Most of us are guilty of throwing away banana peels once we’ve enjoyed the sweet, potassium-packed fruit inside.

However, you might be surprised to learn that banana peels have a plethora of practical uses that can benefit both you and the environment. From health and beauty tricks to cleaning hacks and even gardening solutions, here are 35 genius ways to make use of those discarded banana peels.

1. Teeth Whitening

Looking for a natural way to brighten your smile? Rub the inside of a banana peel on your teeth for a few minutes every day.

The minerals in the peel, such as potassium and magnesium, work wonders to remove surface stains and make your teeth appear whiter.

2. Shoe Shine

Next time your shoes need a quick shine, reach for a banana peel. The natural oils in the peel will buff your shoes and leave them looking brand new. Simply rub the inside of the peel on the shoe, then use a soft cloth to wipe away any residue.

3. Houseplant Fertilizer

Banana peels are rich in nutrients that can benefit your houseplants. Cut the peels into small pieces and bury them in the soil around your plants.

As the peel decomposes, it will release essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, promoting healthy growth.

4. Leather Polish

Keep your leather furniture or accessories looking pristine by using banana peels to polish them. Rub the inside of the peel on the leather surface, then wipe away any excess with a clean cloth.

The natural oils will moisturize the leather and restore its shine.

5. Acne Treatment

Who needs expensive acne creams when you have banana peels? Simply rub the inside of a peel on your blemishes for a few minutes every day, and the natural antioxidants and vitamins will help reduce inflammation and heal your skin.

6. Silverware Polish

Renew the shine of your tarnished silverware by using banana peels. Blend the peels into a paste and apply it to your silverware. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a soft cloth. Your silverware will be sparkling once again!.

7. Skin Moisturizer

Dry or cracked skin? Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on your elbows, knees, or any other dry area can work wonders as a natural moisturizer. The peel’s moisturizing properties will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

8. Compost Accelerator

Speed up the decomposition process for your compost pile by adding banana peels. The high potassium content in the peels promotes microbial activity, helping the organic materials break down faster and enriching your compost with essential nutrients.

9. Bug Bites

If you’ve been bitten by pesky insects like mosquitoes, rubbing a banana peel on the affected area can provide instant relief.

The cooling effect of the peel will soothe the itchiness and reduce inflammation, helping you resist the urge to scratch.

10. Rust Removal

Don’t let rust ruin your metal items. Scrubbing a banana peel on rusted surfaces can help remove the corrosion. The natural acids present in the peel will break down the rust, making it easier to clean and restore your metal possessions.

11. Itchy Rashes

Whether it’s a poison ivy rash or an allergic reaction, banana peels can help alleviate the itchiness. Just rub the inside of a peel on the affected area, and the peel’s cooling properties will provide relief. Repeat as necessary.

12. Shoe Deodorizer

Combat smelly shoes by placing a banana peel inside overnight. The peel will absorb the unpleasant odors and leave your shoes smelling fresh. Remember to remove the peel before wearing your shoes the next day!.

13. Silver Polish

In addition to silverware, banana peels can be used to polish your silver jewelry. Rubbing a peel on your silver necklaces, bracelets, or rings will eliminate tarnish and restore their original shine. Wipe off any residue with a cloth.

14. Wart Treatment

Applying a small piece of banana peel to a wart and securing it with a bandage can help remove the unsightly growth. Leave it overnight and repeat the process until the wart disappears. The enzymes present in the peel will gradually break down the wart.

15. Leather Conditioner

Keep your leather items in prime condition by using banana peels as a conditioner. Rubbing the peel on your leather bags, belts, or jackets will moisturize the material and prevent it from drying out or cracking.

16. Seedling Starter Pots

Are you an avid gardener? Use banana peels as biodegradable seedling pots. Cut the peels to size, fill them with soil, and plant your seeds.

When ready to transplant, simply bury the pot in the ground, and the peel will decompose and provide nutrients to the growing plant.

17. Psoriasis Relief

If you suffer from psoriasis, banana peels may offer some relief. Rubbing the inside of a peel on affected areas can help soothe itchiness and reduce redness. Although not a cure, this natural remedy can provide some comfort during flare-ups.

