If you drink coffee daily, you likely toss the used grounds without a second thought. But, from now on, you could reuse those leftover grounds in many easy and practical ways at home and in the garden. From cleaning to fertilizing, deodorizing, and even beauty care, coffee grounds are surprisingly useful. Who doesn’t like to save some money on products and contribute to the environment? That’s why we have 10 simple ideas so that you can make the most of them.
1. Remove onion and garlic odors
After chopping onions or garlic, the smell can stick to your hands (and it’s so disgusting). So, what you should do to avoid this is to rub a teaspoon of coffee grounds on damp hands and rinse. This works because coffee naturally absorbs strong smells.
2. Boost your compost pile
Coffee grounds are great for compost: they add nitrogen, help it break down faster, stop mold from growing, and attract earthworms that make the soil healthier.
3. Freshen the fridge
Similar to baking soda, coffee grounds can absorb and neutralize fridge odors. Dry them thoroughly, place them in a vented container, and set it on a shelf. Refresh the grounds monthly to maintain freshness.
4. Deter pests in the garden
Sprinkle used coffee around plants to keep away slugs, snails, and some insects. Even some cats and rabbits avoid areas with coffee. This is a natural and eco-friendly way to protect your garden.
5. Improve soil for plants
Plants that love acidic soil, such as hydrangeas, ferns, or African violets, benefit from coffee. Mix dregs into potting soil or make “coffee fertilizer” by soaking grounds in a bucket of water for several hours. Use this liquid to water and feed your plants.
6. Hide scratches on wood
Got scratches on dark wooden furniture or floors? Mix one tablespoon of coffee grounds with one tablespoon of olive oil. Let the mix sit for an hour, then apply with a cotton swab to the scratch. Buff with a cloth, and the wood looks good as new.
7. Make natural brown dye
The tannins in coffee make it a perfect natural dye. Brew strong coffee and use the liquid to dye fabrics, yarn, or even Easter eggs. For a rustic effect, you can also rub damp dregs directly onto fabric. The result is a warm, natural brown color.
8. Create play clay for kids
Coffee can even be part of a fun activity with children. Add coffee grounds to homemade play clay for a natural brown color and a nice aroma. A simple recipe includes flour, salt, coffee grounds, hot water, and a little oil. Kids can use it to make animal figures, fossils, or landscapes.
9. Freshen drawers and closets
Dried coffee grounds can be used as simple air fresheners. Pack them into small cloth bags and place them in drawers or closets to neutralize odors and leave a light coffee aroma,
10. Exfoliate your skin
Did you know coffee grounds work as a natural scrub? If you mix them with sea salt and coconut oil you have an exfoliant that removes dead skin, smooths rough spots, and brightens your skin. The caffeine may also boost circulation.
So…
As you can see, coffee is more than a drink, its leftover grounds can be used in your home, garden, and even for self-care. Why not reusing them instead of throwing them out? This way you cut down on waste and find easy, eco-friendly solutions.
Now that you know these 10 simple ideas, I’m sure the next time you make a cup of coffee you won’t toss the dregs. I mean, there are so many possibilities to give your coffee grounds a second life!