9 surprising things you can do with leftover coffee grounds
If you’ve started making your own morning brew with a good old fashioned pot or French press, you may be stuck with literal pounds of coffee grounds each week. And while it may be your instinct to toss these into the trash, the beverage byproduct can actually be repurposed and used for a variety of daily tasks. In the spirit of sustainability, we’ve rounded up nine of our favorite ways in which coffee grounds can enhance your day-to-day routine.
Composting
Nitrogen-heavy coffee is a perfect supplement to any at-home compost bin and it’s proven by science that a grounds-based compost is actually richer in nutrients than one made with food scraps alone (and also more environmentally-friendly). In our comprehensive guide to composting, you can learn how to turn your leftovers into nutrient-rich soil that will have your garden flourish.
Cleaning Pots And Pans
Coffee grounds are a natural abrasive and can be added to any dish soap and water combo to scrub away pesky scum and food stains. But do not use those grounds on anything *too* delicate, or it can permanently scratch the surface and defeat the purpose of cleaning in the first place.
Keeping Away Pests
The alluring smell of a fresh cup of joe does not have the same effect on insects and pests like snails and slugs. In fact, they downright hate it. Simply set out bowls of coffee grounds among your outdoor seating areas to prevent ants, mosquitoes, fruit flies, and squirmy critters from crashing your barbecue.
Whipping Up Body Scrub
Rub a dub dub, coffee grounds make a good scrub.
What You Need:
Half cup of used coffee grounds
Quarter cup of any body-friendly moisturizing oil like coconut or olive
Splash of fragrance from either citrus, herbs, or essential oils
Combine used coffee grounds, moisturizing oil, and a splash of fragrance together.
Safely rub homemade mixture into your skin when showering, and voila — dead skin doesn’t stand a chance against this dermis-friendly concoction.
Removing Hair Impurities
If you suffer from excess hair build-up, dullness, or thinning, it’s time to wake up those follicles with caffeine-packed coffee grounds that can be massaged into the scalp to promote luster and thickness. Blondes, beware: The grounds do have the potential to dye lighter shades, so don’t leave them in your hair for too long.
Tenderizing Meat
Not only does the high acidity level of coffee grounds tenderize your meat, but it can also impart a wonderfully earthy and rich flavor that complements more bold and complex spices. Simply coat your protein an hour or two before cooking to yield tender, juicy bites. And if you’re a fan of ribs in particular, we’ve got you covered with a breakdown of how to incorporate coffee into a rack before throwing them on the grill.
Acting As An Odor Neutralizer
We know about the wonders of baking soda as an odor neutralizer in places like the refrigerator or kitchen cabinets, but coffee grounds work just as effectively and will even leave behind the invigorating aroma of being in your favorite cafe. It also doesn’t take much — toss a handful of grounds into a small bowl and set it anywhere in need of a quick refresh.
Related: 20 Ways To Clean Your Home With Baking Soda
Repairing Furniture
There are few misfortunes greater than scratching a new piece of dark wood furniture. But wet coffee grounds, when applied delicately with a Q-tip and left to sit for a few minutes, can actually repair and conceal these imperfections once scrubbed away with a rag. It’s practically magic, much like the type you feel after sipping a mug’s worth first thing in the morning.
Treating Bags Under Your Eyes
Didn’t get the recommended eight hours of sleep? Don’t sweat it. Caffeine is one of the most sought-after ingredients for any under-eye cream or roller and coffee grounds are obviously chock-full of it.
What You Need:
Two teaspoons of coffee grounds
Half tablespoon of honey or egg whites
Mix grounds with honey or egg whites.
Pat the mixture directly under your eyes and allow it to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Wipe it away with cold water and proceed with your typical morning skincare regimen.
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