The Best Ways to Recycle Walnut Husks

Boil walnut husks to make dyes.

So what's the best thing to do with what's left of a walnut after the tasty inside has been consumed? The husk, or squishy covering, of a walnut does not have to end up in the trash or compost bin. Instead, consider using walnut husks to make a natural dye for baskets, fabric, yarn or even hair. You can also use black walnut husks to make ink. Wear rubber gloves while working with husks to prevent dyeing your skin.

Fast and Easy Hair Dye

Use walnut husks to make brown hair a darker color. Make a simple hair dye by boiling the husks in water for 15 minutes. The number of shells used will determine the richness of the color. Strain the liquid before applying it to hair.

Basket, Wood or Fabric Dye

For this purpose, removing the nuts from their green husks is optional. Place the husks into a pillowcase and tie it shut. Put the pillowcase into a large plastic container, fill the container with hot water, and cover it.

Once the husks have soaked for several days and the liquid has turned the desired color, strain solids out of the dye. The addition of a little white vinegar will prevent mold. The dye can be used immediately or frozen for later use.

Paint or spray the dye onto baskets or wood, as desired. Immerse fabrics in the dye and soak them as long as necessary.

Black Walnut Husk Ink

The process of crushing black walnut husks into small pieces and boiling them to a dark brown, then adding salt and vinegar, will produce ink, but you may want to try the ink without the salt and vinegar, as these two ingredients may corrode pen nibs.

References

• Dyeing with Walnuts
• What to do with Black Walnut Shells and Hulls
• Hair Dye Recipes
• Color Your Hair with Products from the Kitchen