How Long Should I Let Clove Water Sit for Optimal Potency?

January 8, 2026 •

3 min read

Clove water has been used for centuries in traditional remedies and beauty routines, prized for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The ideal infusion time can vary significantly, from a quick simmer to an overnight soak, depending on the intended use and desired potency.

Quick Summary

The ideal time for infusing clove water depends on the method and purpose; options include boiling for 5-15 minutes or cold-steeping for 8-24 hours to achieve different potency levels for specific uses.

Key Points

Boiling Method: Simmer cloves for 5-15 minutes for a quick infusion, suitable for a light tea or mouthwash.
Cold-Steep Method: Soak cloves for 8-24 hours or longer to create a more potent, concentrated tonic for hair or skin.
Hair Care: A long overnight cold-steep is best for hair tonics to maximize extraction of beneficial compounds.
Skin Health: Use a shorter, boiled infusion for gentle cleansing or a longer cold-steep for targeted, potent acne treatments.
Internal Use: Drink a mild clove tea from a quick boil, or a gentler overnight cold-steeped water on an empty stomach.
Storage: Always refrigerate strained clove water in a sealed container and use it within one week for optimal freshness.

Understanding the Infusion Methods

There are two primary ways to create clove water, each requiring a different steeping time to extract beneficial compounds. Boiling provides a rapid infusion, while cold-steeping yields a more potent extract over a longer period.

The Quick Boil Method: Immediate Use

Boiling is an efficient method for creating clove water quickly, suitable for uses like tea or a quick rinse. To prepare, bring water to a boil, add whole cloves, and simmer. For a lighter infusion, 5-10 minutes is sufficient, while simmering for closer to 15 minutes results in a stronger extract. Simply strain after cooling slightly. This method is best for warm teas, mouthwash, or hair rinses.

The Overnight Cold-Steep Method: High Potency

For a more concentrated infusion, the cold-steep method is preferred, especially for topical applications like hair or skin treatments. This method involves soaking whole cloves in water at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Steeping for 8 to 12 hours is generally recommended, with up to 24 hours for maximum potency. Some specific hair growth recipes even suggest soaking for up to 3 days. After steeping, strain the liquid for use as a hair growth spray, skin toner, or morning wellness drink.

How Long to Let Clove Water Sit for Specific Uses

The optimal steeping time for clove water varies depending on its intended application.

For Hair Growth and Scalp Health

A prolonged infusion is beneficial for hair and scalp health due to compounds that may improve circulation. The overnight cold-steep method (8-24 hours) is recommended for a potent tonic that allows for ample extraction of eugenol, which is thought to stimulate hair follicles. Some sources suggest steeping up to 72 hours for increased potency.

For Skin Clarity and Acne

When using clove water for skin, concentration is important. A quick boiled infusion (10-15 minute simmer) cooled down can be used as a gentle rinse to help reduce redness. For a stronger antibacterial effect on acne, an overnight cold-steep (12-24 hours) is more potent. Always perform a patch test due to the potential for irritation from higher eugenol concentrations.

For Drinking and General Wellness

For internal use, clove water should be consumed in moderation. A soothing tea can be made with a quick 5-10 minute steep after boiling. For a milder morning drink, soaking 2-3 cloves in a glass of water overnight (8-12 hours) is suggested. Excessive eugenol intake can have side effects, so it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions.

Optimal Steeping Times: A Comparison Table


Feature	Quick Boil Method	Overnight Cold-Steep Method
Time	5–15 minutes	8–24 hours
Temperature	Hot/Boiling	Cool/Room Temp
Potency	Medium	High/Concentrated
Best For	Mild tea, quick mouthwash, immediate rinse	Hair growth tonic, potent skin spray, morning wellness drink
Extraction Process	Rapid, heat-driven	Slow, time-dependent
Aroma/Flavor	Aromatic, warming, mild spice	Rich, potent, complex spice
Longevity	Use immediately or within a few days	Stores well in the fridge for up to a week

Best Practices for Making and Storing Clove Water

For best results, use whole cloves instead of ground to avoid a gritty texture and ensure slow release of compounds. Store strained clove water in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator and use within one week. For drinking, enhance flavor with honey, lemon, or cinnamon. For hair applications, consider adding other beneficial oils or herbs. To learn more about clove benefits, research its active components like eugenol.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Infusion Time

Determining how long to let clove water sit depends entirely on its intended use. A short simmer of 5-15 minutes is suitable for mild applications like tea, while an overnight cold-steep of 8-24 hours provides a more potent solution for topical uses on hair and skin. By understanding these methods, you can effectively utilize clove water's natural properties for your specific needs.

For more information on the various health benefits of cloves, you can visit the Healthline website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, while steeping longer can increase potency, going for too long, especially with the boil method, can make the water bitter. For cold infusions, leaving it for several days can lead to fermentation or an overly strong, irritating solution.

Boiled clove water is a quicker, milder infusion suitable for immediate use like tea or a warm rinse. Soaked (cold-steeped) clove water is a slower, more potent extraction that is ideal for concentrated topical applications like hair and skin treatments.

You should store strained clove water in a sealed, airtight glass container in the refrigerator. It is best to use it within one week to ensure maximum freshness and potency.

For drinking, 2-3 whole cloves per cup is a good starting point. For topical hair or skin tonics, a more concentrated ratio of 1 tablespoon per 1-2 cups is often used.

Whole cloves are generally preferred. They allow for a more controlled, gradual infusion and avoid the gritty texture that can result from using ground cloves, which may also be more irritating.

When properly stored in the refrigerator, homemade clove water typically lasts for up to one week. If you notice any changes in smell, color, or taste, it's best to discard it and make a fresh batch.

It is not recommended to reuse cloves. After the initial infusion, they have released most of their beneficial compounds. For a fresh, potent batch, always use new whole cloves.