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Introduction:
Are you tired of using chemical-laden insect repellents that might not only harm your skin but also the environment? Here's a simple and effective solution to protect yourself from pesky insects: a homemade insect repellent made from cloves and baby oil. Clove oil is known for its powerful insect-repelling properties, while baby oil helps create a protective barrier on the skin. This easy-to-make repellent provides a natural way to keep insects at bay without the harsh chemicals often found in commercial products.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of baby oil
15-20 whole cloves (or 10-15 drops of clove essential oil)
1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional for extra moisture)
A small glass jar or spray bottle for storage
Instructions:
Prepare the Cloves: If you're using whole cloves, crush them gently with a mortar and pestle or a rolling pin. This helps release their essential oils, enhancing the repellent’s potency. If you’re using clove essential oil, you can skip this step.
Mix the Ingredients: In a small glass jar, add the crushed cloves or clove essential oil. Pour in the baby oil and, if you prefer, the olive oil. Stir the mixture well to combine.
Let It Sit: Seal the jar and let the mixture sit for about 24 hours. This allows the oils from the cloves to infuse into the baby oil, making it more effective.
Strain (if using whole cloves): If you used whole cloves, strain the oil into another clean container to remove the solid pieces before use. You can use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for this step.
Store: Transfer the final repellent mixture into a small spray bottle for easy application or keep it in the jar for direct application.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Use a spray bottle: For easy application, especially if you're applying it to larger areas of your body, a spray bottle works best.
Store in a cool, dry place: Keep your homemade repellent in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight. It should last for several weeks if stored properly.
Shake before use: Since the oils may separate over time, be sure to shake the bottle before each use.
Variants:
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