Spent coffee grounds are great for so many things! Did you know that you can also use them to… repel insects? As a deodorizer? To dye Easter eggs? No? We didn’t either.
It turns out that coffee grounds have some pretty amazing uses (besides drinking it). After compiling this list, I feel bad for having thrown away my used coffee grounds. From now on, I’ll be sure to save them so I can use them for one of the following purposes.
Fertilizer in your garden
Coffee for fertilizer? You had me at “coffee.” I’m a lazy gardener, so this is perfect for me. No need to go to the store and buy expensive fertilizer when I can just use the coffee grounds I have lying around.
Plus, using coffee as fertilizer is good for the environment. It’s a natural way to fertilize plants without adding extra chemicals to the soil. And it’s always great to find ways to recycle old coffee grounds instead of just throwing them in the trash.
The coffee’s acidity helps break down hard dirt, while the coffee’s nutrients help feed your plants.
To use coffee grounds as fertilizer, simply sprinkle a few scoops around your plants every few weeks. You’ll be amazed at how much healthier and greener your plants will look!
Compost It for Later
If you’re looking for a way to add some extra nutrients to your compost pile, look no further than your old coffee grounds!
Adding coffee grounds to your compost can help improve the overall quality of the compost, thanks to its high nitrogen content.
They can also help suppress unwanted pests and diseases in your garden.
If you want to make fantastic compost with your coffee grounds, it’s not as simple as just throwing them in the pile.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- The best time to add coffee grounds to your compost pile is when the pile is hot and generates a lot of heat. This will help break down the organic matter in the grounds.
- Mix the coffee grounds with other organic items such as food scraps or yard debris if possible. This will create a richer compost mixture.
- Be sure to keep your compost pile moist but not wet. Coffee grounds can help absorb excess moisture, so if your pile is starting to get too wet, adding some grounds can help fix that.
Cat repellent
If you’ve been trying to keep neighborhood cats out of your garden, but haven’t had much success, then maybe it’s time to try using coffee!
Sprinkling coffee grounds around the perimeter of your garden is said to keep cats from coming in, as they apparently hate the smell. So if you’re looking for a new way to keep those pesky felines at bay, give coffee a try!
Make Homemade Coffee Candles
Making your own candles is easier than you think, and adding in a bit of dried spent coffee grounds will make them smell amazing. All you need is some wax, a container to melt it in, and a wick.
To get started, gather up your supplies. The wax can be found at most craft stores, and I like to use soy wax because it’s environmentally friendly. You’ll also need a stovetop or microwave to melt the wax, and a container to put the melted wax in. I usually use an old saucepan or glass jar.
Once you have your supplies, start by melting the wax. Place it on the stovetop or in the microwave and heat until it’s melted. Then, add in the coffee grounds. The coffee grounds will help give the candle a lovely scent, and they’ll also make the candle look a bit darker.
Once the wax is melted, and the coffee grounds are added in, carefully pour the wax into your chosen container. Make sure to leave enough room for the wick. Then, let the candle cool completely before lighting it. Enjoy!
Sand the sidewalk for extra traction
While coffee grounds cannot melt ice, they can be used as an effective replacement for sand on icy sidewalks.
The coarse texture of coffee grounds makes them perfect for providing extra traction on icy or slippery surfaces.
Simply sprinkle a generous layer of coffee grounds over the icy spots on your sidewalk or driveway, and you’ll be able to walk safely without worrying about slipping.
It’s important to note that one pot’s worth of grounds might not be enough to make a noticeable difference on your sidewalk. So if you’re looking for the best results, make sure to amass a decent supply of coffee grounds before the next big snowstorm hits.
Repel Insects and Pests
Do you love your morning cup of Joe but hate the idea of pests being attracted to your garden? Never fear, coffee grounds to the rescue!
You can keep pesky slugs and ants away by sprinkling a ring of grounds around sensitive crops. The grounds will only remain potent for a few days before decomposing and feeding your plants, but if you’re a daily coffee drinker, that’s not going to be an issue.
So next time you’re brewing up a pot of coffee, save the grounds and put them to work in the garden.
Remove Fleas from Your Pet
So your dog has fleas. And you’re not sure what to do about it. Well, have no fear, because coffee is here!
