11 Surprising Ways to Use Banana Peels Around Your Home, Kitchen, and Garden

Unless you're a clumsy cartoon character, banana peels don't often garner much attention—they're the leftovers, an afterthought. But it turns out they have an impressive number of practical uses in everyday life. That slippery unwieldy peel, widely thought to be destined for the trash, actually has cooking, cleaning, and even medicinal properties. Who knew banana peels had such secret talents?

Banana peels can be a key ingredient in cooking, household cleaning, skincare routines, and more. So, before you toss that next banana peel in the compost bin, consider the following household ideas and tasks to make the most of this ever-popular fruit.

Food Prep and Culinary Uses

Didn't think banana peels were edible? Think again. The fruit's protective peel can easily (and deliciously) make its way into any number of dishes.

If possible, go for the organic variety, and always thoroughly clean peels before use with a little baking soda or a splash of vinegar, followed by a gentle scrub with a clean brush under warm running water. (This will loosen the waxy coating and wash away any surface residue.)

Make a Vegan Delicacy 

Jackfruit is a popular vegan alternative for pulled pork—and banana peels can serve as a similar stand-in. Vegan pulled pork is simple to make with your discarded peels due to their texture, shares recipe developer Marissa Stevens. “They take on a tender, slightly chewy texture that works surprisingly well in tacos or sandwiches,” she reveals. 

She recommends scraping away the soft interior and then shredding the peel. Then, it can be seasoned and sautéed. A traditional barbecue sauce or anything with bold, savory flavors and a little sweetness tends to work well. "The sauce is doing most of the work," notes Stevens. "The peel absorbs flavor well, but they need something assertive to make them interesting."

Use in Stir Fries and Curries

Banana peels can also be thinly sliced and sautéed until tender in bold, saucy dishes like stir fries or coconut curries. "The texture holds up well, and the flavor blends in," says Stevens, “especially with ingredients like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, or curry paste.” 

“Pairing them with other vegetables helps create balance and variety in the dish,” she adds.

Add to Smoothies or Banana Bread

In small amounts, banana peels can be used in smoothies or banana bread to add fiber without affecting the flavor or texture. Remember: Like the fruit itself, browning peels have a sweeter taste and a softer texture that your blender will likely have no trouble shredding.

Keep Meat from Drying Out

To keep your pork or chicken from drying out in a slow cooker, add one or two yellow (not overly ripe) peels just before cooking. The banana peels can act as a moisture barrier, keeping the meat noticeably juicier. “The peels don’t add banana flavor—just a hint of subtle sweetness,” explains Stevens.

In Your Skincare Routine

You don't need to go further than your kitchen—or break your budget—to boost your skincare routine. Cut the inside of the banana peel into manageable pieces and apply directly to your skin for the following benefits. As with all new skincare products and balms, always do a test patch first.

Hydrate Skin

Banana peels have a water content and are rich in potassium, making them an effective hydration booster for your skin, according to Bradford. To alleviate dry skin and boost skin tone, apply the peel directly to your skin and let it absorb by lightly massaging the skin for about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, rinse with cool water to remove any remaining residue.

Use for Skin Soothing

The antioxidants in banana peels can even soothe stressed-out skin. “Banana peels are rich in carotene, particularly, which provides key nutrients to the skin," says Bradford. Simply cut and apply the peel pieces directly onto the skin. Leave the banana peel residue on the skin for 5 to 10 minutes before gently removing it with cool water and either allowing to air dry or blotting with a soft towel or tissue.

Whiten Teeth 

When a banana peel is rubbed on the teeth for 1–2 minutes daily, it may whiten the teeth and remove stains. It is claimed by people who have tried this technique that they've noticed whiter teeth over time.

“Since banana peels do not contain any whitening agents, the teeth whitening effect is likely a result of plaque removal from friction rather than stain lifting or bleaching,” says Dr. Sandip Sachar, D.D.S.

Be sure to brush with your regular toothpaste and floss afterwards, and consult with your dentist if you're after more dramatic results.

The popular TikTok claim that the minerals in banana peels may penetrate the teeth and aid in the remineralization of enamel, helping to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay or cavities, is a false claim, says Dr. Sachar.

Household and Cleaning Uses

Banana peels are the gift that keeps on giving! From deodorizing to polishing, consider these practical household uses for the often-disposed-of material.

Deodorize Trash Bins

Banana peels work wonders as odor neutralizers. Cleaning expert Scott Schrader suggests placing some diced-up banana peel at the bottom of your trash can, underneath the liner bag. “It will absorb the smells and provide a hint of freshness,” he says. Make sure to replace them each time you take out the trash.

Polish Silver or Stainless Steel

To get your silver shining without getting harsh chemicals involved, try using a banana peel. “A banana peel has potassium and natural oils that act as a buffer to help shine,” explains Schrader. 

Simply place a banana peel with some water in a blender and blend until it makes a paste. Then, apply the paste directly onto tarnished silver or stainless steel with a soft cloth. Buff clean. 

Remove Scuff Marks

An easy remedy to scuff marks on your shoes or on your floor is the all-powerful banana peel. Just rub the inside of the peel on your scuffed shoes or on hardwood floors. Wipe with a soft cloth. “The natural waxes in the peel will help lift scuffs and provide a little shine,” explains Schrader.

Make a Natural Fertilizer for Plants

Banana peels can definitely find a home in the compost bin for outdoor gardening—but they can also be used as a simple (and natural!) fertilizer for indoor plants. Try soaking some banana peels for a few days and then use the water to feed houseplants. “The potassium and phosphorus goodness will boost your house plants without the synthetic additions,” says Schrader.