12+ Genius Ways To Reuse Banana Peel

1. Shine up those leather shoes

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The natural oils present in banana peels can be used to shine and condition leather shoes. By rubbing the inside of a banana peel onto the surface of the shoes and then buffing them with a soft cloth, you can achieve a lustrous shine while also moisturizing the leather, prolonging its lifespan.

2. Polish up your silver

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Banana peels can also serve as a natural alternative to chemical-laden silver polish. By blending banana peel with water to create a paste and then applying it to tarnished silverware, you can gently buff away tarnish and restore the metal's shine, leaving your silverware looking as good as new.

3. Use for your own compost

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Banana peels are not only biodegradable but also packed with nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, which make them an excellent addition to compost piles. As they decompose, banana peels release these nutrients into the soil, enriching it and promoting healthy plant growth.

4. Help stretch your shoes out

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If you have a pair of shoes that are a bit tight in certain areas, you can use banana peels to help stretch them out. Place a few pieces of banana peel inside the shoes in the areas where they feel tight. Leave the peels overnight, and as they dry out, they will gradually expand, gently stretching the shoes for a more comfortable fit.

5. Whiten your teeth

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The inside of a banana peel contains minerals like potassium, magnesium, and manganese, which have natural whitening properties. By rubbing the inner side of a banana peel on your teeth for a couple of minutes each day, you can help remove surface stains and brighten your smile.

6. Treat your warts

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Banana peels contain enzymes and acids that can help soften and dissolve warts over time. By placing a piece of banana peel over a wart and securing it with a bandage, you create a gentle yet effective treatment that gradually reduces the size and appearance of the wart until it disappears entirely.

7. Find relief from mosquito bites

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The anti-inflammatory properties of banana peels make them effective at relieving itching and inflammation caused by mosquito bites. By rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the affected area, you can soothe the skin and reduce the urge to scratch, allowing the bite to heal more quickly.

8. A handy acne treatment

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Banana peels are rich in antioxidants and nutrients that can help reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria. By rubbing the inside of a banana peel on acne-prone areas of the skin, you can unclog pores, reduce redness, and promote clearer, healthier-looking skin over time with a good skincare routine alongside.

9. Use as a hair conditioner

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Banana peels contain silica, a mineral that strengthens hair and promotes healthy growth. By blending banana peel with coconut oil and applying it to the hair as a conditioner, you can nourish and hydrate your locks, leaving them soft, shiny, and more manageable - so why not give it a try?

10. Remove rust

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The acids present in banana peels can help dissolve rust and corrosion from metal surfaces. By rubbing a banana peel on rusted metal and leaving it for a few hours before wiping it away, you can gently lift away stubborn rust stains and restore the metal's original appearance.

11. Deter pests from your plants

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Banana peels contain compounds that repel pests like aphids and ants. By placing strips of banana peel around plants or burying them in the soil, you can create a natural barrier that deters these pests from causing damage to your garden so that you can keep your plants looking great and your garden fresh!

12. Help heal your bruises faster

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The natural oils and enzymes in banana peels can help promote healing and reduce inflammation when applied to bruises. By gently rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a bruised area, you can stimulate blood flow and encourage the body's natural healing processes so that your bruises don't stick around for too long.

13. Use for seed starter pots

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Banana peels can be used as biodegradable seed starter pots, providing a nutrient-rich environment for seeds to germinate and grow. Simply cut a banana peel in half, fill it with soil, plant your seeds, and place it in a sunny spot. As the seedlings grow, you can transplant them directly into the ground, peel and all.

14. Polish up your houseplants

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The oils in banana peels can be used to clean and shine houseplant leaves, removing dust and giving them a glossy finish. By rubbing the outside of a banana peel on the leaves of your houseplants, you can keep them looking healthy and vibrant. A lot of houseplants require a dusting and shine of the leaves from time to time.

15. Use as a face mask for a little TLC

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Banana peels are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that nourish and hydrate the skin. By mashing a banana peel and mixing it with honey or yogurt to create a homemade facial mask, you can rejuvenate your skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and glowing. If you're looking for an easy homemade face mask, look no further.

16. DIY fire starters

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Dry out banana peels by leaving them in a sunny spot or using a dehydrator. Once dried, roll them up tightly and secure with string or twine. These dried banana peel bundles can be used as fire starters for campfires or fireplaces. Their natural oils make them burn slowly and steadily, helping to ignite larger pieces of wood or charcoal more effectively.

17. Remove splinters

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The enzymes and acids in banana peels can help soften the skin and draw out splinters. By placing a piece of banana peel over a splinter and securing it with a bandage, you create a gentle poultice that can help the splinter work its way out more easily. We all know splinters can be hard to get out, so try this trick!

