Coffee grounds are much more than just waste! After your next sip of coffee, use it wisely at home and in the garden.
The coffee grounds left after making your morning coffee often end up in the trash, but do you even realize how versatile it can be? Instead of throwing it away, you can use it wisely in many ways in your home and garden. From a natural scrub for the body, a fertilizer for plants, to a pest repellent - coffee grounds are real "black gold" that can help you with your daily tasks and even improve your health and the appearance of your home. In this article, we will introduce you to ten ingenious ways that coffee grounds can become your faithful assistant.
1. Body scrub
Coffee grounds are great for skin care because of their abrasive texture, which effectively removes dead skin cells. Mix it with coconut oil, olive oil or honey to create a nourishing exfoliating mixture. Using this natural scrub will not only soften your skin, but also improve its texture and stimulate blood circulation, which helps reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Apply the scrub to wet skin during the shower and gently massage it in circular motions. Then rinse the skin thoroughly with warm water. For an even better effect, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, which will add a pleasant smell to the scrub and additional benefits for the skin.
2. Odor neutralizer
Coffee grounds are an excellent absorbent of unpleasant odors. Place the cup with the coffee grounds in the refrigerator, where it will absorb the odors of spoiled food. You can also use it in your shoe closet or gym bag by filling old socks with dry coffee grounds and tying them up.
To remove the smell of garlic or onions from your hands, simply rub them with coffee grounds. Its texture will help remove odor while the oils in the coffee will moisturize your skin.
3. Fertilizer for plants
Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, potassium and other minerals that are essential for plant growth. Use it as a natural fertilizer by mixing it into the soil around plants or adding it to compost. An optimal compost mix should contain 10-20% of coffee grounds, which will help improve soil structure and promote healthy plant growth.
In addition, coffee grounds are an excellent supplement for hydrangeas, as their flowers acquire a more intense blue color due to the acidic pH of the grounds.
Photo: envato elements
4. Pest repellent
Coffee grounds are an effective natural repellant for pests such as ants, snails, mosquitoes and other insects. Sprinkle coffee grounds around the plants or in places where you want to prevent pests. The smell of coffee is unpleasant for many insects, which will drive them away.
If you have an ant problem in your home, sprinkle some coffee grounds on the entry points. Caffeine and diterpenes in coffee are toxic to insects, which will effectively prevent their entry (N1).
5. Stubborn stain remover
Due to its abrasive nature, coffee grounds are an excellent natural cleaner for removing stubborn stains on pots, pans and grills. Mix the coffee grounds with a little water to make a thick paste, then rub it on the dirty surfaces. Coffee grounds will remove grease and food residue without the need for chemical cleaners.
Be careful when using on surfaces, as coffee can stain porous materials. After cleaning, rinse surfaces thoroughly with plenty of water to prevent possible drain clogging.
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6. Repair of scratches on furniture
Small scratches on dark wooden furniture can be covered with a paste made from coffee grounds and water. Apply the paste to the scratch, leave it on for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a soft cloth. The coffee grounds will fill the scratches and restore the wood's natural shine.
7. Meat tenderizer
Coffee grounds contain natural acids and enzymes that can tenderize meat. Before baking, rub the deposits into the meat and let them work for a few hours in the refrigerator. The meat will become softer, and the coffee flavors will add a rich and deep flavor to the meat.
8. Mulch for the garden
Coffee grounds can also be mixed with mulch, which retains moisture in the soil and helps make the garden look nicer and tidier. A mulch with added coffee grounds will also prevent weed growth and improve soil structure. Just be careful not to use too much coffee grounds as it can become impermeable to water.
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9. Prevention of frostbite
In winter, coffee grounds can be used as a natural anti-icer. If you don't have salt, sprinkle coffee grounds on your driveway or stairs to prevent slipping. The sediment will provide additional friction, which will help reduce the risk of falls.
10. Fabric dyeing
Coffee grounds are great for naturally dyeing fabrics or paper. Use it for dyeing to achieve warm brown tones that are environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing. Simply mix coffee grounds with water, soak a cloth or paper in the mixture and let it dry (City Magazine).
