Here’s why cloves should absolutely be planted in an orange

To make an amber apple and embalm your house, you will need:

• 1 thick-skinned orange
• 1 cup of cloves
• 1 adhesive tape
• Spices of your choice such as cinnamon powder, ginger or orris root powder.

Outline 4 equal quarters of your orange using two pieces of masking tape. Punch lines of narrow holes in each quarter with the knitting needle.  The adhesive tape must not be perforated.   Then push the cloves into the peel to cover the entire orange.

Pour the spices of your choice into a hollow container and roll the orange on the plate to coat it in aromatic spices.  This step is optional, so you can skip it if you don’t want your amber apple to look dusty.

Let your amber apple dry for 2 to 3 weeks in a warm, dry place. This way, your orange can dehydrate and spread a pleasant perfume.

And lastly, remove the pieces of tape and replace them with decorative tape. This will help you hang your amber apple on the Christmas tree or in any room you want to perfume.

What are the other uses of a cloved orange?

In addition to perfuming and decorating the house, the amber apple is also effective in keeping insects away.

If you want to get rid of the mosquitoes that parasitize your sleep, simply prick an orange with cloves and leave it next to your bed. Mosquitoes hate the smell of orange.  If you don’t have an orange, you can use lemons to make your mosquito repellent.  Amber apple is also effective in keeping flies and moths away from your home. These insects actually hate the smell of cloves.

What are the other tips to perfume the house?

• Essential oils

Ideal for perfuming the home, essential oils offer a variety of refreshing aromas. Opt for lavender or chamomile essential oil to diffuse a floral scent, or even   peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil to freshen the air in your home.  To do this, pour a few drops of essential oil into a spray containing water, and spray its solution in the rooms of your home to eliminate bad odors. However, the use of essential oils is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women and young children.

• Sodium bicarbonate

This natural air freshener will allow you to fight bad odors and clean the indoor air. To do this, mix a cup of baking soda with 10 drops of an essential oil of your choice in a Mason jar. For more aromas, add a teaspoon of dried aromatic herbs such as mint or lavender to this mixture. Close the lid of your pot and stir well. Then you will only have to deposit a small amount of this mixture in cups that you will scatter in the rooms you want to perfume.  You can also place them in the back of your wardrobe or closet to eliminate musty smells from your clothes.

That said, thanks only to an orange and cloves, you can bring freshness to your home, but also decorate it, now that Christmas is approaching.