What Can You Do With Black Walnut Shells

Black walnut shells can be used for a surprising number of practical, creative, and even money-saving purposes around your home and garden.
 
If you’ve ever cracked a batch of black walnuts and wondered what to do with the leftover shells, you’re in the right place.
 
Most people toss them in the trash without a second thought.
 
But those hard, gritty shells have a ton of hidden value.
 
In this post, we’ll explore what you can do with black walnut shells, from gardening tricks to crafting ideas and even some cleaning hacks.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

What Can You Do With Black Walnut Shells?

The short answer is: a lot more than you’d think.
 
Black walnut shells are tough, abrasive, and long-lasting, which makes them perfect for several practical uses.
 
Here are the best ways to put them to work.
 

1. Use Them as a Natural Abrasive for Cleaning

Ground black walnut shells make an excellent natural abrasive.
 
Because they’re hard but won’t scratch most surfaces, they’re great for polishing and cleaning.
 
You can use crushed black walnut shells to scrub tough grime off metal tools, engine parts, or even gun stocks.
 
Many companies actually sell ground black walnut shells specifically for this purpose.
 
So if you have a pile of shells, crush them up and keep them in a jar for your next cleaning project.
 

2. Turn Them Into a Gentle Exfoliant

If you’re into DIY beauty, black walnut shells can be ground into a fine powder and used as a body scrub.
 
The gritty texture helps slough off dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
 
Just be careful not to use it on your face, as the particles can be too rough for delicate skin.
 
Mix the powder with a little coconut oil or body wash, and you’ve got a homemade exfoliant for pennies.
 

3. Use Them as a Mulch or Soil Additive

Black walnut shells make a fantastic mulch for garden beds.
 
They break down slowly, suppress weeds, and add a nice dark color to your landscaping.
 
But here’s the catch: black walnut shells contain juglone, a natural chemical that can be toxic to some plants.
 
So you’ll want to use them around juglone-tolerant plants like hostas, ferns, or daylilies.
 
Avoid using them near tomatoes, peppers, or anything in the nightshade family.
 

4. Create a Natural Dye for Fabric or Crafts

Black walnut shells are famous for their rich, brown dye.
 
You can boil the shells in water to extract a deep brown color that’s perfect for dyeing fabric, yarn, or even paper.
 
This is a favorite trick among natural dyers and crafters.
 
The longer you soak your material, the darker the color gets.
 
Just add a mordant like alum to help the color set, and you’re good to go.
 

Creative and Practical Uses for Black Walnut Shells

Beyond the basics, there are some creative ways to repurpose black walnut shells that might surprise you.
 
Let’s look at a few more ideas.
 

5. Make Decorative Crafts and Jewelry

Crushed black walnut shells can be used in resin crafts, mosaics, or even jewelry.
 
Their natural brown color and interesting texture add a rustic, earthy feel to handmade items.
 
You can also use whole shell halves as tiny planters for succulents or as decorative bowls for small items.
 
Get creative and see what you can come up with.
 

6. Use Them as a Non-Toxic Pest Deterrent

Some gardeners swear by black walnut shells as a natural pest deterrent.
 
The rough texture and juglone content can help keep slugs, snails, and certain insects away from your plants.
 
Spread a layer of crushed shells around the base of your plants to create a barrier.
 
Just remember to use them sparingly and only around plants that can tolerate juglone.
 

7. Add Them to Your Compost Pile

Black walnut shells can be composted, but they take a long time to break down.
 
If you have a hot compost pile, they’ll decompose faster.
 
Just be aware that the juglone can linger in the finished compost, so avoid using it on sensitive plants.
 
Crushing the shells first will speed up the process.
 

8. Use Them for Sandblasting or Tumbling

Ground black walnut shells are widely used as a blasting media for cleaning and polishing.
 
They’re softer than sand but still abrasive enough to remove rust, paint, and grime without damaging the underlying surface.
 
If you have a rock tumbler, you can also use crushed shells as a gentle polishing medium.
 
It’s a great way to give your rocks a smooth, shiny finish.
 

Things to Keep in Mind When Using Black Walnut Shells

While black walnut shells are incredibly useful, there are a few things to watch out for.
 
First, remember that juglone can be toxic to certain plants and even some animals.
 
Don’t use them around sensitive gardens or let your pets chew on them.
 
Second, if you’re grinding the shells yourself, wear a mask to avoid inhaling the dust.
 
And finally, make sure the shells are clean and dry before you store them to prevent mold.
 
 

So, What Can You Do With Black Walnut Shells?

Black walnut shells can be used for everything from natural cleaning and exfoliating to gardening, crafting, and even dyeing fabric.
 
They’re a free, eco-friendly resource that most people just throw away.
 
So the next time you crack open a batch of black walnuts, don’t toss the shells.
 
Store them, crush them, and put them to work.
 
You’ll be amazed at how many uses you can find for what you can do with black walnut shells.