18. Tenderize your meat

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Banana peels contain enzymes that can help break down tough muscle fibers in meat, making it more tender and flavorful. By wrapping banana peels around tough cuts of meat before cooking, you can impart a subtle sweetness while ensuring that the meat stays moist and juicy - perfect!

19. Use as a pet flea treatment

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Banana peels contain compounds that repel fleas and other pests, making them a natural alternative to chemical flea treatments. By rubbing the inside of a banana peel on your pet's fur, you can help keep fleas at bay while conditioning their skin and coat. Be sure to check with your vet if you have any concerns.

20. Mash up for a cooking oil substitute

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Mashed banana peel can serve as a healthy substitute for oil or butter in baking recipes. Its natural moisture and texture can add richness and moisture to baked goods while reducing the overall fat content. It's always good to know a healthy alternative to regular cooking oil if you're using it all the time.

21. Entertain your cat with a new toy

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Dried banana peels can be crumpled up and given to cats as toys. Cats are often attracted to the texture and scent of banana peels, making them a simple yet effective way to provide enrichment and entertainment for your feline friend. And it's always a bonus when you don't have to spend a fortune!

22. Polish your old school CDs and DVDs

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The gentle abrasiveness of banana peels can help buff out minor scratches on CDs and DVDs. By rubbing the inside of a banana peel in circular motions on the disc's surface, you can help restore its smoothness and clarity, improving playback quality. And if you're a collector, it's the perfect solution.

23. Ferment to make your own vinegar

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Fermenting banana peels with water and sugar creates a tangy vinegar that can be used for cooking or cleaning. This homemade vinegar adds a unique flavor to dishes and can also be diluted with water to create a natural cleaning solution for household surfaces. Homemade vinegar is always best!

24. Use as a wooden furniture polish

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Banana peels can be used to clean and polish wooden furniture. The natural oils in banana peels help condition and protect wood, while their gentle abrasiveness can help remove dirt and grime, leaving furniture looking shiny and refreshed. If you have a lot of wooden furniture at home - and happen to like bananas - try it!

25. Use for relief from a jellyfish sting

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Applying a banana peel to a jellyfish sting can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling. The enzymes and anti-inflammatory properties of banana peels help soothe the sting, providing relief until medical treatment can be administered. This can help in a pinch if you're at the beach and you brought a banana as a snack!

26. Make a soothing anti-itch cream

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Mixing mashed banana peel with aloe vera gel creates a soothing anti-itch cream. This natural remedy can help alleviate itching and irritation caused by insect bites, rashes, or other skin conditions, providing relief without the use of harsh chemicals. Aloe vera is one of the best soothing agents, but with banana peel it's even better.

27. Use as an ink stain remover

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We all know how difficult it can be to get ink stains out of our favorite clothing. Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on ink stains can help lift them from fabrics. The enzymes in banana peels help break down the ink, making it easier to remove with soap and water or a mild detergent. Perfect!

28. Help reduce fine lines and wrinkles

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The moisturizing properties of banana peels can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. By rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the skin, particularly areas prone to wrinkles, you can hydrate and tighten the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance over time.

29. Exfoliate your skin

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Banana peels contain natural acids and enzymes that can help exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and promoting cell turnover. By mixing mashed banana peel with sugar or coffee grounds to create a gentle scrub, you can slough away dull, dry skin, revealing a smoother, brighter complexion.

30. Use as a burn relief

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Applying a banana peel to minor burns can help soothe pain and promote healing. The cooling effect of the peel helps alleviate discomfort, while its natural oils and nutrients nourish the skin and support the body's natural healing processes. It's important to tend to a burn straight away, and banana peel can help with that.

31. Make an ant repellent

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Placing strips of banana peel along ant trails can help deter ants from entering your home. The scent of the peel disrupts the ants' pheromone trails, making it difficult for them to navigate and communicate, ultimately discouraging them from invading your space. You should always be on the lookout for ants in your home!

32. The perfect foot moisturizer

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Are you feet looking a little tired, dry and itchy lately? Rubbing mashed banana peel on dry, cracked heels can help moisturize and soften the skin. The hydrating properties of the peel penetrate deep into the skin, replenishing moisture and restoring smoothness to rough, calloused areas.

33. Massage as a hair growth treatment

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Massaging banana peel extract into the scalp can help stimulate hair growth and improve hair health. The nutrients and antioxidants in the peel nourish the hair follicles, promoting stronger, thicker hair and reducing hair loss over time. This can be an easy at-home way to promote healthy hair.

34. Clean your windows

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Blending banana peels with water and vinegar creates a natural window cleaner that effectively removes dirt and grime from glass surfaces. The acids in the peel help break down stubborn residue, while the oils leave windows streak-free and sparkling clean. It can tricky to clean windows streak-free, so give this a try.

