33 Uses For Eggshells: Creative Ways to Reuse Your Kitchen Scraps

We all know that eggs are a staple in many households, but did you know that eggshells can be just as useful? In fact, there are at least 33 uses for eggshells that you may not have considered before. From gardening to cleaning, eggshells have a variety of practical applications that can make our lives easier.

I’m a huge advocate for reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle. In fact, we reuse our grey water for irrigation and talk extensively about recycling on the homestead.

Recycling your eggshells is not only eco-friendly, it’s also insanely beneficial for so many applications.

You can also utilize them to deter pests like slugs and snails, as the sharp edges of the crushed shells repel them. However, the uses for eggshells extend beyond that. They can be employed in the kitchen, for cleaning purposes, and even for beauty treatments.

Eggshell Basics

When it comes to eggshells, there are a few basic things we need to know before we can start using them in various ways.

It doesn’t matter if you use white, green, or brown eggshells. Any eggshell will do for all of these applications

Here are some eggshell basics that will help us get started:

Eggshell Composition

Eggshells are made up of calcium carbonate, which is the same material that makes up seashells, coral, and limestone.

This means that eggshells are a good source of calcium, which is an essential nutrient for our bodies.

Cleaning Eggshells For Use

Before using eggshells, it’s important to clean them thoroughly to remove any bacteria or germs that may be present.

To do this, we can rinse them with warm water and then boil them for 10 minutes.

Crushing Your Eggshells For Use

To use eggshells, we need to crush them into small pieces.

This can be done by using a mortar and pestle, a rolling pin, or even a food processor.

I will add, I like to have a dedicated blender for my eggshells and blend them outside.

When you open the top, the fine dust goes everywhere. Make sure to wear a mask or move your face away from the blender when opening.

Eggshell Storage

Eggshells should be stored in a dry place, away from moisture and humidity. We can store them in an airtight container or a plastic bag.

By keeping these eggshell basics in mind, we can start using eggshells in various ways and reap the benefits they have to offer.

Gardening Uses For Eggshells

One of the most popular uses for eggshells is in the garden. Crushed eggshells can be used as a natural fertilizer, providing plants with the calcium they need to grow strong and healthy.

Compost Enrichment

We can use eggshells to enrich our compost. Eggshells are a good source of calcium, which helps to maintain the pH balance of the soil.

Crushed eggshells can be added to the compost pile to provide the necessary calcium. The shells will break down over time, releasing calcium and other nutrients into the soil.

Use Eggshells As A Pest Deterrent

We can use eggshells to deter pests in our garden. You can sprinkle crushed eggshells around the base of plants to create a barrier that slugs and snails will not cross. The sharp edges of the shells will cut their soft bodies, deterring them from climbing up the plants.

Seed Starter Pots

We can use eggshells as seed starter pots. Eggshells are biodegradable and can be used as a natural container for starting seeds.

Simply crack the top of the eggshell and remove the egg, then fill the shell with soil and plant the seed.

The eggshell will provide the necessary nutrients to the seed as it grows, and can be planted directly into the ground when the seedling is ready.

Calcium Supplement for Soil

We can use eggshells as a calcium supplement for our soil.

Crushed eggshells can be added directly to the soil to help maintain the pH balance and provide calcium to the plants.

This is especially beneficial for plants that require a lot of calcium, such as tomatoes and peppers.

In summary, eggshells can be a valuable resource in our gardening efforts.

You can use eggshells to enrich compost, deter pests, serve as seed starter pots, and supplement the soil with calcium. By utilizing eggshells in our gardening practices, we can create a more sustainable and nutrient-rich environment for our plants.

Household Uses For Eggshells

Abrasive Cleaner

We can use eggshells as an abrasive cleaner. Crushed eggshells can be added to a little bit of soapy water and used to scrub away dirt and grime from pots, pans, and even the inside of the oven.

The abrasive texture of the eggshells helps to remove stubborn stains without damaging the surface.

Drain Cleaner

Eggshells can also be used to help unclog drains. Crushed eggshells can be added to the drain along with some baking soda and vinegar.

The mixture will fizz and help to break down any blockages in the drain.

Laundry Whitener

If we want to whiten our laundry, we can add some crushed eggshells to the washing machine. The eggshells will help to brighten our clothes naturally without the use of harsh chemicals.

Candle Holder

We can also use eggshells as a unique candle holder.

• Carefully crack the top off of an eggshell and rinse it out.
• Place a small tea light candle inside the eggshell and enjoy the soft glow.

