How to Make Clove-Infused Oil at Home: Easy DIY Guide

This easy home method makes clove-infused carrier oil, not clove essential oil. Whole dried cloves, Syzygium aromaticum, are steeped in a carrier oil for 2–4 weeks, then strained and bottled. The result is a botanical oil infusion with a warm clove aroma.

Quick answer: how do you make clove-infused oil?

Combine about 1/2 cup whole dried cloves with 1 cup carrier oil in a clean, completely dry glass jar. Keep the cloves submerged, seal the jar, infuse for 2–4 weeks in a cool dark place, gently rotate it every few days, then strain and transfer the finished oil to a clean dark bottle.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup whole dried cloves
• 1 cup carrier oil such as olive, jojoba, fractionated coconut, or sweet almond oil

Equipment

• Clean, dry glass jar with lid
• Fine strainer or cheesecloth
• Funnel
• Clean dark glass bottle
• Label and date marker

Step-by-step instructions

1. Check that the cloves are dry and free of visible moisture or mold.
2. Make sure the jar and lid are clean and completely dry.
3. Add 1/2 cup whole dried cloves to the jar.
4. Pour in 1 cup carrier oil and keep the cloves submerged.
5. Seal and store away from heat and direct sunlight for 2–4 weeks. Gently rotate every few days.
6. Strain thoroughly through cheesecloth or a fine strainer.
7. Bottle, label, and date the finished infusion.

Clove-infused oil vs. clove essential oil

These are not interchangeable. Clove-infused oil is a fatty carrier oil that has been in contact with dried cloves. Clove essential oil is a highly concentrated volatile oil, generally produced by distillation. Essential oil contains high concentrations of aromatic compounds such as eugenol and requires much more cautious handling.

Which carrier oil should you choose?

Olive oil is easy to find but has its own aroma. Jojoba has a light skin feel and good oxidative stability. Fractionated coconut oil remains liquid at room temperature. Sweet almond oil has a light texture but may not be appropriate for everyone with nut sensitivities. The final infusion inherits many of the storage characteristics of the carrier oil you choose.

How long does homemade clove-infused oil last?

There is no universal one-year shelf life for a homemade herbal oil. Storage life depends on the carrier oil, the dryness of the botanicals and equipment, exposure to heat, light and air, and handling. Store it tightly closed in a cool dark place and discard it if it develops a rancid odor, unexpected cloudiness, visible contamination, or other unusual changes.

Can you put it on skin?

Clove-derived products can irritate skin or trigger allergic reactions in some people. Patch-test a small amount first, avoid eyes and broken skin, and stop use if burning, redness, swelling, itching, or other irritation occurs. This recipe is an infused carrier oil, not pure essential oil, but cautious external use is still appropriate.

Can homemade clove oil be used for toothache?

Do not use a homemade clove infusion as a substitute for dental evaluation or treatment. Tooth pain can result from decay, infection, a cracked tooth, gum disease, or another problem that needs professional care. Concentrated clove essential oil or eugenol can also irritate oral tissues when misused.

Is this intended for eating?

This guide presents the infusion for external or craft-style personal-care use. For culinary clove oil, use a recipe designed specifically for food use with food-grade ingredients and appropriate food-safety practices.

Frequently asked questions

How long should cloves infuse?

A practical home method is 2–4 weeks in a cool dark location, with gentle rotation every few days.

Should the cloves be crushed?

Whole cloves are easier to strain. Lightly cracking them increases surface area but creates more fine particles to remove.

Is clove-infused oil the same as eugenol?

No. Eugenol is an individual chemical compound found in cloves and is a major component of clove essential oil. A homemade infusion is a complex mixture of carrier oil and compounds extracted from the cloves.

Sources and further reading

• PubChem: Eugenol
• Poison Control: Essential oils and safety
• American Dental Association: Acute dental pain guideline
• American Dental Association: Oral analgesics for acute dental pain

Related product: Whole Dried Clove Buds

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