5 Smart Ways To Reuse Your Eggshells

By Odunmorayo Oke

03 August 2024   |  
1:02 pm

It’s a common thing for most people to throw away their eggshells in the trash after breaking or peeling them. This is because many are unaware of the useful purposes that these shells can have. Egg shells contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin A among many others. Calcium, in particular, helps with bone health,…

It’s a common thing for most people to throw away their eggshells in the trash after breaking or peeling them. This is because many are unaware of the useful purposes that these shells can have.

Egg shells contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin A among many others. Calcium, in particular, helps with bone health, muscle movement, and lowers the risk of high blood pressure. Some people even blend dry egg shells into powder and add it to their foods
and drinks as a way of getting its benefits.

So, before you discard those eggshells, consider these five creative ways to reuse them.

1. Pot scrubber

Eggshells make for an excellent natural pot scrubber. You can use them by first boiling the shells to soften them. When dry, blend them into a somewhat rough powder. Then, mix a few tablespoons of baking soda into the eggshell powder to create a gentle scouring cleanser. Use this powder to scrub beneath your pots and pans to tackle even the toughest food stains.

2. Chicken and bird feed

Furthermore, eggshells are a great source of calcium for chickens and other birds. Simply bake the shells to sterilise them, then crush them into small pieces before adding them to these feathered animals’ food. This allows them to benefit from the many nutrients found in the shells.

3. Organic pest control

If you have a garden, use crushed eggshells as a natural way to deter and get rid of pests. Dry the egg shells, crush them into chunks and sprinkle them around the base of plants. This creates a barrier that slugs, snails, beetles and other crawling insects find unpleasant to trespass on, helping to protect your produce.

4. Wall gecko deterrent

Eggshells can also be used to keep unwanted wall geckos at bay. Some people recommend crushing the shells and sprinkling them in areas the wall geckos crawl around. Others suggest breaking many eggshells into two and placing them at different corners where the geckos stay. This is because the wall geckos will perceive the shells as predators and run away from them.

READ ALSO: Five Ways To Prevent Wall Geckos From Your Home

5. Teeth whitening

Surprisingly, eggshells can even be used to whiten teeth. A study published in the European Journal of Dentistry found that toothpaste containing eggshell powder, along with ingredients like clove oil and baking soda, was an effective and affordable way to reduce dentin hypersensitivity and improve tooth appearance.

To use for your teeth, first wash and dry the shells until they’re clean. Then, crush them into powder and mix with baking soda to form a paste. Apply on your teeth when you want to brush for ultimate teeth and gum health.

Finally, before you automatically toss those eggshells in the trash, consider putting them to good use in these five ways around your home and garden.