Using eggshells in these ways can help us save money and reduce waste.

Health and Beauty Uses For Eggshells

Skin Exfoliant

We can use eggshells as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, softer skin.

• To use eggshells as an exfoliant, we can crush them into a fine powder.
• Mix the powder with a small amount of honey or coconut oil.
• Gently massage the mixture onto our face in a circular motion.
• Then rinse off with warm water.

Another crazy, but amazing, natural skin exfoliant to use is strawberries. Just like eggshells, we have a list of Over 30 Ways to Use Strawberries!

Nail Strengthener

Eggshells are a great source of calcium, which is essential for healthy nails.

We can use eggshells to strengthen our nails by crushing them into a fine powder and mixing them with clear nail polish. Apply the mixture to our nails as a base coat before applying our regular nail polish.

Homemade Toothpaste

We can make our own toothpaste using eggshells, which are a natural source of calcium and other minerals that can help strengthen our teeth.

To make eggshell toothpaste, we can crush eggshells into a fine powder and mix them with baking soda and coconut oil. Use the mixture to brush our teeth as usual.

By using eggshells in these ways, we can incorporate natural and affordable ingredients into our beauty routine.

Arts and Crafts Uses For Eggshells

Mosaic Art

We can use eggshells to create beautiful mosaic art. Crushed eggshells can be used to create colorful and textured designs on various surfaces, such as paper, cardboard, or wood.

To make a mosaic, we can first clean and dry the eggshells, then crush them into small pieces. We can mix the crushed eggshells with glue or paint to create a paste, which can be applied to the surface in the desired pattern.

Once the paste dries, we can add more layers of eggshells and glue to create a three-dimensional effect. Mosaic art made with eggshells can be a fun and eco-friendly way to decorate our homes.

Eggshell Sculpting

We can also use eggshells to create intricate and delicate sculptures. Eggshell sculpting requires patience and skill, but the results can be breathtaking.

To sculpt with eggshells, we can first clean and dry the eggshells, then carefully cut and shape them with a sharp knife or scissors.

We can create various shapes and designs, such as animals, flowers, or abstract patterns.

You can display eggshell sculptures on a shelf or use them as decorations for special occasions, such as Easter, weddings, or Christmas.

Decorative Ornaments

We can use eggshells to make unique and colorful ornaments for various purposes.

For example, we can paint and decorate eggshells to make Christmas tree ornaments, Easter eggs, or Halloween decorations.

We can also fill eggshells with wax or potpourri to make scented candles or room fresheners. Eggshell ornaments can be a fun and creative way to personalize our home decor or give as gifts to friends and family.

In conclusion, eggshells can be a versatile and creative material for arts and crafts projects. From mosaic art to eggshell sculpting to decorative ornaments, there are many ways to use eggshells to express our creativity and add beauty to our surroundings.

Pet Care Uses For Eggshells

Chicken Feed Supplement

We can use eggshells as a calcium supplement for our chickens. You can add crushed eggshells to your feed or sprinkle them on top of fresh fruits and vegetables or on your homemade chicken feed. The calcium in eggshells helps to keep our feathered friends healthy and strong.

Dog Food Additive

We can also use eggshells as a calcium supplement for our dogs.

You can add crushed eggshells to your food to help maintain strong bones and teeth. It’s essential to thoroughly clean and bake the eggshells before using them to eliminate any bacteria.

Furthermore, apart from serving as a calcium supplement, you can utilize eggshells to deter dogs from digging in the garden. Simply sprinkle crushed eggshells around your plants to create a barrier that dogs are less inclined to cross.

Overall, eggshells can be a useful addition to our pet care routine. By incorporating them into our bird and dog’s diets, we can help keep them healthy and happy.

Culinary Uses For Eggshells

Chefs and home cooks can use eggshells creatively in the culinary world to enhance their dishes and recipes.

Here are a few ways we can utilize them:

Coffee Enhancer

We all love our morning cup of coffee, but did you know that eggshells can make it taste even better?

You can add crushed eggshells to coffee grounds before brewing to decrease the acidity of the coffee. This results in a smoother and less bitter cup of coffee.

To use, simply clean and dry the eggshells, crush them into small pieces, and mix them with the coffee grounds. Use the same amount of coffee as you normally would, and enjoy a more pleasant coffee experience.

