The Magic of Eggshell: A Simple Ingredient with Surprising Benefits and Budget-Friendly Too!

Eggs are a common cooking ingredient, and the shells are usually discarded. However, egg shells have a variety of useful applications around the house and in the garden.

## Egg Shells for Gardening:

Roast the Egg Shells: Collect, clean, and dry egg shells. Crush them into a pan or pot and roast them. This sterilizes and disinfects the shells, preserving them for longer. Roast until they turn a yellowish color and emit a pleasant aroma.

Allow the shells to cool, then grind them into a fine powder using a blender or mortar and pestle. Store the powder in an airtight jar, kept in a dry place for future use. Alternatively, you can bake the shells in an oven to dry them.

Using Egg Shell Powder: The main component of egg shells is calcium carbonate, along with protein and trace elements, all of which are beneficial for plants. Use the powder as a fertilizer for your potted plants or garden. Simply sprinkle the powder directly onto the soil and water it. The nutrients will gradually seep into the soil and be absorbed by the plant roots.

You can also mix the powder into the soil before planting or repotting a plant. This not only adds nutrients but also improves soil aeration and drainage, preventing compacted soil.

## Additional Uses for Egg Shells:

– Cleaning a Thermos: Thermoses often have narrow openings, making them difficult to clean. Simply add some cleaned egg shells, hot water, and shake vigorously. The shells scrub away residue, and calcium carbonate releases super-activated oxygen in high temperatures, aiding in the breakdown of water stains. Rinse with clean water and dry.

– Cleaning a Range Hood: Range hoods accumulate grease over time, fostering bacteria growth. Traditional cleaning methods may not be effective. Create a natural scrubber by taking two cleaned egg shells, placing them in a disposable face mask, and tying it closed.

Mix baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, and hot water in a bowl. Dip the mask containing the egg shells into the solution and wipe down the range hood. Grease will be eliminated with a few wipes. The solution breaks down grease, and the egg shells increase scrubbing power. Finish by wiping with a clean cloth.