Most people toss out used coffee grounds after making their morning cup of coffee, but what you might not know is that these grounds can actually be useful in many ways. You can repurpose them to do things like composting or cleaning, which can help reduce waste in your home. Get ready to make your daily coffee routine more sustainable with these 14 tips. Discover how old coffee grounds can be valuable in your everyday life.

Natural Odor Neutralizer

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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

De-Ice the Front of the House

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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

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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.

Mosquito Repellent

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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. How to Use Coffee Grounds to Repel Mosquitoes

Body Scrub

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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

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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

Compost it

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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.

Cleaning Product

used coffee grounds
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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.

Coffee Soap Bar

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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

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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

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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

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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.

How to Get Coffee Stains Out of Carpet

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Whether it’s a small dribble or a full-blown coffee catastrophe, here are the best ways to remove coffee stains from your carpet so you can say goodbye to those unsightly brown marks for good. From basic household items to specialized stain removers, let’s get rid of those coffee stains once and for all. How to Clean Coffee Stains From Carpet 

How to Clean a Coffee Maker

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A filthy coffee maker can negatively impact the outcome of your coffee and the machine’s longevity. The filth and mineral buildup could alter the bold flavor of your coffee and the coffee maker’s brewing speed. Follow this quick and easy guide to learn how to clean your coffee maker with vinegar. How to Clean a Coffee Maker with Vinegar

18 Simple Cleaning Hacks with Baking Soda and Vinegar

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Baking soda and vinegar are natural, non-toxic products that are excellent for cleaning. When the two products are combined, they result in a powerful cleaning agent that can eliminate the toughest dirt, stains, and grime. Here are 18 ways you can clean with baking soda and vinegar around the home. 18 Simple Cleaning Hacks with Baking Soda and Vinegar

10 Uses for Dryer Sheets You Probably Didn’t Know About (And It’s Not Laundry)

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Dryer sheets have earned their place as a laundry room essential, adding fresh scent and reducing static in our clothes. They’re appreciated for making laundry softer and more fragrant. But these sheets offer more than just laundry benefits. In fact, they can be quite handy around the house. Here are ten ways you use laundry sheets for more than just laundry. 10 Uses for Dryer Sheets You Probably Didn’t Know About (And It’s Not Laundry)

WD-40 Is Not Just For Squeaky Doors. Here are 10 Ways You Can Use It Around the House

wd-40
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For many of us, purchasing WD-40 is often prompted by the need to silence a squeaky door, only for the can to be shelved and forgotten. You’d be surprised to know that this well-known spray has numerous practical uses. Here are ten ways to make the most of WD-40 in your home. WD-40 Is Not Just For Squeaky Doors. Here are 10 Ways You Can Use It Around the House
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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.

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