A revived household hack is winning attention for two jobs at once. One bar of soap and a handful of cloves promise a fresher toilet cistern and a quick purifying face mask. The method looks minimal. The claims invite a closer look.
Why people are pushing cloves into soap
Cloves carry eugenol, a compound with known antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. Soap provides the base and the carrier. Together they release a warm, spicy scent and a cleansing action. The pairing turns a pantry item into a home-care tool.
Ten cloves, one bar of neutral soap, one fabric pouch: that’s the entire shopping list for this two-in-one trick.
The idea is simple. Press whole cloves into a bar. Use the bar in a cistern or grate it for a mask. The promise sits in the slow release. Water activates the soap and lifts the aromas. Skin contact harnesses the cleansing effect.
Inside the cistern: small spice, big difference
To scent the flush, many users follow a basic set-up. It avoids sprays and the bright-blue blocks that stain bowls. It relies on household bits you already own.
Step-by-step for the loo
- Press 10 whole cloves into the surface of a neutral or lightly scented soap bar.
- Slip the bar into a thin sock, tights foot, or a small fabric sachet. Tie a knot.
- Lift the cistern lid. Place the pouch in a corner away from the inlet valve and flapper.
- Replace the lid. Flush once to seat the pouch and check it does not block moving parts.
Expect a gentle, spicy note after each flush, not a heavy perfume blast.
The mechanism is straightforward. Cistern water slowly erodes the soap. Each flush carries a trace of clove aroma into the bowl. The scent fades between visits, then returns. You avoid propellants and complex fragrances. You gain a mild clean smell that many describe as warm and cosy.
Costs, lifespan and maintenance
Householders like the price point. The materials often sit in a drawer already. The running cost stays low compared with branded fresheners.
| Item | Quantity | Typical UK cost | In-cistern lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neutral soap bar | 1 | £0.80–£1.50 | 2–4 weeks |
| Whole cloves | 10 pieces (~2 g) | £0.10–£0.20 | Match soap lifespan |
| Fabric pouch or sock | 1 reused | £0 | Reusable |
Check the pouch weekly. Replace the bar when it thins and the scent dips. Keep the pouch clear of the float and seal. Lift it out if you notice foam above the waterline or sluggish refilling.
People on septic systems should try a small bar first and monitor. Mild soap is generally septic-safe, yet heavy perfumes and excess suds can upset bacteria. Placement matters more than quantity.
On your face: a 7-minute purifying mask
The second use turns the same duo into a fast skincare step. The texture feels creamy. The scent leans festive. The timing stays brief.
Recipe and method
- Grate 1 tablespoon of neutral, fragrance-free soap.
- Crush 3 whole cloves with a mortar and pestle to a fine powder.
- Add drops of warm water to form a smooth paste.
- Apply a thin layer to clean skin, avoiding eyes and lips.
- Leave on for up to 7 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Keep it to seven minutes. Longer contact can dry skin and trigger irritation.
This duo targets everyday blemishes and congestion. Soap lifts surface oil and debris. Clove’s eugenol supports a cleaner environment on the skin. Many report a reduction in shiny areas and calmer-looking pores after a single use.
Skin type notes and cautions
- Patch test first on the jawline for 24 hours if you have reactive skin.
- Avoid use on broken skin, eczema flares, or recent peels and retinoid irritation.
- Limit to once a week for dry or sensitive types and twice for oily zones only.
- Follow with a bland moisturiser to restore comfort.
- Stop if you feel burning, intense redness, or tightness that lasts.
Eugenol can irritate some people. Fragrance-free soap reduces the risk. Keep the paste away from the eyes. Do not add neat clove oil to boost strength. It raises the chance of a reaction and offers no clear benefit at this dilution.
How it stacks up against shop-bought options
For toilets, the clove bar swaps bright dyes and plastic hangers for fabric and pantry goods. It avoids harsh aerosol bursts. The scent sits lighter than typical cleaners, so households that prefer subtlety may prefer it. People who want a strong blast will still reach for blocks or gels.
For skin, the paste acts like a quick cleanse-and-clarify step. It lacks the clay minerals that absorb oil for longer. A kaolin mask will control shine for more hours. The clove mix wins on speed and price. It suits a weekday reset rather than a deep treatment.
Practical extras you can try this week
Smarter placement in the cistern
Tie the pouch to a plastic spoon handle and wedge the handle under the lid. The pouch stays anchored. It never drifts into the flapper’s path. Add a pebble to the pouch if it floats; sinking improves contact and scent release.
Variations for sensitive skin
Swap half the grated soap for finely milled oatmeal for extra softness. Mix with cooled chamomile tea instead of plain water for a calmer feel. Keep the seven-minute cap. Rinse thoroughly, then apply a ceramide cream.
Risks, advantages and who benefits
- Advantages: low cost, low waste, gentle scent, quick skincare step, ingredients already at home.
- Risks: mild irritation from eugenol, soap film in cistern if water is soft, pouch snagging moving parts.
- Best fit: renters avoiding permanent fixtures, busy people needing a one-product trick, fans of warm spice aromas.
Swap one branded freshener and one sheet mask this month and save £3–£6 while cutting packaging.
Think of this as a small test. Note how fast your water dissolves soap and adjust bar size. Track how your skin reacts over three uses before making it a routine. If you want stronger pore control, pair the mask with a clay treatment on weekends. If you want a brighter loo scent, add orange peel to the pouch for two days, then remove it before it softens.
Seasonal tip: cloves pair well with winter airs. In summer, change to fewer cloves and a citrus-scented soap to keep the fragrance lighter. Household hacks work best when you tune the dose, watch the results, and keep the set-up tidy.
Septic tank here—safe or not?