Related Article 30 Surprising Uses for Banana Peels

18. Meat Tenderizer

Incorporate banana peels into your next meat marinade to naturally tenderize the meat. Add the peels to your marinating mixture, let the flavors infuse for a few hours, then remove the peels before cooking.

The enzymes in the peel will help break down tough proteins, resulting in more tender meat.

19. Polishing Houseplants

Add shine to your indoor plants’ foliage by gently rubbing a banana peel on their leaves. The peel’s oils and gentle abrasiveness will clean the leaves, removing dust and dirt, and leave a natural, healthy sheen behind.

20. Splinter Removal

Having trouble getting rid of a splinter? Apply a small piece of banana peel to the affected area and secure it with a bandage. The enzymes present in the peel can help soften the skin and make the splinter easier to remove.

21. Scuff Mark Remover

Remove scuff marks from your walls or furniture by rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the affected area. The natural oils will work to buff out the scuffs and leave the surface looking clean and refreshed.

22. Polishing Leaves

Don’t stop at houseplants; apply the same leaf-shining properties of banana peels to your outdoor garden plants as well.

Simply rub a peel gently against the leaves, being careful not to damage them, to give your plants a healthy, glossy appearance.

23. Mole Repellent

If you have moles wreaking havoc in your garden, place banana peels in their tunnels. Moles dislike the smell of bananas, and placing the peels near their activity areas can help drive them away and protect your plants.

24. Fire Ant Treatment

Dealing with fire ant bites can be painful and itchy. However, rubbing a banana peel on the affected area can provide relief. The cooling effect of the peel will help reduce irritation and soothe the itchiness caused by the ant’s sting.

25. Polishing Silverware

In addition to silver and silver jewelry, banana peels can be utilized to bring sparkle back to your silverware. Rubbing a peel on tarnished spoons, forks, and knives can help remove the dinginess and restore their shine.

26. Hair Conditioner

If you’re looking for a natural way to condition your hair, try using a banana peel. After shampooing, rub the inside of a peel through your wet hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse it out.

Your hair will be left feeling soft, silky, and nourished.

27. Pet Flea Remedy

Banana peels can serve as a natural remedy for fleas on your furry friends. Rub the inside of a peel directly on your pet’s fur, paying extra attention to areas where fleas are commonly found.

This can help repel fleas and soothe any existing bites.

28. Homemade Fruit Fly Trap

Tired of fruit flies invading your kitchen? Create a simple and effective trap using a banana peel. Place a piece of peel in a jar and cover it with plastic wrap, securing it with a rubber band.

Poke a few holes in the plastic wrap and watch as fruit flies are lured into the trap, unable to escape.

29. Shoe Waterproofer

Waterproof your shoes naturally using banana peels. Rub the inside of a peel on your shoes, paying attention to the seams and edges. The peel’s waxy surface will create a temporary barrier against moisture and help protect your feet on rainy days.

30. Salad Dressing

Don’t toss the peels just yet! Banana peels can be used to create a tangy and flavorful salad dressing.

With the addition of other ingredients like vinegar, olive oil, and seasonings, the peels can be transformed into a unique vinaigrette that adds a twist to your salads.

31. Headache Relief

For those struggling with mild headaches or migraines, banana peels may offer some relief. Gently massaging the temples with the inside of a peel can provide a cooling sensation and help alleviate the pain.

32. Anti-Wrinkle Treatment

Banana peels aren’t just for eating; they can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Rubbing the inside of a peel on your face before bed can promote collagen production and nourish your skin, diminishing the signs of aging over time.

33. Gum Removal

Accidentally sat on a piece of gum? Don’t fret! Rubbing a banana peel on the affected area will help loosen the gum from your clothes or hair. The natural enzymes present in the peel will make removal a breeze.

34. Natural Polish for Brass

Bring back the shine to your brass items using banana peels. Create a paste by blending the peels with a small amount of water. Apply the paste to your brass items and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Say goodbye to dull brass!.

35. Wrinkle Prevention

If you want to keep your favorite clothes wrinkle-free while traveling, pack them with a banana peel. The natural moisture and oils in the peel will help prevent wrinkles during transit, leaving your garments ready to wear upon arrival.