Ways To Use Old Coffee Grounds

I am always looking for ways to repurpose things. Aside from tossing my coffee grounds in the compost, there are many ways to use them. Old coffee grounds have a variety of uses that can be beneficial in a number of ways.

Enrich Your Garden Soil

Coffee grounds are an excellent addition to compost or garden soil. They provide nitrogen, improve drainage, and attract earthworms, which help aerate the soil. Mixing them with mulch or compost ensures a balanced soil environment without making it too acidic.

Keep Pests Away

Many insects, including ants, slugs, and snails, dislike the strong scent of coffee grounds. Sprinkling them around plants or near entry points in your home can help keep pests at bay naturally. The coarse texture can also act as a barrier, making it difficult for crawling insects to pass through.

Neutralize Odors

Used coffee grounds are great for absorbing unpleasant odors in refrigerators, trash cans, or even shoes. Placing a bowl of dried coffee grounds in areas prone to bad smells helps keep the air fresh. Rubbing them on your hands after handling garlic or onions can also remove lingering odors.

Exfoliate and Nourish Your Skin

The texture of coffee grounds makes them an effective natural exfoliant. Mixing them with a little coconut oil or honey creates a simple scrub that removes dead skin cells and leaves skin feeling smooth. Coffee’s natural antioxidants may also help improve circulation and reduce puffiness when applied under the eyes.

Boost Your Plants with a Natural Fertilizer

Certain plants, such as roses, tomatoes, and blueberries, thrive with the addition of coffee grounds. Mixing used grounds into potting soil or creating a liquid fertilizer by soaking them in water for a day can give plants a nutrient boost without the need for chemical fertilizers.

Scrub Pots and Pans

Stubborn grease and grime on pots and pans can be easily scrubbed away using coffee grounds. Their abrasiveness helps remove stuck-on food without damaging surfaces, making them a great alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.

Freshen Up Drains

Pouring coffee grounds down the sink followed by hot water can help break up grease and freshen up drains. However, they should be used sparingly to avoid clogging pipes over time.