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It’s no secret that coffee is one of the world’s most beloved beverages. Whether you’re a morning person who needs a jolt of caffeine to start your day or an afternoon pick-me-up kind of person, there’s no denying the appeal of a freshly brewed cup of joe. But what do you do with those used coffee grounds? Can you reuse coffee grounds, or are they destined for the trash bin?
Can You Reuse Coffee Grounds: The Short Answer
The short answer is: yes, you can definitely reuse coffee grounds! In fact, there are all sorts of creative and useful ways to put those grounds to good use, both in the kitchen and around the house.
Top 13 Ways to Reuse Coffee Grounds
So, there are tons of ways you can reuse coffee grounds. But what are the best day-to-day uses? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Fertilize Your Plants
If you’re a fellow gardening enthusiast, coffee grounds are perfect for you. Did you know that old coffee grounds can work wonders as fertilizer?
Using old coffee grounds as fertilizer is not only good for your plants, but it’s also great for the environment. Instead of sending those grounds to the landfill, you can repurpose them and give your plants a little love. And the best part? It’s super easy and fun!
Coffee grounds are a great source of nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for plants. Mix used grounds with the soil next to your plants to give them a boost, or create a liquid fertilizer by steeping grounds in water for a few days and then using the resulting liquid to water your plants.
Using old coffee grounds as fertilizer is a win-win for both you and your plants. It’s a fun and creative way to repurpose something that would otherwise go to waste, and it’s great for the environment.
Use It for Compost
What if you don’t need to fertilize your plants right now? In that case, you can use it for compost instead.
Compost is perfect for helping your soil retain more of its nutrients and water.
In fact, a recent study found that coffee grounds and waste from the kitchen have more nutrients than compost made from only waste.
Deodorize Your Fridge
Did you know that your used coffee grounds can be used to deodorize your fridge and keep it smelling fresh? No need to buy expensive fridge deodorizers, just grab those old coffee grounds and let’s get started.
First, gather your used coffee grounds. If you don’t drink coffee at home, you can ask your local coffee shop if they have any leftover grounds. They’ll likely be happy to give them to you, as it’s a win-win situation for both you and the environment.
Next, place the coffee grounds in a container with a lid. You can use anything from a small bowl to a mason jar, as long as it has a lid. Make sure the container is clean and dry before you put the coffee grounds inside.
Now, place the container with the coffee grounds in your fridge. Leave it in there for a few hours or overnight, and let the magic happen. The coffee grounds will absorb any odors in your fridge, leaving it smelling fresh and clean.
After a few days, you can replace the old coffee grounds with fresh ones. You can either throw the old grounds away or reuse them for other purposes such as gardening or cleaning.
Exfoliate Your Skin
Coffee grounds make a great natural exfoliant. First things first, let’s talk about why coffee grounds are so great for exfoliating. Coffee grounds contain caffeine, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
When applied topically to the skin, caffeine can help reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and even stimulate collagen production. Plus, coffee grounds are gritty and abrasive, which makes them an excellent natural exfoliant to help slough away dead skin cells and reveal fresh, smooth skin.
Mix them with a little bit of coconut oil and sugar to create a DIY body scrub that will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Reduce Cellulite
Cellulite affects more than 80-90% of women worldwide, occurring when fat deposits push through the tissue under the skin. By applying coffee grounds to the areas, the caffeine will help break down fat and increase blood flow, reducing cellulite.
The simplest way is to mix a handful of coffee grounds with some warm water to create a paste, then massage it onto the affected areas for a few minutes before rinsing off with cool water. You can also add some coconut oil or honey to the mix for some added hydration and antibacterial properties.
Another option is to make a coffee scrub by combining coffee grounds, sugar, and olive oil. This scrub not only helps reduce cellulite but also exfoliates the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Plus, the aroma of coffee is a great pick-me-up in the morning.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own cellulite-reducing lotion by mixing coffee grounds with shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils like grapefruit or peppermint. Not only will it help reduce cellulite, but it also smells heavenly.
Keep Pests Away
Do you want a natural, eco-friendly way to keep them away? Look no further than your trusty coffee grounds!
That’s right, those old coffee grounds that you’ve been throwing away can actually be used as a powerful weapon in the war against garden pests. And not only are you repelling pests, but you’re also reducing waste, making this a win-win situation for everyone involved.
So how exactly do coffee grounds keep pests away, you ask? Well, it turns out that many insects and animals hate the smell of coffee, particularly the strong aroma of used coffee grounds. These grounds act as a natural repellent, deterring pests from feasting on your plants.
Now, you might be wondering how to use coffee grounds in your garden. The good news is that it’s incredibly easy. Simply sprinkle the old coffee grounds around the base of your plants, creating a barrier that pests won’t want to cross. You can also mix the grounds into your soil, adding nutrients and helping to improve the overall health of your plants.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! You can get even more creative with your coffee grounds by using them in a variety of different ways to repel different types of pests. For example, if you’re dealing with slugs or snails, create a ring of coffee grounds around your plants. The rough texture of the grounds will discourage these slimy creatures from crawling over them.
If you’re dealing with pesky ants, try mixing coffee grounds with water to create a spray. Spray this mixture around areas where you’ve noticed ant activity, and watch as they scurry away in fear.
Give It To Your Chickens
Although it sounds crazy, you can even give your unused coffee grounds to chickens! However, make sure to do it in moderation. As it contains nitrogen, high amounts of this can be harmful to chickens.
Clean Your Dishes
Coffee grounds are abrasive, which makes them great for scrubbing away stubborn stains on dishes, pots, and pans. Simply wet a sponge and sprinkle a few used grounds on it before scrubbing.
Create a Natural Hair Dye
Are you tired of the same old boring hair color? Want to switch things up and try something new and natural? Well, look no further than your morning cup of joe! That’s right, you can use old coffee grounds to create a natural hair dye that will leave your locks looking luscious and shiny.
First things first, gather your supplies. You’ll need old coffee grounds (the darker the better), conditioner, and a shower cap. Mix the coffee grounds into the conditioner until you get a thick, smooth consistency. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
Now, it’s time to apply the mixture to your hair. Put on the shower cap to prevent any mess and leave it on for about an hour. The longer you leave it on, the darker your hair will be. So, if you want a subtle change, leave it on for 30 minutes. If you’re feeling bold, leave it on for an hour or more.
Once you’ve let the mixture sit, rinse your hair with warm water and admire your new, natural hair color. Not only will your hair have a beautiful, rich hue, but it will also be super soft and silky from the conditioner.
Boost the Flavor of Your Food
Coffee grounds can add a unique, rich flavor to certain dishes. Try using them in marinades for meat, or mix them into your favorite cookie or brownie recipe for a tasty twist.
Freshen Up Your Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal is starting to smell stinky, throw a handful of used coffee grounds down the drain and turn on the disposal. The grounds will help neutralize any bad smells and leave your kitchen smelling fresh.
Make a Natural Air Freshener
Mix used coffee grounds with some essential oils and baking soda to create a natural air freshener for your home. The grounds will help absorb any unpleasant odors, and the essential oils will add a pleasant scent.
Create a Natural Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes, voles, and other pests can be a real nuisance, but coffee grounds can help keep them away. Mix equal parts coffee grounds and coconut oil and rub it on your skin to create a natural insect repellent. The strong smell of the grounds will help keep pests at bay.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it, 13 creative and useful ways to reuse your used coffee grounds. Next time you finish a pot of coffee, don’t toss those grounds in the trash, put them to good use instead! And remember, reusing coffee grounds is not only good for the environment, but it’s also a great way to save money and get creative in the kitchen.