How To Make Eggshell Powder

You can incorporate eggshell powder as a versatile ingredient in a variety of recipes. It contains an abundance of calcium, making it an excellent addition to dishes that call for this essential nutrient.

Here’s how to make eggshell powder:

1. Clean and dry the eggshells.
2. Crush them into small pieces using a mortar and pestle or a food processor.
3. Spread the crushed eggshells on a baking sheet and bake them at 350°F for 10 minutes.
4. Let them cool and grind them into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or a blender.

Once you have your eggshell powder, you can use it in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• Add it to smoothies, soups, and sauces for a calcium boost.
• Use it as a natural food coloring for baked goods.
• Mix it with salt and herbs to make a homemade seasoning.
• Use it as a natural abrasive for cleaning pots and pans.

Overall, eggshells can be a valuable addition to our culinary arsenal. By using them in creative ways, we can reduce waste and improve the taste and nutrition of our food.

Scientific Uses For Eggshells

Chemistry Experiments

We can use eggshells in various chemistry experiments. The main component of eggshells is calcium carbonate, a widely utilized substance in numerous chemical reactions. Here are some experiments you can do with eggshells:

• Acid-Base Reactions: Eggshells can be used to demonstrate acid-base reactions. When an acid such as vinegar is added to eggshells, it reacts with the calcium carbonate in the eggshells, producing carbon dioxide gas, which can be observed as bubbles.
• Crystallization: Eggshells can be used to grow crystals. By dissolving eggshells in an acid such as hydrochloric acid, we can obtain calcium chloride, which can be used to grow crystals.
• Flame Tests: Eggshells can be used to perform flame tests. When eggshells are heated, they produce a bright orange flame, which can be used to identify the presence of calcium.

Environmental Education

Eggshells can also be used for environmental education. Here are some ways we can use eggshells to teach about ecology and sustainability:

• Composting: Eggshells can be added to compost piles to provide calcium to the soil. This can help improve soil quality and promote plant growth.
• Seed Starters: Eggshells can be used as seed starters. By filling eggshells with soil and planting seeds in them, we can provide a natural and biodegradable container for the seeds to grow in.
• Bird Feed: Eggshells can be crushed and added to bird feed to provide calcium to birds. This can help strengthen their bones and promote healthy egg production.

Overall, eggshells have a variety of scientific uses, from chemistry experiments to environmental education. By utilizing eggshells, we can promote sustainability and learn more about the world around us.

Miscellaneous Uses For Eggshells

Sidewalk Chalk

We can use eggshells to make eco-friendly sidewalk chalk.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Crush eggshells into a fine powder.
2. Mix the eggshell powder with hot water and flour.
3. Add food coloring to the mixture to create different colors.
4. Pour the mixture into molds and let it dry for a few days.
5. Once the chalk is fully dry, remove it from the molds and use it to draw on sidewalks or pavement.

My Frugal Home shares a good tutorial for how to make eggshell sidewalk chalk.

Use Eggshells For Notes or Gifts

One of my fond memories as a child is my father leaving notes or money in eggshells.

He would make a hole in each end of the egg and blow the shell out. Then lightly rinse out the egg. Once dry, we would write a note and roll it up tight or a dollar bill, and place it inside the egg. He would then hide the egg for me to find.

Sometimes the eggshell note would say ‘time to go to bed’ or ‘I love you’. I always loved my little egg-surprises as a kid.

Jewelry Making

You can also use eggshells to create exquisite jewelry.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Crush eggshells into small pieces.
2. Clean the eggshell pieces and let them dry.
3. Paint the eggshell pieces with acrylic paint or nail polish to create different colors.
4. String the eggshell pieces onto a wire or thread to create a necklace or bracelet.
5. Add beads, charms, or other decorations to the jewelry to make it more unique.

Eggshell jewelry is a great way to upcycle waste and create something beautiful.

Where To Get Eggshells

Obviously you need chickens to get eggs, unless you buy them at the store. If you raise backyard chickens like we do, you have an abundance of eggs during the warmer months. In fact, we’re always looking for ideas or ways to use our egg surplus. We have a list of over 31 ways to preserve eggs.

In addition to saving your own shells for when you use eggs or preserve eggs, you can contact a local breakfast joint to see if they will save their shells for you. A local pancake house used to save eggshells for us and I would swing by and pick up bags of them when I went to town.

If you don’t have a local breakfast joint, ask some of your friends to shave their shells. Better yet, share this post with them so they can benefit from all the amazing uses for eggshells too!

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