23 Surprising Uses for a Banana Peel You Probably Didn’t Know

Bananas are delicious and extremely beneficial to your health, but none of us actually consider the peel they come in to be useful in any form. Truth be told, that’s our loss because the banana peel has several uses that can make our lives easier on a daily basis.
From being a great teeth whitener to soothing mosquito bites, there’s a lot they can help with in between. Here are 23 surprising uses for a banana peel you probably didn’t know:

1. Teeth Whitener

No need for expensive teeth whiteners, or even a trip to the dentist when you’ve got the miraculous banana peel! The next time you eat a banana, use the inside of its peel to rub on your teeth for at least two minutes. The reason it works is because of the chemicals present that help whiten your pearly whites.

2. Buff Silver

Got some worn out silverware lying around? Make use of some banana peels and blend them into a paste using water to use as a buffing agent. You can use a rag to dip into this concoction, wipe the silverware until gleaming, rinse, and then dry off.

3. Polish Shoes

In a pinch when you’ve run out of shoe polish? The good news is that all you need is a banana peel and you’ll have shiny leather shoes in no time! The waxy oil inside of a banana peel is perfect for the job, just make sure to wipe it off with a clean cloth afterward.