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There are plenty of useful things you can do with empty walnut shells instead of tossing them in the trash.
Empty walnut shells are surprisingly versatile, and once you realize how many ways you can repurpose them, you’ll never look at them the same way.
Whether you’re a gardener, a crafter, or someone who just hates waste, there’s a project here for you.
In this post, we’ll explore what to do with empty walnut shells, from practical household uses to fun DIY ideas.
Let’s dive in.
What to Do With Empty Walnut Shells: Practical Uses
There are so many practical things you can do with empty walnut shells around your home and garden.
Here are some of the best options.
1. Use Them as a Natural Abrasive for Cleaning
Crushed walnut shells are a fantastic natural abrasive.
You can use ground empty walnut shells to scrub tough stains off pots, pans, and even engine parts.
They’re tough enough to remove grime but gentle enough not to scratch most surfaces.
This is one of the most underrated things to do with empty walnut shells.
2. Add Them to Your Garden Soil
Empty walnut shells make an excellent addition to garden soil.
When crushed, they improve drainage and aerate the soil, which helps plant roots breathe.
They also break down slowly, adding organic matter over time.
So if you’re wondering what to do with empty walnut shells in your garden, this is a great place to start.
3. Use Them as Mulch
Spread crushed empty walnut shells around your plants as a decorative and functional mulch.
They help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and give your garden beds a neat, rustic look.
Plus, they don’t blow away easily like some lighter mulches do.
4. Make a Natural Scouring Pad
You can sew crushed empty walnut shells into a small cloth pouch to create a reusable scouring pad.
It’s a zero-waste alternative to synthetic scrubbers, and it works surprisingly well on stubborn messes.
Creative Ways to Reuse Empty Walnut Shells
If you’re the crafty type, empty walnut shells open up a world of creative possibilities.
Here are some fun ideas to try.
1. Turn Them Into Jewelry or Ornaments
Whole empty walnut shells can be polished and turned into pendants, buttons, or holiday ornaments.
Their natural texture and shape make them unique, and you can paint or varnish them for a finished look.
2. Use Them in Arts and Crafts With Kids
Kids love crafting with empty walnut shells.
They can paint them, glue them onto paper, or turn them into little boats and animals.
It’s a cheap, eco-friendly craft supply that keeps little hands busy for hours.
3. Make Miniature Planters
Half empty walnut shells make adorable tiny planters for succulents or moss.
Just fill them with a bit of soil, add a small plant, and place them on a windowsill.
They’re cute, sustainable, and a great conversation starter.
4. Create Decorative Bowl Fillers
Fill a decorative bowl with whole empty walnut shells for a natural, rustic centerpiece.
You can even add a few drops of essential oil to make them smell amazing.
Empty Walnut Shells for Household and Hobby Projects
Beyond the garden and craft room, empty walnut shells have plenty of other uses around the house.
Check these out.
1. Use Them as Fire Starter Kindling
Empty walnut shells burn well and make excellent kindling for fireplaces and campfires.
They catch quickly and burn hot, helping you get a fire going in no time.
Just toss a handful in with your other kindling, and you’re good to go.
2. Make a Natural Dye
You can boil empty walnut shells to create a rich brown dye for fabric, yarn, or paper.
It’s a fun natural dyeing project that gives you beautiful, earthy tones without harsh chemicals.
3. Use Them as Blasting Media
Crushed empty walnut shells are used commercially as a gentle blasting media for cleaning and polishing delicate surfaces.
You can use them at home for small DIY projects like restoring old tools or stripping paint.
4. Add Them to Compost
Empty walnut shells are biodegradable and can be added to your compost pile.
They break down slowly, so crush them first to speed up the process.
They add carbon to your compost, balancing out nitrogen-rich kitchen scraps.
5. Use Them as a Pet Bedding Additive
Some people mix crushed empty walnut shells into pet bedding for small animals like hamsters.
They help absorb moisture and control odors naturally.
Just make sure your pet doesn’t try to eat them.
So, What to Do With Empty Walnut Shells?
What to do with empty walnut shells comes down to a simple truth: they’re far too useful to throw away.
From natural cleaning abrasives and garden mulch to craft projects and fire starters, empty walnut shells have a surprising number of second lives.
So the next time you crack open a batch of walnuts, don’t toss those shells.
Pick a project from this list and give them a new purpose.
You’ll save money, reduce waste, and maybe even discover a new hobby along the way.