Don’t throw them away! You’d be surprised how handy an eggshell can be.
1. Nourishing face mask
Crush the eggshells into a powder, add a little egg white and then mix to make a paste. Spread onto your skin, allow to dry and then wash it off. It will tighten and brighten your skin, and it’s all natural!
2. Powerful cleaner
Mix eggshells in with some soapy water and you’ll have a powerful, non-toxic abrasive cleaner. It can be used to get caked food residue off frying pans without damaging delicate surface or add it to your thermos or drink bottle and shake to remove gunk you can't see.
3. Garden fertiliser
Eggs are rich in calcium and other minerals that are great for your plants. Crush them up finely with a mortar and pestle, then sprinkle into the hole before planting. You can also use them in compost to spread around the base of plants.
4. Pest control
Plants may love eggshells, but pests do not. Slugs, snails and cutworms (caterpillar larvae) will be deterred by eggshells sprinkled around your garden beds. They have soft bodies and don’t like crawling over the sharp edges.
5. Plant seedlings
If you can keep eggshells relatively solid, they can be used as tiny little pots for plants. Rinse out the shells, poke a small hole in the bottom for drainage and fill with potting mix. Then plant a seed in each egg, stack them back in their egg carton and watch them grow,
6. Brew coffee
Stay with us here – this one sounds weird but it’s actually very good. Boil your eggshells (as they can contain salmonella), crush them and add them to your percolator or French press. They give the coffee a smoother, less bitter taste.
7. Pavement chalk
Crush your eggshells into a very fine powder (remove any big bits left) and mix a tablespoon of shell with a teaspoon of flour and a teaspoon of very hot water. Add a few drops of food colouring then shape into sticks or press into moulds. Let it dry for at least three days, then it’s ready to go. Great for the grandkids!
8. Skin soothing salve
Drop an eggshell into a container of apple cider vinegar and leave it to soak for a few days. Then put some on a cotton ball or tissue and dab it on itchy skin or minor skin irritations. It has even been shown to cure some infections.
Do you reuse eggshells in creative ways? Let us know in the comments below.
Article created in partnership with Over60