If you're like me, you go through a pot of coffee — sometimes two — a day. That makes for a lot of coffee grounds. And while it's not the end of the world to toss them out, it would be cool if they served some greater purpose.
I heard coffee grounds have many uses for gardening, but I wondered if there were any other things I could use them for. So, I started looking and as it turns out, there are lots of options!
Here are a few of my faves!
Mix the used coffee grounds with some coconut oil and cinnamon, then scrub away! Some say the caffeine helps reduce cellulite. But even if it doesn't, it's always nice to pamper yourself with a scrub, and they can be expensive to buy!
Cleaning out the ashes from a fireplace makes a huge mess. To cut down on all the airborne particles, sprinkle a layer of damp coffee grounds on top before you sweep the ashes out.
Cutting onions or garlic always leaves a lingering odor on your hands. To help get rid of the smell, use a couple of tablespoons of used coffee grounds as an exfoliant while you wash up.
Here's one of those gardening uses I was talking about. Coffee grounds have a low level of nitrogen (as well as lots of other nutrients), so it will act as a fertilizer if you mix it in with your soil.
Forget running to the store for salt after shoveling the driveway, coffee grounds work just as well! The acidity in the coffee melts the ice and the texture of the grounds is similar to salt or sand, providing traction.
Just put some used coffee grounds into an old pair of nylons and tie the end. Throw it in the fridge or freezer and it will neutralize any odors caused by stale, spoiled, or strongly smelling foods.
Put a couple tablespoons of damp grounds on your cleaning cloth. Since they're gritty, the grounds will help to scrub off grease and stuck-on food. Just make sure you give them a good rinse when you're done!
Hydrangeas change color based on the pH level of the soil it's planted in. If you're like me and prefer hydrangeas in a blue hue, sprinkling coffee grounds around the base of the plant will make the soil more acidic, which will turn the blooms blue!
When you wash your pets, throw some used coffee grounds into their shampoo. Fleas hate the smell of coffee, so it will help keep your furbabies flea-free!
Make a thick paste with the coffee grounds and water, then rub it on the scratches. The brown color will stain the exposed wood in the scratch, making it harder to see.
Mix together 4 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon salt, and 4 tablespoons of coffee grounds in a sauce pan/pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 10 minutes. Once the mix has been strained and cooled, put your eggs in and let them soak.
Combine coffee grounds with some other spices, rub it on the meat, and leave it to marinate for a couple hours. The coffee grounds add a delicious smoky flavor.
Used grounds can make deodorizer pods that will freshen up your garbage disposal. Combine dry, used coffee grounds, Epsom salt, baking soda, and vinegar. Form them into balls, flatten slightly on parchment paper, and freeze. When your disposal starts to stink, just throw a couple down while it's running and rinse with cold water.
Put a quarter cup of used grounds in a glass jar. Add steel wool and one cup of white vinegar. Let it rest overnight. Then use the steel wool to scrub the stain onto unfinished wood. Let it dry and add another layer for richer color.
Coffee was used as one of the first forms of paint. Mixing the grounds with water, letting them soak, then straining it will leave you with a deep brown color that can then be used like watercolor paint.