That’s right – coffee can be used as a natural treatment to remove fleas from your furry friend. Simply rub the grounds throughout your pet’s fur after shampooing. Then rinse them off and allow your pet to dry as usual.
Although some people claim that this will also add smoothness and shine to your pet’s coat, there is little research to support this claim.
If the fleas persist after treating your pet with coffee grounds, it may be necessary to explore alternative options with a veterinarian.
In any case, using coffee as a natural flea treatment is worth a try. It’s cheaper than most commercial products, and you already have fresh ingredients on hand.
Paper arts and crafts and egg dying
If you want to take your paper crafts up a notch or maybe give your Easter eggs an antique look, consider using coffee grounds as a stain. Coffee grounds add a beautiful sepia tone to projects, making them look naturally aged.
Coffee grounds can be a great option if you’re looking for a way to give your papercrafts more style. Make sure to soak the paper in a solution with water and coffee grounds before you start crafting. This will provide it with a faded, sepia appearance that will make it look like it’s been around for years.
If you’re dying Easter eggs with this method, start by boiling some water and adding the coffee grounds. Once the grounds are dissolved, add the eggs and let them soak for about 10 minutes. Then, rinse the eggs and let them dry completely before decorating.
Neutralize garbage disposal odors
The next time your garbage disposal starts to smell a little funky, don’t reach for the bottle of foul-smelling chemical cleaner. Instead, try using some coffee grounds.
Yes, that’s right – coffee can work as a deodorizer for your sink’s garbage disposal. The key is to mix the grounds with a bit of Epsom salt and baking soda to create a DIY solution that you can store near the sink.
Whenever your disposal starts to smell, just put a few tablespoons of your creation in and let it do its job. The coffee will help to neutralize any bad smells, while the Epsom salt and baking soda will help to keep your disposal clean and free from blockages.
Refrigerator deodorizer
If you’ve got a fridge full of leftovers and no one to share them with, don’t worry – you can still keep them without your fridge becoming a pungent mess!
Just put some dried used grounds in a shallow jar and place it in the back of your fridge. It won’t mask the odor of anything that severely spoils, but it’ll help keep things smelling fresh in there.
So next time you have to toss out that wilted salad or expired eggs, remember – coffee can help! And if you’re really desperate, you can always try using coffee as a deodorizer for your whole house. It might not be the most effective method out there, but it’s worth a shot, right?
Hand Deoderizer
If you’ve been chopping onions or garlic, and your hands smell like they’ve been dipped in a vat of stinky oil, don’t despair! There is an easy solution that will leave your hands smelling great in no time. All you need is a jar of leftover coffee grounds and some elbow grease.
Simply scrub your hands with moistened coffee grounds, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. The coffee will absorb the odors while leaving behind a pleasant scent. And not only will your hands smell great, but you’ll also get a nice dose of exfoliation.
So the next time you’re faced with smelly hands, don’t reach for the lavender soap – grab the coffee grounds instead!
Pssst. This also works on your spouse’s stinky feet.
Fireplace dust
It’s the time of year when we all gather around the fireplace to stay warm and cozy. But what do you do when the soot starts to build up?
By sprinkling wet coffee grounds across the cleaning surface, you’ll help keep the dust down. This will help keep it from drifting up into the air and make your cleanup a breeze. So next time your fireplace needs a little TLC, brew up a pot of coffee and get to work!
Repel Mosquitoes with coffee grounds
As if you needed another excuse to drink coffee, now you can use it to keep the mosquitos away. Simply put dried coffee grounds in puddles around your house or in your driveway, and the pesky mosquitos will steer clear.
If feeling a little more crafty, you can make a mosquito repellent using lamp oil and coffee grounds. The smoke from the burning coffee will keep the mosquitos at bay, just like citronella candles or tiki torches.
So the next time you’re enjoying a cup of coffee on your porch, don’t forget that it also has some mosquito-repelling properties. And if you’re ever caught in a bad mosquito infestation, be sure to break out the coffee grounds!
Keep cut flowers lasting longer
If you’re looking for a way to keep your flowers looking fresh for a little longer, look no further than your kitchen.
Adding coffee grounds to the water in your vase is a great way to give your blooms an extra boost of nitrogen, which will help them stay alive and vibrant for longer.
