Coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up. After you’ve enjoyed your cup of joe, those leftover grounds still have a lot to offer. Instead of tossing them in the trash, why not put them to good use?
Scientists have found many clever ways to reuse coffee grounds around the house and garden. From feeding plants to fighting odors, these simple tricks can help you save money and reduce waste.
Fertilize plants
Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, making them great for your garden. Mix them into the soil around your plants or add them to your compost pile. They help feed beneficial microbes and improve soil structure. Just don’t use too much, as coffee grounds can be acidic.
Repel pests
Sprinkle used coffee grounds around your plants to keep slugs, snails, and cats away. The rough texture bothers these pests, so they’ll avoid the area. This natural method is safe for your plants and pets. It’s an easy way to protect your garden without harsh chemicals.
Deodorize your fridge
Put dry coffee grounds in a small open container in your fridge. They’ll absorb bad smells, leaving your fridge smelling fresh. Replace the grounds every month or so for the best results. This trick also works in closets or shoes to fight odors.
Exfoliate skin
Mix coffee grounds with a bit of water or coconut oil to make a body scrub. The grounds gently remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin soft and smooth. The caffeine in coffee may also help improve blood flow. Just be gentle when scrubbing to avoid irritation.
Clean tough stains
Coffee grounds’ rough texture makes them great for scrubbing. Use them to clean stubborn stains on pots, pans, or grills. They’re especially good at removing grease. Rinse well after scrubbing to avoid leaving coffee stains behind.
Tenderize meat
Before cooking, rub coffee grounds on the meat as a dry rub. The acids in coffee help break down tough proteins, making the meat more tender. It also adds a rich flavor to your dish. This works well for beef and pork.
Dye fabric
Soak fabric in strong coffee to give it a natural, earthy color. This works best on light-colored natural fabrics like cotton or linen. The longer you soak, the darker the color will be.
Repair scratches on dark wood
Mix coffee grounds with water to make a paste. Rub this on scratches in dark wood furniture. The coffee will help hide the scratch and stain the exposed wood. Wipe off excess and let it dry before buffing with a soft cloth.
Grow mushrooms
Used coffee grounds are a great medium for growing mushrooms at home. They’re full of nutrients that mushrooms love. Mix with mushroom spores and keep in a dark, damp place. In a few weeks, you’ll have your own homegrown mushrooms.
Make candles
Add dried coffee grounds to melted wax when making candles. This gives them a nice coffee scent and a unique look. The grounds also help the candle burn more slowly. It’s a fun craft project that makes great gifts.
Control ants
Sprinkle coffee grounds in areas where you’ve seen ants. The strong smell confuses them and disrupts their scent trails. This natural method is safer than many chemical ant killers. Reapply after rain or every few days for best results.
Feed worms
If you have a worm farm for composting, coffee grounds are a great food for the worms. They love the nitrogen-rich grounds. This helps speed up the composting process. Just don’t add too much at once, as it can make the compost too acidic.
Make paint
Mix coffee grounds with water and a bit of flour to make a natural paint. This works well for craft projects or rustic artwork. The paint will have a unique texture and earthy color. It’s a fun, eco-friendly alternative to traditional paints.
Absorb oil spills
Sprinkle coffee grounds on small oil spills in your garage or driveway. The grounds will absorb the oil, making it easier to clean up. Sweep up the grounds once they’ve soaked up the oil. This method is better for the environment than chemical cleaners.
Make compost
Coffee grounds are great for compost. They add nitrogen and help break down other materials faster. Mix them with “brown” compost items like leaves for the best results. Your garden will love the rich compost you make.
Make air freshener
Dry used coffee grounds and put them in a breathable fabric pouch. Hang this in your car or closet as a natural air freshener. The coffee smell helps neutralize other odors. Replace the grounds every few weeks to keep it working well.
Polish metal
Use coffee grounds to polish and clean metal surfaces. The mild abrasiveness helps remove tarnish and restore shine. This works well on things like silverware or brass fixtures. Rinse well after polishing to avoid staining.
Boost hair growth
Massage coffee grounds into your scalp before shampooing. The caffeine may help stimulate hair follicles and promote growth. It can also add shine to your hair. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving grounds in your hair.
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