There are some habits that grandmothers carry with them their entire lives. You watch them quietly, curiously, not quite understanding why they do what they do. And then one day, you learn the reason—and it all makes perfect sense.
This is one of those habits.
Sticking cloves into an onion.
At first glance, it looks like a strange kitchen decoration. But there is a beautiful, practical reason behind it that has been passed down through generations.
Why this trick works
When you push whole cloves into an onion, a gentle exchange happens.
- The onion releases moisture, which slowly hydrates the cloves, keeping them fresh and fragrant for much longer than if they were left in a jar.
- The cloves release their warm, aromatic oils into the onion. The combination creates a rich, spicy scent that fills the room naturally.
- Together, they act as a gentle pest deterrent. The strong smell of both onion and clove is unpleasant to many common household insects, including flies, mosquitoes, ants, and moths.
The simple method
You will need:
- 1 fresh onion (red, yellow, or white)
- 15 to 20 whole cloves
- A small bowl or plate (optional)
How to do it:
- Take a fresh, whole onion. Do not peel it.
- Using a toothpick or a small skewer, poke holes into the onion about 1/2 inch deep.
- Push the whole cloves into the holes, leaving the tops visible.
- Continue until the onion is studded with cloves.
- Place the clove-studded onion in a small bowl or directly on a plate.
Where to place it
- On the kitchen counter to keep the room smelling fresh and to discourage flies.
- On a windowsill or near an open window to help keep mosquitoes out.
- In a pantry or cupboard to deter moths and other storage pests.
- In a bedroom to enjoy the warm, grounding scent.
How long it lasts
- The onion will slowly dry out over the course of 2 to 4 weeks.
- As it dries, it will shrink slightly and the cloves may loosen.
- When the onion has fully dried or the scent fades, simply replace it with a fresh one.
What people are noticing
Those who try this trick often report:
- A noticeable reduction in flies and mosquitoes in the kitchen.
- A warm, pleasant, natural scent that is not overpowering.
- A sense of connection to a older, simpler way of doing things.
- Quotes from friends and family who see it and ask, “What is that?”
A gentle word of caution
- Keep the clove-studded onion out of reach of pets. Onions can be harmful to dogs and cats if ingested. Cloves in large amounts can also be problematic for pets.
- If you have a known allergy to onions or cloves, obviously avoid direct contact.
- The scent is pleasant but strong. If you are sensitive to strong smells, place it in a larger room or near an open window.
Why this old trick is worth keeping alive
In a world of air fresheners filled with artificial fragrances and pest repellents filled with harsh chemicals, this simple grandmother trick stands out as something pure. It cost almost nothing. It uses whole, natural ingredients. And it works—quietly, gently, without any fuss.
Grandmothers have been doing this for generations. Now you know why. And now, you can do it too.
For more surprising kitchen ideas, try mixing beetroot and eggs for a quick dish or combining orange peels with ginger. You can also discover why someone collects fig milky sap.
