Eggs are a basic kitchen need. They can be incorporated into many dishes and there is truly no one way to cook them. Eggs are commonly eaten for breakfast and they’re a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Above all, eggs are simply delicious. But after cooking up the egg the way you like, you might think that there’s nothing good for the shell but to toss it in the trash. Well, just like citrus peels, there are actually a couple of ways you can use eggshells to benefit you and your home. So next time you crack up an egg, save the eggshell for later use. Here are ten surprising ways to recycle eggshells.
- Nourishing Face Mask
People who are fond of homemade masks know that egg whites and egg yolks can be used as a pore-tightening mask and glowing skin mask, respectively. Well, the eggshell is just as beneficial for your skin as it can be used as a nourishing face mask. First, pulverize the eggshells using a mortar and pestle then mix the powdered eggshells with an egg white. Apply on your face then leave until it completely dries before rinsing off.
- Cleanser
Ground some eggshells to make an abrasive scrub for those tough to clean pots and pans. Mix it with a little soapy water to provide a powerful, nontoxic clean.
- Compost
Eggshells are very rich in calcium (750-800 mg of calcium in 1 medium-sized eggshell) and other beneficial nutrients for your plants. Grind up some eggshells and mix them up in your compost to help grow a beautiful, healthy garden.
- Boil in your coffee
Although it may sound bizarre, you can actually boil eggshells in your coffee to clarify the grounds and to reduce the bitterness. This technique has been used for centuries but is not as popular nowadays.
- Pest Control
Pests seem to be solely aimed on destroying your hard work in your beautiful garden. To keep pests such as slugs and cutworms away, break up some eggshells into fragments and scatter them around your garden. This way, you won’t have to use any of those toxic pesticides.
- Skin Irritation Treatment
There are some natural ways you can treat minor skin irritations or itchy skin at home and one way to do so is by using eggshells. Drop an eggshell in a small container filled with apple cider vinegar and let it soak for a couple of days. Now every time you feel an itch, reach for the eggshell plus apple cider mixture and dab it on the affected area. If it doesn’t work or if the symptoms worsen, visit your local doctor.
- Seedling Starter
Rinse some eggshell halves and poke a hole at the bottom for drainage. Place them in an empty egg carton then fill the eggshells with potting soil and plant one or two seeds on each shell. Once the seedling is big enough to transfer, crack the eggshell and plant them with the shell. The shell is biodegradable and it will even provide nourishment to your growing plant.
- Fertilizing Water
Eggshells are not only great for your outdoor plants, they can be of use to your indoor plants as well. Add some eggshells in a container of tepid water. Leave overnight in a cool, dark place then use the water for your plants. The nutrients in the eggshell will have infused in the container of tepid water, fertilizing your plants as you water them.
- Pet Calcium Supplement
Dry some eggshells for 30 minutes on a temperature of 250°. Afterwards, place them in a Ziploc bag then crush using a rolling pin until the texture becomes fine powder. Mix the powdered eggshells in your dog’s food to provide them with a calcium supplement to help keep their teeth and bones strong and healthy.
- Whiten Laundry
Place a couple of eggshells in mesh bag then throw it in your laundry. Your white clothes will lose its grayish tint and it will even absorb some of the stains on clothes.
