Most people toss out their used coffee grounds after making their morning cup of coffee. But what you may not know is that coffee grounds can actually be reused and repurposed in a variety of useful ways. Here are 15 ways to reuse old coffee grounds in your everyday life.
Cleaning Product
Coffee grounds can also be used as a natural cleaning agent around the house. Using coffee grounds to clean is a natural, nontoxic alternative to harsh chemicals. The abrasive texture of coffee grounds makes them effective for scrubbing surfaces without causing damage.
You can use the coffee grounds to scrub stubborn stains on pots and pans. Mix three teaspoons of ground coffee with dish soap and water and scrub the pots until clean. The grounds are a natural degreaser that helps to remove grease, leaving your pots shiny and spotless.
Natural Odor Neutralizer
You can also use coffee grounds as a natural deodorizer. The grounds will remove and eliminate any unpleasant odor and lingering smell from your home. This includes smells found in the refrigerator, trash can, or pantry. Place the coffee grounds in a cup and position it in the fridge, the pantry, or the bottom of the trash can. The cup of coffee grounds will neutralize any strong smells and absorb foul odors. 12 Ways to Get Smells Out of Clothes
Compost Coffee Grounds
Composting is a natural process that transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. Coffee grounds are an excellent addition to compost piles due to their high nitrogen content that helps create nutrient-rich soil. Adding coffee grounds to your compost bin can help create a well-balanced compost, providing a good mix of carbon and nitrogen.
Additionally, coffee grounds increase the moisture retention capacity of compost, preventing it from drying out too quickly. This is especially beneficial in areas where water conservation is essential. You can then use this compost to enrich your garden soil or potted plants.Deter Ants
If you find that ants are present in certain areas of your home, you can use coffee grounds to deter them. Simply place coffee grounds around your home in areas where ants are most likely to be.
Rid Your Dog of Fleas
You can use coffee grounds to rid your dog of fleas. All you have to do is rub some coffee grounds on the dog during their regular wash session and rinse. Coffee grounds are a flea deterrent that is chemical-free.
De-Ice the Front of the House
If you live in an area where it snows, you can scatter coffee grounds on your sidewalk or driveway to help de-ice. Similar to sand, the coffee grounds will soak up the sunlight to make the ice melt quickly and add some traction. The acidity in coffee grounds aids the ice-melting process and helps the ice melt faster.
Fix a Scratch in Dark Wood
If you’ve got a piece of furniture with a rich, dark wood finish that’s been impaired by an unsightly scratch, there’s a trick you can try. Massage some spent coffee grounds into the scratch; it will conceal the scratch and give your furniture a bit of a makeover.
Eliminate Unpleasant Odors from Your Hands
Coffee grounds aren’t just good for getting rid of fridge odors; they also work well for removing smells from your hands. If you cook frequently, then you know all too well how scents like garlic or onion can linger on your fingers. To eliminate these odors, rub your hands with coffee grounds.
Mosquito Repellent
Used coffee grounds work well as a mosquito repellent. The smell of coffee repulses mosquitoes – they do not want to come near it. So the next time you enjoy your backyard and mosquitoes are present, use coffee grounds to create a natural mosquito repellent. The smell can help keep mosquitoes at bay.
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Body Scrub
You can use coffee grounds to enhance your skincare routine. Old grounds have exfoliating properties, making them the perfect ingredient for a homemade body scrub. The texture of coffee grounds helps to remove dead skin cells, remove the appearance of cellulite, and stimulate blood circulation, leaving your skin feeling softer, smoother, and more rejuvenated.
Garden Fertilizer
Coffee grounds can act as a natural fertilizer for your plants. When you blend coffee grounds with your soil, their unique properties enhance fertility. This can improve the overall health of your plants. Coffee grounds boast a wealth of essential nutrients, rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients can be the key element for plant growth and development.
To use it, sprinkle coffee grounds around the base of your plants or mix them into the soil when planting. Since the coffee grounds contain some acidity, mixing them with other organic matter to balance the pH levels or using them in plants’ soil that can manage natural acids is best. Acid-loving plants like cucumbers, hydrangeas, blueberries, onions, and azaleas are great for this.16 Attractive Patio Plants for Your Outdoor Space
Coffee Soap Bar
Turn your old coffee grounds into a soap bar to help enhance your shower experience. It’s a wonderful way to repurpose old coffee grounds.
A Natural Dye with Coffee Grounds
If you are crafty and are looking for a natural and eco-friendly way to dye and add color to your fabrics, coffee grounds can be your solution. Coffee grounds offer a sustainable alternative to clothing dye. Coffee grounds can create beautiful earthy tones in shades of brown on fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, and polyester. It’s as simple as soaking your fabric in the coffee dye for several hours or overnight, depending on the desired intensity of the color. After the fabric has absorbed the dye, rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any excess coffee. Finally, let the fabric air dry, leaving you with a unique, naturally dyed piece.
Coffee Ground Candle
You can repurpose coffee grounds to create a beautiful, aromatic, scented candle. All you have to do is mix the coffee grounds with melted wax to make scented candles. This is an excellent way to give old coffee grounds new life and purpose.
Donate to a Community Garden
Many local community gardens would be delighted to receive coffee grounds from their neighbors. Many gardeners and farmers appreciate coffee grounds’ nutrient content and pest-repellent properties.
Contact your local community garden to inquire about their coffee ground donation programs. By donating your coffee grounds, you’ll not only reduce waste but also support local, sustainable agriculture initiatives.
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How to Clean a Coffee Maker
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Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.