Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world, thanks to their sweet flavor, easy-to-peel skin, and nutritious properties. However, what many people don’t realize is that banana peels are just as useful and versatile as the fruit itself.

In fact, there are dozens of surprising uses for banana peels that can help you save money, reduce waste, and even improve your health.

1. Whiten Teeth

Banana peels contain natural minerals like potassium, magnesium, and manganese that can help whiten your teeth. Simply rub the inside of a banana peel against your teeth for a few minutes each day to remove stains and brighten your smile.

2. Relieve Pain

If you’re experiencing pain from a headache, bug bite, or other minor ailment, try using a banana peel to soothe the area. The natural oils in the peel can help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort.

3. Moisturize Skin

The inside of a banana peel is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can help moisturize and nourish your skin. Rubbing a banana peel over dry or rough patches of skin can help alleviate dryness and leave you with a healthy glow.

4. Treat Acne

The potassium in banana peels can help combat acne by regulating oil production and reducing inflammation. Applying a small piece of banana peel to a pimple or blemish can help speed up the healing process and prevent future breakouts.

5. Polish Silverware

Banana peels contain natural oils that can help polish and shine silverware. Simply rub a banana peel over your silverware and buff with a clean cloth to remove tarnish and leave them sparkling.

6. Fertilize Plants

Banana peels are rich in nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium that can help fertilize your plants. Cut up a few banana peels and mix them into the soil around your plants to promote healthy growth and stronger roots.

7. Remove Warts

If you have a wart that won’t go away, try using a banana peel to get rid of it. The natural enzymes in the peel can help break down the wart and eliminate it over time.

8. Reduce Wrinkles

The antioxidants in banana peels can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting cell regeneration and protecting against environmental damage.

Rubbing a banana peel over your face can help improve skin texture and reduce signs of aging.

9. Treat Psoriasis

The anti-inflammatory properties of banana peels can help alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that can cause redness, itching, and scaling.

Applying a banana peel to affected areas can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.

10. Repel Mosquitoes

Banana peels contain compounds that are effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects. Rubbing a banana peel over exposed skin can help keep bugs at bay and prevent bites.

11. Clean Shoes

Banana peels can be used to clean and shine leather shoes, thanks to their natural oils and gentle abrasive properties.

Rubbing a banana peel over the surface of your shoes and buffing with a cloth can help remove dirt and scuffs and leave them looking brand new.

12. Relieve Sunburn

If you’ve spent too much time in the sun and have a painful sunburn, try using a banana peel to soothe the affected area. The natural oils in the peel can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain and itching.

13. Treat Poison Ivy

If you’ve come into contact with poison ivy or poison oak, using a banana peel can help alleviate the symptoms. The natural enzymes in the peel can help break down the toxins and reduce the severity of the rash.

14. Polish Leather

Banana peels can also be used to polish and shine leather goods like jackets, purses, and belts. Simply rub a banana peel over the surface of the leather and buff with a cloth for a natural, shiny finish.

15. Shine Houseplants

To help make your houseplants shine, try wiping their leaves with a banana peel. The natural oils in the peel can help remove dust and dirt and leave the leaves looking shiny and healthy.

16. Cook with Banana Peels

Banana peels can even be used in cooking, especially in recipes that call for plantains. While the peel isn’t typically eaten, it can be boiled or fried to soften it and reduce bitterness, and then added to dishes like soups, stews, and curries.

17. Remove Splinters

If you have a stubborn splinter that won’t come out, try using a banana peel to help extract it. Simply tape a small piece of the peel over the splinter and let it sit for a few hours.

The enzymes in the peel can help bring the splinter to the surface, making it easier to remove.

18. Treat Dry Hair

For a natural hair treatment that can help nourish and moisturize dry locks, try using a banana peel. The inside of the peel is rich in vitamins and minerals that can help strengthen hair and reduce frizz.

19. Remove Rust

Banana peels contain natural acids that can help remove rust stains from metal surfaces. Simply rub a piece of banana peel over the affected area and let it sit for a few hours before wiping clean with a cloth.

20. Treat Burns

If you have a minor burn, using a banana peel can help soothe the affected area and promote healing. The natural oils in the peel can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain and itching.

21. Reduce Puffy Eyes

The anti-inflammatory properties of banana peels can help reduce puffiness and dark circles under your eyes. Simply place a chilled banana peel over your eyes for 10-15 minutes to reduce inflammation and brighten your complexion.

22. Color Fabric

Banana peels can be used to create natural dyes for fabric or clothing. Boiling banana peels in water and using the resulting liquid as a dye can produce a light yellow color that’s perfect for natural, eco-friendly projects.

23. Shine Silver

Banana peels can also be used to polish silver jewelry or other items. Simply rub the peel over the surface of the silver and use a cloth to buff and shine.

24. Treat Eczema

The anti-inflammatory properties of banana peels can also help alleviate the symptoms of eczema, a chronic skin condition that can cause redness, itching, and flaking.

Applying a banana peel to affected areas can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.

25. Remove Stains

Banana peels can be used to remove stains from clothing or other fabrics. Simply rub the peel over the stain and let it sit for a few hours before washing as normal.

26. Clean Houseplants

To help remove dust and dirt from your houseplants, try using a banana peel as a natural cleaning tool. Wipe the leaves with the inside of the peel, and then use a damp cloth to remove any residue.

27. Treat Cold Sores

If you have a cold sore, using a banana peel can help alleviate the pain and promote healing. The natural oils in the peel can help moisturize the affected area and reduce inflammation.

28. Prevent Bruising

If you’re prone to bruising easily, using a banana peel can help reduce the severity of bruises and speed up the healing process. Simply place a piece of banana peel over the affected area and let it sit for a few hours.

29. Clean The Grill

To help remove grease and grime from your grill, try using a banana peel as a natural cleaning tool. Simply rub the inside of the peel over the grates and then use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue.

30. Make Compost

Finally, one of the best uses for banana peels is to turn them into compost. Composting is a great way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for gardening or other outdoor projects.

Simply add banana peels to your compost bin along with other organic materials, and let nature do the rest!.