15 Uses of Used Coffee Grounds

Contrary to what you may think, coffee grounds are more than just the leftovers from your morning pick-me-up. From enriching your garden soil to freshening up your fridge, these dark, gritty remains should not be wasted in the trash. Read our list of 15 things you can do with used coffee grounds.

Natural Body Scrub

Who knew that your coffee grounds could make your skin feel super smooth? Just mix them with a bit of coconut oil or your regular body wash, and you have a homemade scrub for yourself. It is all-natural, and the coarse texture helps exfoliate your skin, remove dead skin cells, and give you a fresh glow.

Fertilize Your Garden

Your plants might enjoy coffee just as much as you do! Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, making them a fantastic addition to your garden soil. Just sprinkle them around your plants or mix them into the soil. They help improve soil health and structure, and your green buddies will thank you for it!

Natural Deodorizer

If your fridge smells gross or your closet is all stinky, a bowl of dry coffee grounds will help. Coffee absorbs smells and neutralizes these foul smells. It is also an easy way to make your house or apartment smell better and fresh without using any of the toxic chemicals.

Scouring Agent

Got some tough stains to scrub off your pots, pants, or any surface? You can use coffee grounds for that! They are abrasive and will work well for scrubbing. However, make sure to use it only on utensils that do not scratch easily. If you want an even greater effect, simply mix them with a bit of dish soap.

Homemade Candles

Do you enjoy the smell of coffee? A good idea is to make candles with the same aroma. Melt some wax, add your used coffee grounds, and allow it to cool. Not only do you get candles that give off a subtle coffee aroma, but you also get the therapeutic joy of making something beautiful and functional from something you thought to be a waste.

Reduce Cellulite

You might have heard about coffee being used in pricey cellulite creams. Well, you can make your own treatment at home! Just mix used coffee grounds with coconut oil and sugar and massage it on your skin. The caffeine stimulates blood flow and can help you reduce the appearance of cellulite. Give it a try before your next shower!

Hair Treatment

If your hair feels dull or heavy due to product buildup, coffee grounds can help. After shampooing, rub a handful of ground through your wet hair. The coarse particles help to strip away residue, leaving your hair cleaner and shinier. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly unless you fancy coffee-colored highlights!

Pest Repellent

Coffee grounds can be a great barrier against pests like ants, snails, and slugs in your garden. Spread the grounds around your plants to create a natural repellent. The texture and scent discourage these critters from crossing over, protecting your plants from unwanted guests.

Absorb Food Flavors

Got some garlic or fish-smelling hands after cooking? Scrubbing them with coffee grounds can help remove those strong odors. Coffee has natural deodorizing properties, making it effective at absorbing smells. Plus, it is a cool trick to show off in the kitchen next time you have friends over!

Fireplace Cleaner

Handling ashes in your fireplace can be a messy ordeal, as they tend to blow around when you try to scoop them up. Mixing wet coffee grounds with the ashes makes them easier to manage. This way, they will not cloud up into the air, and cleaning up will be a breeze.

Meat Tenderizer

Coffee grounds can be a secret weapon in the kitchen when it comes to tenderizing meat. The natural acids and enzymes in coffee help break down tough meat fibers. Create a marinade by adding used coffee grounds to your favorite rub or spice mix. Let the meat sit with this marinade before cooking to enjoy a tender, flavorful dish.

Grow Mushrooms

Coffee grounds are an excellent medium for growing certain types of mushrooms, like oyster mushrooms. Their nutrient-rich, moist environment is ideal for mushroom spores to thrive. Start with a mushroom spore kit and mix it with damp coffee grounds in a container. Keep it in a cool, dark place and mist it daily. You will soon have fresh mushrooms to cook with!

Dye Fabric or Paper

If you are into crafting, you will love this one. Used coffee grounds can make a natural dye for fabric or paper, giving them a beautiful, vintage brown tint. Simmer the grounds in water to make a strong dye bath. Soak your fabric or paper to achieve the desired shade. It is a fun way to create unique, eco-friendly art.

Repair Scratched Furniture

Minor scratches on dark wood furniture can be masked with wet coffee grounds. Rub them on the scratches with a Q-tip or your finger. Wipe away the excess to see how the grounds have darkened the wood, blending the scratches into the rest of the surface. It is a quick fix that can extend the life of your furniture.

Compost Boost

Throwing coffee grounds into your compost bin adds nitrogen, a crucial element that helps break down organic matter. Coffee grounds also attract worms, which are great for your compost’s health. Just remember to balance it out with carbon-rich materials like dry leaves to keep your compost healthy.