy to make
Multi-purpose
Long shelf life
Pleasant natural aroma

Cons

Not a replacement for medical treatment
May irritate sensitive skin
Can feel greasy if overapplied
Not ideal for acne-prone faces

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Ground Cloves

Ground cloves make the oil gritty and harder to strain.

Always use whole cloves.

2. Applying Too Much

A few drops go a long way.

Overuse can clog pores or stain clothing.

3. Skipping a Patch Test

Test on inner forearm for 24 hours before widespread use.

4. Using on Broken Skin

Avoid cuts, wounds, or inflamed areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this relieve arthritis?

It may provide temporary comfort from massage and warmth, but it does not treat arthritis.

2. Is it safe for daily use?

For body moisturizing, yes. For scalp use, limit to 1–2 times weekly.

3. Can I use essential clove oil instead?

Not recommended without proper dilution. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can irritate skin.

4. Does it help with hair growth?

There’s no strong clinical evidence that this infusion promotes hair growth.

5. How long does it last?

Up to 6–12 months if stored properly.

6. Can I heat it?

You can warm it slightly by placing the jar in warm water — do not microwave.

7. Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Patch test first. Skip if you have eczema or rosacea unless advised by a professional.

8. Can children use it?

Consult a pediatrician before use on children.

Why Simple Remedies Are Trending Again in the U.S.

Across the country, more families are:

Returning to low-ingredient routines
Cutting back on expensive specialty products
Exploring traditional household solutions

It’s not about rejecting modern medicine.

It’s about balance.

A jar like this doesn’t replace doctors, prescriptions, or physical therapy.

But it can become a comforting addition to everyday self-care.

Final Thoughts: Sometimes Grandma Was Onto Something

After a week, I didn’t find a miracle cure.

I found something better.

A simple, affordable, multi-use oil that:

Softened my skin
Calmed my scalp
Added warmth to tired joints
Became part of our nightly routine

And when my husband asked for his own bottle, I realized something:

The best remedies aren’t always flashy.

Sometimes they’re just simple, consistent, and thoughtfully used.

If you decide to try this infusion, start small. Pay attention to how your skin responds. Use it as a supplement to — not a replacement for — proper medical care.

Have you ever tried a traditional home remedy that surprised you?

Share your experience in the comments. Your story might help someone else rediscover something beautifully simple.