Unbelievable Ways to Use Banana Peels Around Your Home

Charlie Golsley in home living

3/14/25

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Banana peels often go straight into the trash, but what if they were actually the secret weapon your home has been missing? Packed with nutrients, natural oils, and surprising properties, banana peels can do far more than you’d expect. Here are some incredible ways to put those peels to good use.

1. Shine Your Shoes

Forget expensive shoe polish; banana peels can give your leather shoes a brilliant shine. The peel’s natural oils work wonders on scuffed surfaces.

Simply rub the inside of a banana peel directly onto your shoes, then buff them with a clean cloth for a glossy finish. It’s a natural, budget-friendly way to keep your footwear looking sharp.

2. Fertilize Your Plants

Banana peels are rich in potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, which are key nutrients that plants love. By adding peels to your garden, you’ll nourish your soil naturally.

Chop banana peels into small pieces and bury them near the roots of your plants. As they decompose, they’ll release essential nutrients to boost growth and flowering.

3. Polish Silverware

Banana peels contain gentle acids that can break down tarnish and restore shine to your silverware.

Blend banana peels with water to create a paste, then rub the mixture onto your silver. After a few minutes, rinse and buff the silver to reveal its sparkle.

4. Remove Ink Stains from Skin

Got ink on your hands? Banana peels can help lift stubborn stains without the need for harsh chemicals.

Rub the inside of a peel directly over the stain for a few minutes. The natural oils in the peel break down the ink, making it easier to wash away.

5. Treat Bug Bites and Skin Irritations

Banana peels have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe itchy or irritated skin.

Press the inside of a banana peel directly onto the affected area for a few minutes to reduce itching and redness. This trick works wonders for mosquito bites and minor rashes.

6. Whiten Your Teeth

Banana peels may help brighten your smile thanks to their mild whitening properties.

Gently rub the inside of a banana peel across your teeth for about two minutes. The minerals in the peel can gradually reduce surface stains and enhance your teeth’s natural shine.

7. Repel Garden Pests

Banana peels can help deter common garden pests like aphids without the need for harsh pesticides.

Place small pieces of banana peel around plants prone to aphid infestations. The scent will naturally keep pests away while adding nutrients to the soil as the peels break down.

8. Freshen Up Your Compost

If you’re composting, banana peels are an excellent addition to your bin. They break down quickly and provide valuable nutrients to your compost mix.

For faster decomposition, chop banana peels into smaller pieces before adding them to your compost pile.

9. Relieve Dry Skin

Banana peels are packed with moisturizing oils that can nourish dry, rough skin.

Gently rub the inside of a peel onto your elbows, heels, face, or other dry areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off. You’ll be surprised how soft your skin feels afterward.

10. Clean Houseplants’ Leaves

Dusty houseplants can lose their luster, but banana peels can restore their shine naturally.

Wipe your plant’s leaves with the inside of a banana peel to remove dust and leave behind a healthy sheen. This method also provides a subtle nutrient boost for your plants.

Next time you enjoy a banana, don’t toss the peel just yet. From cleaning solutions to skincare remedies, these versatile fruit scraps are packed with unexpected benefits. Give a few of these tricks a try and you might just find yourself saving money while discovering new ways to keep your home looking its best.