Eggshells: The eco‑friendly secret to sparkling pans
A scorched pan can really discourage you from cooking again. Not only did the dish not turn out as expected, but now you also have to deal with scrubbing the pan. The simplest solution might be to use a scouring pad, which isn't suitable for delicate surfaces. A gentler and more eco-friendly approach is to use remnants of food products that usually end up in the trash.
Ideally, nothing should stick, but in practice, this unpleasant experience often happens even to experienced cooks. Fortunately, there's an effective remedy for a scorched pan within your reach. All you need are eggshells—blended into a fine powder, they will quickly restore the pan to its best appearance.
Don't throw away eggshells
Eggshells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, making up as much as 95% of their mass. The remaining 5% consists of other organic and mineral compounds, including proteins, collagen, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. Due to their composition, eggshells are a valuable addition to compost and a fertilizer for flowers. Furthermore, after blending, you can use them to clean scorched surfaces. They act like gentle sandpaper.
Due to their alkaline nature, eggshells can also neutralize the taste of sour coffee. Before adding them to your morning cup, wash them thoroughly and pour boiling water over them. Then, dry them and blend them into a fine powder using a blender. Add the powder to the filter in a drip coffee maker or to the infuser in a coffee pot—this is the best way to change the coffee's taste and easily separate the shells from the "drink of the gods."
Eggshells can also be used in a home spa. Mix them with hand cream and rub the mixture into your hands to strengthen your nails. You can also use them to prepare a natural homemade scrub for cleansing the skin on your face and body.
How to make eggshell liquid for cleaning pans?
Using eggshells, you can prepare a simple and ecological cleaner for scorched surfaces of dishes.
Ingredients:
- 6 eggshells
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
Preparation:
- Wash and dry the eggshells thoroughly, then blend them into a fine powder using a blender or mortar.
- Add warm water and a tablespoon of baking soda. Mix and apply to the dirty surface.
- Wipe with a sponge, then rinse with water.
For greasy surfaces, it's worth adding a bit of dish soap. Do not use this mixture to clean Teflon pans due to the risk of damaging the non-stick coating. However, it works well for cast iron, steel, and ceramic pans, as well as for cleaning ovens. You can also use it for washing sinks, washbasins, or bathtubs. It effectively removes limescale and restores a white color.