35. Use as an odor absorber

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Placing banana peels in a bowl can help absorb odors in the kitchen or refrigerator. The peels act as natural deodorizers, neutralizing unpleasant smells and leaving the air smelling fresh and clean. This can be particularly helpful if you've just been grocery shopping and have a lot of smells going on!

36. Grind them down as a vitamin supplement

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Banana peels can be dried and ground into a powder, which can then be added to smoothies or other foods as a vitamin supplement. Banana peels are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium, providing an additional nutritional boost to your diet - on top of eating bananas themselves.

37. Remove scratches from your furniture

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Rubbing banana peels on scratched wooden furniture can help minimize the appearance of scratches and restore the furniture's natural finish. The oils in the peel penetrate the wood, filling in minor scratches and providing a temporary fix until more extensive repairs can be made for your furniture.

38. Deodorize your shoes

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As well as neutralize odors in the home, you can help shoes smell better, too. Placing dried banana peels inside shoes can help absorb odors and keep them smelling fresh. The peels act as natural deodorizers, neutralizing bacteria and fungi that cause unpleasant odors, leaving shoes smelling clean and fresh.

39. Use as an all-purpose household cleaner

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Create a natural all-purpose cleaner by steeping banana peels in white vinegar for a few weeks. Strain the mixture and transfer it to a spray bottle. This homemade cleaner is effective for cleaning surfaces like countertops, glass, and tile. The natural acids in the banana peels help break down dirt and grime.

40. A handy hand moisturizer

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Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on dry hands can help moisturize and soften the skin. The natural oils and nutrients in the peel penetrate the skin, replenishing moisture and leaving hands feeling smooth and hydrated. If you have both dry hands and dry feet, then banana peel is the way to go.

41. Get relief from muscle cramps

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A random muscle cramp can be the worst. Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on cramped muscles can help relax them and alleviate pain. The minerals and electrolytes in the peel, such as potassium and magnesium, help replenish electrolytes lost during exercise, reducing muscle cramps and soreness.

42. Lubricate stuck zippers

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Just when you think nothing is going to get that zip unstuck! Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on stuck zippers can help lubricate them and make them easier to open and close. The natural oils in the peel provide a smooth, friction-reducing surface that helps loosen stubborn zippers without damaging the fabric.

43. Make a fruit fly trap

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Fruit flies are attracted to the sweetness of banana peels. To make a simple fruit fly trap, place a ripe banana peel in a jar and cover it with plastic wrap. Poke a few holes in the plastic wrap with a toothpick. Fruit flies will be attracted to the banana peel and enter the jar through the holes but won't be able to find their way out, effectively trapping them.

44. Make a nice cup of banana peel tea

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Boiling banana peels in water creates a nutritious tea that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Simply simmer banana peels in water for about 10 minutes, strain the liquid, and enjoy as a soothing and healthful beverage. If you're a tea lover, then you'll always be on the lookout for new flavors to try.

45. Apply for sunburn relief

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Anything that can help with painful sunburn is a plus. The cooling properties of banana peels can help soothe sunburned skin. Gently rub the inside of a banana peel on sunburned areas for instant relief. The peel's moisturizing properties will also help hydrate the skin, aiding in the healing process.

46. Make your own paper

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Banana peels can be recycled into homemade paper. Boil banana peels until they become soft, then blend them with water to create a pulp. Spread the pulp onto a screen or mesh, press out the excess water, and allow it to dry. You'll be left with sheets of homemade paper that can be used for crafts or writing.

47. Give your baking soda a boost

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Adding dried and ground banana peels to baking soda creates a natural scrubbing powder that can be used to clean sinks, tubs, and countertops. The abrasive texture of the banana peel powder enhances the cleaning power of the baking soda, making it ideal for tackling tough stains and grime.

48. Condition your car seats or furniture

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Rubbing banana peels on leather furniture or car seats can help condition and soften the leather. The natural oils in the peel penetrate the leather, restoring its suppleness and preventing it from drying out and cracking over time. Conditioning leather is something many people forget as well as polishing it!

49. Shine your car tires

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Banana peels can be used to polish and shine car tires. Rub the inside of a banana peel onto the tire's surface, then buff it with a clean cloth. Not only will this give your tires a glossy finish, but it will also help protect them from drying out and cracking. It's an easy and cheap way to keep them looking their best.

50. Use for a streak-free shine on your stainless steel

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Banana peels can be used to polish and shine stainless steel appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and sinks. Simply rub the inside of a banana peel onto the surface of the stainless steel, then buff it with a soft cloth. The natural oils in the peel will help remove fingerprints, smudges, and water spots, leaving the stainless steel sparkling clean.