Contrary to the myths of the past, eggs are an excellent, high protein food filled with nutritious vitamins and minerals. Not only that, but they are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin which contribute to eye health and choline which encourages a healthy brain and nervous system. But the amazing uses for eggs don’t end with scrambling them or making a veggie-filled omelet; you can recycle the shells for fun crafts, garden fertilizer, and even to amp up your beauty routine.
Rather than tossing out this valuable resource or throwing them in the compost bin, try experimenting with these easy ways to get the most out of your eggs.
Preparing eggs for use
It is important that you choose only certified organic, free-range eggs or use eggs from your own chickens if you plan to reuse the shells in any way.
Rinse the shells thoroughly, being sure to remove any stuck on membrane, then lay on a cookie sheet and bake at 150 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This will ensure that any dangerous bacteria is dead and will not negatively affect your body.
Compost pile
One of the most common uses for eggshells is to add them to a compost pile or bin. Using eggshells in your compost will help create an amazing fertilizer and return much-needed nutrients to depleted soil.
Better coffee
I don’t know about you, but a bitter cup of coffee isn’t usually how I like to start my day. I prefer smooth, rich coffee with a sweeter flavor. Add a crushed-up eggshell to your filter with your coffee to take the bitter edge off and deliver delicious caffeine fuel.
Seed starters
If you want to get a head start on spring planting, try filling up eggshells with soil and adding a seed. Not only will the nutrients from the egg help cultivate a healthy seedling, but an egg carton also serves as a helpful and portable tray for your young plants. Be sure to create a small hole in the bottom of each shell for drainage. When you are ready to plant seedlings in the garden, crack the bottom of the shell to allow roots to puncture through and stick the whole egg cup right into the ground.
Face mask
Egg whites are a common addition to homemade facemasks, but did you know that you can also utilize the outside of the golden treasure? Using a dried out eggshell, create a fine powder in the blender or food processor, then mix thoroughly with an egg white. Apply to your face and let dry for about 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. This combination will help tighten skin and give you a radiant, glowing look.
Soothe irritated skin
Add an eggshell to a small jar of apple cider vinegar with an airtight seal. Then allow it to soak for at least two days and rub a small amount on rashes or irritated skin. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Clean stubborn pots and pans
Crush up eggshells and use them in conjunction with dish soap to help eradicate irritating stains and stuck-on grime from pots and pans. This is a gentle abrasive and should not scratch pots. This method also works for mugs with stubborn coffee stains. Simply add a few ground up eggshells and then fill the mug with warm water. Let it sit overnight and then wash normally with soap and water in the morning.
Garbage disposal cleaner
Toss a few egg shells down your garbage disposal every once in a while. Doing so will help keep odors from developing and collect any hidden food waste.
Restore white clothes
Some swear by this method to remove the greyish tinge that white clothes acquire over time. All you need is a mesh lingerie bag, a few lemons, and three egg shells. Slice up the lemons and add them with the eggshells into the bag then toss into your load of whites.
Chicken feed
Though it may sound strange, you can actually give empty eggshells right back to your chickens. They love them and eggshells help provide essential calcium to ensure that your hens are laying healthy eggs.
There you have it, the essential list of ways to use eggshells rather than throwing them in the trash. Do you know of any other creative uses for eggshells? Let us know in the comments below!
-Susan Patterson