What can leftover coffee grounds be used for?

It is estimated that the world’s population drinks about 2 billion cups of coffee daily. That’s a lot of used coffee grounds!

Most people toss their used grounds in the trash after their coffee has brewed – but if you do the same, you might think twice after reading this article.

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Top 7 Uses For Used Coffee Grounds

In this article, we’re going to share seven practical uses for leftover coffee grounds – in your home, in the garden, and even as part of your beauty routine.

1. Composting coffee grounds

The easiest way to avoid throwing your coffee grounds in the trash can is to save them in a kitchen compost bin (or toss them on the compost heap in your backyard).

Coffee grounds are fantastic for compost because they give the soil a nitrogen boost, which helps organic waste break down into nutrient-dense fertilizer for your garden.

And if you don’t have a garden, there’s no harm in donating your used coffee grounds to your neighbors, friends, or family.

2. Neutralize smells with used coffee grounds

Coffee beans naturally contain nitrogen, which, when combined with carbon, can be highly effective at removing foul-smelling odors.

Here are a few ways you can eliminate common odors using fresh grounds:

• Place a bowl of grounds inside your refrigerator or freezer for a few hours to neutralize any bad smells from spoiled foods.
• Make portable air fresheners by filling old socks or stockings with dried coffee grounds, which you can put in your tog bag, shoes, bedroom cupboard, in your car boot, or anywhere else that needs to be deodorized.
• Keep a container of coffee grounds close to your kitchen sink to use as a hand scrub after preparing onions or garlic – your hands will be smelling fresh in no time!

3. Coffee ground body scrub

Ever seen those luxurious coffee scrubs in the drugstore?

Well, you can make them yourself! The coarse particles in used coffee grounds work as an incredible exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and dirt.

All you need to do is mix the grounds with a splash of water and some coconut oil, or olive oil, then use it as a decadent body scrub next time you shower.

Mixing coffee grounds with honey can also make a lovely lip scrub!

The caffeine in coffee grounds has been shown to increase blood flow and provide anti-inflammatory properties, which is excellent for overall skin health, reducing cellulite, and even removing dark circles under your eyes.

4. Coffee ground flea repellent

Another one of the great uses for coffee grounds is to prevent fleas on your dog or cat.

Although there are numerous anti-flea products on the market, most will cost you a pretty penny, and they tend to contain harsh and harmful chemicals.

Rub some coffee grounds directly through your pet’s fur after your usual shampooing routine, then rinse it off and leave your furry friend to dry.

It won’t get rid of a flea infestation, but fleas don’t like coffee, so it might be enough to keep your pet flea-free!

5. Clean with coffee grounds

Since coffee grounds are abrasive, they do a great job at removing build-ups and tough stains on surfaces. At the same time, they act as a natural sanitizer thanks to the antimicrobial properties of coffee.

You can scour your kitchen sink, polish your crockery and eating utensils, and have your pots and pans looking as good as new after scrubbing them with some coffee grounds.

To note: Avoid using them on porous materials, as they can leave brown stains.

6. Make a natural dye

Wet coffee grounds can be used to create a cheap, all-natural dye for coloring fabric, like cotton, rayon, and linen.

Besides dying or renewing faded dark clothing, you can even use coffee grounds to give dark hair a richer color!

After you’ve dyed anything with coffee, wash it in cold water with mild laundry detergent before you use it.

7. Grow mushrooms in coffee grounds

Did you know that your old coffee grounds are packed full of essential nutrients, which means you can use them to grow mushrooms?!

All you need to do is mix coffee grounds with some straw and mushroom spores and place the mixture in sealed bags.

The bags must be incubated in a dark room at 68-75°F for about 2 to 3 weeks. After that, you need to poke some holes in the bags, and a couple of weeks later, you will be able to harvest your mushrooms!

Coffee grounds are especially useful for growing mushrooms rather than other organic materials because they have already gone through sterilization during the brewing process.

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