21 Uses For Eggshells That'll Really Surprise You

21 Uses For Eggshells That'll Really Surprise You

Eggshells - they're EGGStraordinary things. Who knew that they could be so EGGSceptionally useful? Read on for 21 EGGScellent ways to use them, complete with helpful EGGSplanations!

I EGGSpect you'll want to share this CRACKing article - we'd appreciate it if you do, we're trying to EGGStend our EGGSpert Home Tips readership...

Before you continue, don't forget to follow us on:

Thanks!

1. Cake

Get in my mouth
Get in my mouth

This is a truly side-splitting joke to play on someone, or as an EGGStra-special treat for an Easter breakfast. If you want to make these beautifully unusual cakes, follow the instructions from realFood.Tesco.com.

2. Tealights in empty eggshells

I recently sung the praises of these beautiful eggshell tealights in my post, 19 delightful ways to use the humble tealight and I'm fully prepared to do it again. They would make a wonderful colourful display for Easter time, although I'm sure they'd be welcome on windowsills and tables, any time of the year.

3. Herb garden

Plus, it looks super-cool
Plus, it looks super-cool

Why not make a little herb garden by using old egg shells? Give them a quick wash, fill them with a little soil and your chosen seeds. Keep the shells by a sunny window and watch them grow. Learn how by visiting smallfriendly.com - it will be such an EGGciting project!

4. Brownies

brownie in egg shell

Why bake a brownie in a boring old tray? Go a little crazy and cook them inside an egg shell instead. Check out Cuisine Addict for all the details - they'd make a truly EGGceptional present for someone.

5. Bird feed


SmellLikeDirt have created this brilliant tutorial on how to prepare egg shells as bird feed. You'll be helping birds to get calcium in their diet which will in turn, help strengthen their bones and egg shells.

6. Fertiliser

Give your eggshells a good clean in warm water and then crush them into small pieces - your soil will gladly receive all that precious calcium. For more information on home composting, check out recyclenow.com.

7. Mosaic frame

Feeling like creating something EGGStreme? Make a beautiful mosaic picture frame with leftover eggshells! This will make a beautiful gift or present for yourself. You can learn how to make one for yourself in the video above.

8. Keep slugs & snails at bay

If you've got plants that slugs and snails like to hang out by, then sprinkle some crumbled egg shells around the base of the plant. The sharp edges of the shells will be an undesirable path and they should choose other easier options - more EGGercise for them!

9. For indoor plants

houseplants

Are your house plants looking a little droopy? Collect egg shells to use as organic food for them all. Head to homeTalk.com to find out how to do it. Now you won't need to SHELL out on special food for them!

10. Use eggshells to keep your drains clear

If you've got some crushed eggshells lying around, sprinkle some into your sink strainer. They will help to trap bits of food and keep your pipes nice and clear.

11. Calcium

It's not just birds that need their calcium - humans do too, especially if you are pregnant or nursing. Learn how to make a brilliant, inEGGpensive natural source of calcium with mamaNatural.com.

12. Face scrub

If you're looking for a natural face exfoliator then look no further than the mighty eggshell. Try your hand at this recipe from ladyFormula.com - you can also make some tasty meringue with the leftover egg whites.

13. Seed bombs

This will make a great present
This will make a great present

These seed bombs would make the perfect gift to give at Easter or for someone who fancies a bit of guerilla gardening. You don't need much to create these EGGciting things! Follow the easy instructions at me and my shadow.

14. Crystal egg geodes

crystal egg geode
Wow!

Everyone loves crystals, so why not use egg shells to create your own crystal egg geodes? You can find the instructions at Magical Daydream. It looks super-fun to create your own with kids - they'll be EGGStatic!

15. Laundry whitener

If you're looking for a natural way to keep your whites white, then put a few clean, dry shells with some lemon into a small, closed muslin bag and chuck it in with your wash.

16. Smoke bombs

Another brilliant idea for the kids
Another brilliant idea for the kids

More great fun for the kids - smoke bombs! Using empty egg shells with chalk and baby powder, you can have lots of fun with the kids on warm day. For a rather superb tutorial, get yourself to growingAJeweledRose.com.

17. Pot cleaner

If you've run out of steel wool, then grab a handful of broken eggshells to help scrub pots and pans. It's an amazing abrasive, so mix it with soapy water for a great clean.

