Boil Eggshells in a Saucepan – It’s Smart and Saves a Lot of Money

Boil Eggshells in a Saucepan – It’s Smart and Saves a Lot of Money

Most of us toss eggshells into the trash or compost without a second thought. But did you know that boiling eggshells in a saucepan can be one of the smartest and most budget-friendly kitchen habits you’ll ever adopt?

Eggshells are more than just waste — they’re packed with calcium and minerals that can be repurposed in surprisingly useful (and money-saving) ways. All it takes is a simple boil, and you’ll unlock their full potential.

🥚 Why Boil Eggshells?

Boiling eggshells serves two key purposes:

1. Sanitization: It removes bacteria like salmonella, making the shells safe to use.
2. Extraction: Boiling draws out the rich minerals (especially calcium carbonate) that can benefit your garden, home, and even your body in some cases.

🫧 How to Boil Eggshells Properly

You’ll need:

• Used eggshells (rinsed clean of yolk/egg white)
• A medium saucepan
• Water
• Optional: strainer or cheesecloth

Steps:

1. Rinse eggshells to remove any remaining egg residue.
2. Place them in a saucepan and cover with water.
3. Bring to a boil and let them simmer for 10–15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool.
5. Strain the water if needed, or dry the shells for other uses.

💡 Smart Ways to Use Boiled Eggshells (and Water!)

1. Nourish Your Garden (Save on Fertilizer)

The boiled water, now mineral-rich, is great for watering houseplants or garden soil. The calcium helps strengthen plant cell walls and prevents issues like blossom-end rot in tomatoes and peppers.

2. DIY Calcium Supplement (With Caution)

Dry the boiled shells, bake them briefly to ensure sterilization, and grind them into a fine powder. Some people use this as a natural calcium boost by adding small amounts to smoothies or food. (Consult a doctor before trying this regularly.)

3. Natural Drain Cleaner Booster

Crushed, dried eggshells can be used in combination with baking soda and vinegar to help scrub and deodorize kitchen drains.

4. Non-Toxic Pest Deterrent

Scatter crushed shells around the base of garden plants. The sharp edges deter slugs and snails — no need for chemical repellents.

5. Feed Backyard Chickens or Birds

Chickens need calcium to produce strong eggshells. Boiled and crushed eggshells are a great, sustainable calcium source — and much cheaper than store-bought supplements.