How to remove clove essential oil from skin and floor?

Question

I just dropped a glass bottle of clove essential oil -- it's pretty old, but still smells pretty potent. How do I get the scent off my skin and the floor? Any concerns about absorption since it got right on my hand? Thanks.

I want to thank all three of you for answers -- all very helpful. I'm choosing the first as the best because I actually had some Dawn and completely forgot about it, and then used it and it removed the oils from my hand enough to fade the scent a bit. But the other two were great detail and I really appreciate them.

Answer 1

I use Dawn dish soap to get greasy stuff off of my floor and off of my hands. Should eliminate a lot of the smell too! Good Luck

Answer 2

Clove Oil Skin

Answer 3

coffee grounds will neutralize the scent, this is what we used in aromatherapy class. Wash with warm soapy water, and use the grounds as you scrub.
Other scent neutralizers include vinegar, baking soda, and tomato juice.
I would not worry about side effects from the absorption, but if left on the skin for any length of time it can cause a reaction and make your skin red, especially because clove is stimulating to the skin, and can cause a warming sensation. But it will not make you sick, or cause health problems.

Answer 4

Clove oil won't cause any problems from absorption, other than you might smell like cloves for a while. Clove oil, like most essential oils, has a smaller oil molecule than oils like cooking oil. So the scent can penetrate fabric, wood, and skin a little more than other oils.

But like any oil, the best way to remove it is with an oil-solvent such as dish detergent or liquid hand soap.
The oil itself can stain fabric (like carpet) and you may not be able to get rid of all of it. Same with the smell, you may not be able to get rid of all of it.

If it was spilled on wood or tile floors, wipe up as much as you can with paper towels, use a floor cleaner (or liquid dish detergent) to clean up the rest.

If it was spilled on carpeting, try this:
1. blot up as much oil as you can with paper towels (don't rub). Put a wad of paper down and stand on it to try to absorb as much as you can.
2. sprinkle baking soda on the oil and let it sit for a while to absorb more oil (it will also help remove some of the smell)
3. use a mixture of liquid dish detergent or liquid hand soap and water; with a sponge use circular motions to clean as much as you can.
4. Sprinkle more baking soda, let it dry completely, and vacuum

Good luck.