Just make sure to change the water in your vase every day (or every other day) to prevent mold from forming.
Scour Your Pots and Pans
Looking for a way to clean your pots and pans without harsh chemicals? Look no further than good old-fashioned coffee grounds!
Their abrasive texture can help scrape away any caked-on food, so your cookware will be spick and span in no time.
Just make sure to scrub first, then wash and rinse to finish the job.
Food for worms (Fishermen’s Secret)
If you’re looking for a cheap and easy way to keep your bait worms alive and wriggling, look no further than coffee grounds! Not only do fish love the scent of coffee-scented worms, but the added nitrogen from the coffee grounds helps keep your soil healthy and your bait worms alive longer. Simply mix a cup of used coffee grounds with your bait worms, and you’re good to go!
If you want to add some extra nutrients to your garden soil, coffee grounds are a great way to do it! Worms love to eat coffee grounds, and the large pieces of grit help keep the soil well-aerated. So next time you make a pot of coffee, save the grounds and mix them well with your garden soil. You’ll be helping the worms while adding some extra nitrogen to the soil.
Exfoliate Your Skin
Coffee is an excellent option if you’re looking for a natural way to exfoliate your skin. It has a texture similar to sand, which makes it perfect for scrubbing away dead skin cells and dirt, and it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help improve your complexion.
To use coffee as an exfoliator, simply add a handful of grounds to your bathtub or shower and scrub your skin with them. You can also form the grounds into a solid bar by adding some oil or honey, then use it like you would any other soap.
Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite
If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of cellulite, you may want to try using coffee grounds. Caffeine is often used in anti-cellulite products because it can prevent excessive fat accumulation in cells when absorbed through the skin. It’s also known to increase microcirculation in the smallest capillaries, which further reduces cellulite on the skin. Finally, using coarse coffee grounds instead of just caffeine extract further stimulates blood flow to smooth cellulite.
To use coffee grounds to reduce the appearance of cellulite, simply mix grounds with water or coconut oil and scrub for 10 minutes twice weekly on any areas affected. And if you’re really serious about banishing those bumps and lumps, make sure to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet – both of which will help improve circulation and keep your skin looking its best!
Tenderize Meat
If you’re looking to tenderize your meat using coffee, you’re in luck! Coffee is a natural tenderizer that can help break down muscle fibers and proteins, resulting in a softer texture.
To use coffee as a tenderizer, simply add used coffee grounds to your favorite dry-rub recipe and apply the rub to the meat two hours before cooking. The coffee grounds will get cooked onto the meat and form a dark, crispy crust.
Alternatively, you can rebrew used grounds to make coffee, allow it to cool, and use the liquid to marinade meat in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. So next time you’re making a BBQ feast, don’t forget the coffee!
Repair Scratched Furniture
So your coffee table has seen better days. It’s covered in scratches, and you’re unsure what to do about it.
Try this:
1. Using a Q-tip, rub damp coffee grounds into the scratch.
2. Allow them to sit for a couple of hours before wiping away to allow the coffee oils to penetrate the scratched wood.
3. Enjoy your repaired furniture with a nice cup of coffee!
Of course, this method won’t work on every piece of furniture. But if you have a dark-colored wood table or chair that’s been terrorized by toddlers, this could be the solution for you!
Grow Mushrooms
If you’re looking for a way to grow your own mushrooms, you’re in luck! Coffee grounds make an excellent substrate for growing mushrooms. Moreover, they’re already sterilized, so you don’t have to worry about extra steps.
To get started:
- Collect about 5.5 pounds of coffee grounds and moisten them using a spray bottle.
- Add a little over 1 pound of mushroom spore and sawdust mixture and mix well.
- Place the resulting mixture into a filter and wait for the mushrooms to grow.
It may take a while for the mushrooms to start growing, but be patient. Once they do, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh mushrooms.
Final Thoughts on Amazing Uses for Coffee Grounds
So there you have it! There are so many amazing ways to use coffee grounds! Whether you’re looking for a new way to scrub your skin, reduce cellulite, tenderize meat, or grow mushrooms, coffee grounds can help. And if all of that wasn’t enough, coffee grounds can also be used to repair scratched furniture and make a delicious cup of joe. So the next time you finish up your morning brew, don’t toss those grounds in the trash – put them to good use!
