What To Do With Empty Walnut Shells

Empty walnut shells can be reused in plenty of practical and creative ways instead of tossing them in the trash.
 
From natural cleaning scrubs to garden helpers and craft projects, there are more uses for empty walnut shells than most people realize.
 
If you’ve been wondering what to do with empty walnut shells, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll explore the best ways to repurpose empty walnut shells, whether you want to use them in your home, your garden, or your next DIY project.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why You Should Reuse Empty Walnut Shells

Empty walnut shells are surprisingly versatile, and here’s why it pays to keep them around.
 

1. They’re Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly

Empty walnut shells break down naturally, so using them instead of plastic or chemical alternatives is a smart, eco-friendly move.
 
When you find ways to reuse empty walnut shells, you’re keeping waste out of landfills.
 

2. They’re Abrasive but Gentle

The tough texture of empty walnut shells makes them perfect for scrubbing and polishing without damaging surfaces.
 
That’s why crushed empty walnut shells show up in natural cleaning products and even industrial blasting materials.
 

3. They’re Free and Always Available

If you eat walnuts regularly, you’re already collecting empty walnut shells without even trying.
 
Instead of throwing them away, you can put those empty walnut shells to work around the house.
 

Practical Ways to Use Empty Walnut Shells at Home

You can put empty walnut shells to use all over your home with just a little creativity.
 

1. Make a Natural Scrub

Grind empty walnut shells into a fine powder and mix with a little water or oil to create a gentle abrasive scrub.
 
This works great for scrubbing pots, pans, and even tough stains on countertops.
 
Just be careful not to use it on delicate surfaces that scratch easily.
 

2. Use Them as Fire Starter

Empty walnut shells burn well, making them a handy fire starter for your fireplace or fire pit.
 
Toss a handful of dry empty walnut shells into your kindling, and they’ll help get the flames going.
 

3. Create Decorative Fillers

Dyed or painted empty walnut shells make beautiful fillers for vases, bowls, and centerpieces.
 
You can even layer empty walnut shells at the bottom of a glass candle holder for a rustic look.
 

4. Use Them as a Drainage Layer

Empty walnut shells work as a natural drainage layer at the bottom of potted plants.
 
Just add a layer of empty walnut shells before the soil, and they’ll help excess water drain away from the roots.
 

Empty Walnut Shells in the Garden

Gardeners love finding new uses for empty walnut shells because they’re cheap and effective.
 

1. Natural Mulch

Spread crushed empty walnut shells around your plants as a decorative and functional mulch.
 
They help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds while adding a nice texture to your garden beds.
 

2. Compost Additive

Empty walnut shells can go into your compost pile, where they add valuable carbon to the mix.
 
Just crush them up first so they break down faster, since whole empty walnut shells take a long time to decompose.
 

3. Pest Deterrent

The sharp edges of crushed empty walnut shells can deter slugs and snails from crawling into your garden beds.
 
Sprinkle a ring of crushed empty walnut shells around your plants to keep those slimy pests away.
 

Creative Craft Projects with Empty Walnut Shells

If you’re the crafty type, empty walnut shells open up a world of DIY possibilities.
 

1. Miniature Boats

Half empty walnut shells make adorable little boats for kids’ crafts.
 
Add a paper sail and let them float in a bowl of water for hours of fun.
 

2. Homemade Ornaments

Paint and decorate empty walnut shells to create unique holiday ornaments.
 
You can glue a ribbon loop on top and hang them on your tree or give them as gifts.
 

3. Jewelry Holders

A whole empty walnut shell can serve as a tiny dish for rings, earrings, and other small jewelry.
 
Line a few empty walnut shells on your dresser, and you’ve got a charming, natural organizer.
 

4. Seed Starters

Fill half empty walnut shells with potting soil and start your seeds right inside them.
 
Once the seedlings sprout, you can plant the whole empty walnut shell directly into the ground since it’s biodegradable.
 

So, What to Do with Empty Walnut Shells?

Empty walnut shells can be reused in tons of practical and creative ways instead of being thrown away.
 
From natural scrubs and fire starters to garden mulch and craft projects, there are more uses for empty walnut shells than most people realize.
 
Whether you want to clean, garden, or get crafty, empty walnut shells are a free and eco-friendly resource worth saving.
 
So next time you crack open a handful of walnuts, think twice before tossing those empty walnut shells.