If you’ve ever walked into someone’s home and seen a lemon or onion covered with cloves, you may have wondered what was going on.
It looks unusual, but this old household tradition has been passed down for generations in many parts of the world. Long before air fresheners and modern household products, people used aromatic fruits, vegetables, and spices to freshen rooms and enjoy pleasant natural scents.
Today, social media often claims this simple trick can purify the air, eliminate viruses, or keep you from getting sick.
The truth is more balanced.
While lemons, onions, and cloves have wonderful aromas and have been used traditionally in homes for centuries, there is no good scientific evidence that placing them around the house kills viruses, disinfects the air, or prevents illness.
Here’s why people still enjoy this classic tradition.
Why cloves?
Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree.
They naturally contain:
- Eugenol
- Natural antioxidants
- Aromatic essential oils
Their warm, spicy fragrance has made them popular in kitchens and homes for centuries.
Why use a lemon?
Fresh lemons release a bright citrus aroma thanks to their natural essential oils.
Many people enjoy the fresh scent, especially in kitchens or living rooms.
The combination of lemon and cloves creates a pleasant fragrance that can last for several days.
And why an onion?
In some traditional households, cloves were also pressed into an onion.
The onion acts as a firm base while the cloves slowly release their natural aroma.
This practice is largely cultural and decorative today.
A beautiful natural decoration
One of the most popular uses is making a pomander—a citrus fruit decorated with whole cloves.
You’ll need:
- 1 lemon (or orange)
- 30–50 whole cloves
Simply press the cloves evenly into the peel.
Place it in a bowl or on a table to enjoy its natural fragrance.
Many people especially enjoy this decoration during autumn and winter.
Does it keep insects away?
Some laboratory studies have shown that compounds found in cloves and citrus peels may have insect-repelling properties.
However, placing a clove-studded lemon or onion in a room has not been proven to reliably keep mosquitoes, flies, or other insects away.
If you need insect protection, use products designed and tested for that purpose.
A healthier-smelling home
If your goal is a fresher home, these habits make the biggest difference:
- Open windows regularly.
- Keep kitchens clean.
- Empty trash frequently.
- Wash dishcloths often.
- Use proper ventilation while cooking.
Natural citrus and spice decorations can add a pleasant scent, but they don’t replace good cleaning and ventilation.
The bottom line
Putting cloves into a lemon or an onion is a charming tradition that creates a pleasant natural fragrance and makes a beautiful homemade decoration. While it won’t disinfect your home or prevent illness, it’s an easy, inexpensive way to enjoy the warm aroma of cloves and fresh citrus.
Sometimes the oldest traditions survive not because they’re magical—but because they make our homes feel a little warmer, fresher, and more welcoming.
For more unexpected kitchen concoctions, check out what happens when you mix yeast with rice or the secrets behind milk and plums. You might also be surprised by the shocking effects of garlic milk.
