Do you also throw away coffee grounds every morning when you make your coffee and don't even think about how useful it could be? It is surprising how many ways there are to transform this aromatic "waste" substance into a domestic helper. Not only do you save money, but you also contribute to a more sustainable way of life. Collect that coffee gold and try these 10 tricks for your home, garden and even beauty!
1. Removing unpleasant odors
Have you ever opened the fridge and been greeted by an unpleasant smell that even the strongest air fresheners can't overcome? This is where coffee grounds come into play. Its natural ability to absorb odors is ideal for rooms where unpleasant aromas accumulate quickly. Simply place a container of dry coffee grounds in the fridge or cupboard and let it work its magic. In a few days, the smell of fish, onions or leftover food will be a thing of the past. Do not forget to replace the coffee grounds from time to time, as its strength decreases after a certain time.
2. Natural body scrub
Why spend money on luxury scrubs when you can create your own from simple coffee grounds? The coarse texture acts as a gentle abrasive that will remove dead skin cells while leaving the skin feeling wonderfully smooth and silky. Mix it with olive or coconut oil, and you have a great scrub that you can use on both your body and face. In addition, the caffeine in coffee stimulates blood circulation, which can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Exfoliate once or twice a week for best results.
3. Dish cleaner
Have you come across stubborn stains in a pan or on a dish that even the best cleaners can't remove? Coffee grounds can act as a natural abrasive that gently but effectively removes dirt and baked-on food residue. By using it, you will not only save money on expensive cleaners, but also reduce the introduction of chemicals into your home. Simply mix it with some washing-up liquid and rub it on the dirty surface - the result will be shiny!
4. Fertilizer for plants
If your houseplants are looking tired and lifeless, coffee grounds can give them a much-needed nutritional boost. It is rich in nitrogen, which is essential for healthy plant growth. But be careful - coffee grounds are slightly acidic, so they are better suited to plants that love acidic soil, such as azaleas, hydrangeas or blueberries. Simply mix it with the soil or sprinkle it around the plants. You can also add coffee grounds to your compost where it will speed up the decomposition process.
5. Natural dyes
If you've ever dreamed of creating a vintage look on fabrics or paper, coffee grounds are your solution. With it, you can color different materials in beautiful earthy tones. Coffee grounds are a natural dye that works mainly on cotton, linen and silk, but also on paper. Simply soak fabric or paper in strong coffee grounds and let the color absorb. After drying, you will get a unique, handmade look that is completely natural. This technique also works on hair if you want to achieve a slightly darker shade.
6. Repelling pests
Nature has gifted us with many solutions to problems that we often solve with chemicals. Coffee grounds are a great natural way to repel pests such as ants, slugs and even cats that destroy your garden. The smell and texture of coffee grounds keep pests away from plants and yards. Sprinkle it around plants or at entry points where you notice pest problems, and you'll effectively repel them without using harmful insecticides.
7. Removing scratches from furniture
Scratches on wooden furniture can quickly spoil the overall appearance of the room. Instead of resorting to expensive restoratives, try coffee grounds. Mix it with a few drops of water to create a thick paste and gently rub it into the scratches. The coffee will darken the wood, and the scratches will be less visible. This method works best on darker furniture, where coffee grounds can nicely hide minor damage.
8. Cleaning fireplaces
Cleaning the fireplace is always a dirty job, especially when the ashes are scattered all over the room. Coffee grounds can make this job much easier. Before you start cleaning, sprinkle a layer of coffee grounds over the ashes. This will keep the ash in place when you remove it and won't cause dust. In addition, the coffee grounds will help neutralize unpleasant odors that may linger in the fireplace.
9. Neutralization of the smell of garlic or onions on the hands
After cutting garlic or onions, the smell on your hands just doesn't want to go away, even after multiple washes. The coffee grounds are here again in the role of savior. When you rub it on your hands, it will naturally neutralize strong odors. Its tiny granules will help remove the remains of garlic or onion from the pores of the skin. After a few minutes of rubbing, wash your hands with soap and warm water - the result will be freshness!
10. Hair care for extra shine
The caffeine in coffee isn't just great for a morning energy boost, it's also great for your hair. If you want shinier and healthier hair, simply massage coffee grounds into your scalp after washing. Not only will coffee grounds help remove dead cells from the scalp, it also stimulates blood circulation, which can lead to faster hair growth and a healthy shine. Your hair will look fuller and your scalp will be refreshed.
Conclusion: Coffee grounds are a real little treasure that is available to us almost every day. Not only can you use it for cleaning, grooming and even gardening, its use is also extremely friendly to the environment. Instead of throwing it away, try one of these tricks and see how effective it can be. So you don't just start your day with coffee, but also your home routine!