18. Use eggshells to combat bitter coffee

Adding eggshell to coffee can help remove the bitterness. Follow the EGGSact instructions at livestrong.com to find out how to use eggshells in your coffee. I hope you enjoy your smooth drink! For more coffee tips, check out 21 curious uses for coffee you'll really love.

19. Decorations

Why not keep them up all year round?
Why not keep them up all year round?

These egg decorations are such a pretty way to decorate your home for Easter without filling your sideboards with bunnies and chicks. Head over to crafts.tutsplusc.com for more details.

20. Shadow lamp

Get your creative juices flowing
Get your creative juices flowing

Get creative with this neat idea from instructables.com. Using vinegar and paint, you can create your very own shadow lamp!

21. Crafts with eggshells

Gobsmackingly perfect crafting skills.
Gobsmackingly perfect crafting skills.

If you're good with your hands then why not try making something with your eggs shells? There's lots of wonderful ideas at chezLarsson.com but my favourite has to be S.Howercap, as seen above.

Wow, has your head EGGSploded with so many great ideas? Get cracking with them! If you've got any more ideas, please let us know in the comments below...

Colleen B

Editor

Lifelong biscuit addict. Obsessed with recipes, cooking & eating. Slightly lazier than the average bear, so likes writing about life hacks & discovering the quickest / easiest way to do things.

Follow me on X
  1. Author Tammi on April 10, 2016 at 12:47 pm

    Thank you for the tips! So much better than just throwing them into the compost :)

    1. Author Colleen B on April 11, 2016 at 2:47 pm

      Thank you for your kind words Tammi, glad to hear you enjoyed the post!

    Reply
  2. Author victoria smith on April 14, 2016 at 9:55 am

    Brilliant this should be viral on facebook as the younger generation has lostt all the good granny tips and it's amazing we need to keep this going and not let all this useful information die out with the older generation fantastic work please keep it up ? xx

    1. Author Colleen B on April 22, 2016 at 1:58 pm

      Thank you for your kind words Victoria, please feel free to share it with all your friends! :)

    Reply
  3. Author Gillian Wilkinson-Brown on August 11, 2017 at 7:40 am

    Has Tesco Food pulled the cake recipe? I can't find it anywhere but I presume it would be a batter-like cake recipe and pour into clean, sterile eggshells, yes?

    Reply
  4. Author Joyce on August 11, 2017 at 9:20 am

    Another great idea is to scatter some crushed shells over freshly turned soil. As cats love freshly turned soil to leave there smelly messages in the soil as they dig the shell pieces get caught under there claws. Cats don't like this but it doesn't hurt them and it deters them from leaving anything again may take a few goes but it works

    1. Author Stephanie C on August 16, 2017 at 9:39 am

      Hi Joyce. That's an interesting tip...although it does sound a little painful for the cats I must say.

    Reply
  5. Author Helen Smith on August 12, 2017 at 12:32 pm

    Wow this is the best tips yet. I'll certainly keep my egg shells (washed of course) ready for grandchildren. I have done the crushed shells to keep slugs off but don't eat enough to go round!!! But did work

    Reply
  6. Author Pam Ramage on August 12, 2017 at 9:33 pm

    Eggshellent tips for sharing

    Reply
  7. Author Dawn Hobbs on August 16, 2017 at 12:10 pm

    I would be a little worried about using egg shells for cake mixture & other uses for edible purposes, as these shells could be contaminated with botulism poison & the least handled in my opinion the better.

    Reply
  8. Author Dawn Hobbs on August 16, 2017 at 12:14 pm

    As above

    Reply
  9. Author Eggstra Care on November 26, 2017 at 3:48 am

    Hi Stephanie You mentioned about eggshells were good as a pipe cleaner but in the tips you have given ".... things not ever to put down your sink" it says ...... "egg shells definitely shouldn’t be going down the drain. Although they may look fragile, they can easily cause an obstruction in your pipes." Just to let you know as people might do this and come up with problems in their pipes!

    1. Author Stephanie C on November 27, 2017 at 9:54 am

      Hi there Kirstine. Thanks a lot for letting us know - this has now been amended :)

    Reply
  10. Author Anne Bunney on October 5, 2022 at 11:14 am

    Always put them in garden compost along with the grounds from the coffee pot

    1. Author Joanne A on October 6, 2022 at 11:20 am

      Great idea!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *