Eggstra-ordinary ways to use your eggshells
White Egg Shell
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
We often discard our eggshells as soon as we have cracked them open, but Facebook user Nicholas Pleysier recently shared how these shells could enhance your home or garden
Here are 15 ways in which you can use your eggshells and celebrate World Egg Day:
1. Garden Fertilizer:
Crushed eggshells are a great addition to your garden soil. They provide calcium, which is essential for plant growth. Simply crush the shells and sprinkle them around the base of your plants.
2. Pest Control:
Eggshells can deter pests like slugs, snails, and even cats. Scatter crushed shells around your garden to create a barrier that these pests won’t cross.
3. Compost Enhancer:
Add eggshells to your compost pile. They break down and help balance the pH of the compost, enriching it with valuable nutrients.
4. Seed Starters:
Use eggshells as small pots for starting seeds. They are biodegradable and can be planted directly into the soil when the seedlings are ready, providing an extra boost of calcium to the young plants.
5. Household Cleaner:
Crushed eggshells can be used as a gentle abrasive cleaner. Mix them with a little soapy water to scrub pots, pans, and other surfaces without scratching.
6. Face Mask:
Create a natural exfoliating face mask by grinding eggshells into a fine powder and mixing them with egg whites. Apply the mixture to your face and let it dry before rinsing off for smoother skin.
7. Laundry Whitener:
Add a small mesh bag filled with crushed eggshells to your laundry. The shells help to remove stains and keep whites bright.
8. Natural Drain Cleaner:
Ground eggshells can help keep your pipes clean. When mixed with warm water and dish soap, they can scrub away residue and prevent clogs.
9. Calcium Supplement for Pets:
Crush eggshells into a fine powder and sprinkle a small amount over your pet’s food. It’s a great way to add extra calcium to their diet.
10. Coffee Grounds Enhancer:
Add crushed eggshells to your coffee grounds before brewing. The shells help reduce the acidity of the coffee, resulting in a smoother taste.
11. Craft Projects:
Use eggshells in various craft projects. They can be painted, used in mosaics, or as unique decorations for Easter eggs.
12. Calcium Supplement for Humans:
Sterilize and grind eggshells into a fine powder to use as a natural calcium supplement. Add the powder to smoothies, baked goods, or sprinkle over food.
13. Soil Amendment for Tomatoes:
Tomato plants benefit significantly from extra calcium. Add crushed eggshells to the planting hole or around the base of the plant to prevent blossom end rot.
14. Bird Feed:
Birds need calcium for their eggshells. Sterilize and crush eggshells, then mix them with birdseed to provide a calcium boost for your feathered friends.
15. Household Deodorizer:
Place dried eggshells in a bowl or container and put it in your refrigerator or cupboard to absorb odors naturally.
Eggshells are far more useful than most people realise. From gardening and pest control to beauty treatments and craft projects, they offer a multitude of benefits. So next time you crack an egg, think twice before throwing away the shell – it might come in handy.
Ziyaad Plaatjes is the Co-Founder of iloveza.com & Let's Torque ZA, the Founder of the After Fajr Grind Academy, a Radio Host for the longest running award-winning Motoring show in South Africa - Bumper2Bumper on Cii Radio, and a Brand South Africa Play Your Part Ambassador, who was named one of Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans in the Arts, Entertainment, Film & Media Category.
He is a Bachelor of Commerce Honours graduate and has been running businesses since the age of 13. Ziyaad is a social media fundi and content creator, but has taken on many roles in various industries over the years. With his entrepreneurial skills and vast knowledge he assists individuals and businesses to grow and achieve their goals.
Find him at: Instagram: @ziyaad_86 / @ilovezacom / @letstorqueza / @b2bcii X: @ziyaad86 / @ilovezacom / @letstorqueza / @b2bcii Facebook: iloveza.com / Let's Torque ZA LinkedIn: Ziyaad Plaatjes / iloveza.com YouTube: iloveza.com SoundCloud: iloveza.com TikTok: @ilovezacom / @b2bcii Threads: @ilovezacom iono.fm: Bumper2Bumper Hashtags: #AfterFajrGrind #iloveza❤️🇿🇦 #LetsTorqueZA #B2BCii #WheresDaddyZA E-mail: ziyaad@iloveza.com
