Eggshells are often tossed in the trash without a second thought. But did you know that these seemingly useless scraps can be put to good use around your home and garden? Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate, a natural mineral that has numerous benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore 15 creative ways to use eggshells to improve your life.
Home Uses:
- Natural Air Freshener: Place crushed eggshells in a small bowl and sprinkle a few drops of essential oil on top. The eggshells will absorb odors and release a pleasant fragrance.
- Plant Fertilizer: Eggshells are a great source of calcium, which is essential for plant growth. Crush the shells and mix them into your potting soil or garden beds.
- Pot Scrubber: Use a handful of crushed eggshells to scrub away stubborn stains from pots and pans. The gritty texture will help lift dirt and grime.
- Soap Scum Remover: Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Add a tablespoon of crushed eggshells. Spray the mixture onto your shower or bathtub and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub with a sponge and rinse.
- Paintbrush Cleaner: To clean a paintbrush, dip it into a mixture of warm water and crushed eggshells. Scrub the brush against the bottom of the bowl to remove any paint residue.
- Shoe Deodorizer: Place a small handful of crushed eggshells in each of your shoes. The eggshells will absorb moisture and odors, leaving your shoes feeling fresh.
Garden Uses:
- Seed Starter: Fill small pots with a mixture of potting soil and crushed eggshells. Plant your seeds and water regularly. The eggshells will provide essential nutrients to help your seedlings grow strong.
- Slug and Snail Repellent: Slugs and snails dislike the texture of eggshells. Scatter crushed eggshells around your plants to deter these pests.
- Tomato Support: Place a handful of crushed eggshells at the base of your tomato plants. The calcium will help prevent blossom end rot.
- Worm Compost: Add crushed eggshells to your worm compost bin. The calcium will help balance the pH of the compost and provide essential nutrients for your worms.
- Plant Pest Control: Mix crushed eggshells with water to create a natural pesticide spray. Spray the mixture on your plants to deter aphids and other pests.
- Soil pH Regulator: Eggshells can help raise the pH of acidic soil. Add crushed eggshells to your garden beds and mix them into the soil.
Other Uses:
- Craft Supplies: Use crushed eggshells to create decorative mosaics, or use whole eggshells to make candles or bird feeders.
- Cleaning Abrasive: Use crushed eggshells as a gentle abrasive to scrub surfaces without scratching them.
- Food Additive: Add a small amount of crushed eggshells to your baking recipes to boost the calcium content.
As you can see, eggshells are a versatile and eco-friendly resource. By incorporating them into your daily routine, you can save money, reduce waste, and improve the health of your home and garden.