5 Creative Ways to Reuse Used Ground Coffee

You've made yourself a delicious cup of coffee, newspaper included, great! Now it's time to give your coffee maker a cleaning. Because that's good for the preservation of your machine. Okay, coffee grounds, what do we do with them? Just throw them in the green waste, right? Shame!

Did you know that used, ground coffee is very suitable to reuse? For example, you can throw this in your garden with the plants, they will enjoy it.

You can also use it indoors , for example as a natural stain remover. But you can also make an incredibly healing scrub from it.

That's why it's a shame to simply throw your used coffee grounds in the bin!

In this article I will describe 5 creative ways in which you can upcycle your used coffee and do all kinds of things with it in and around the house!

Do you reuse your coffee grounds yet?

Gardening and composting

Did you know that used coffee grounds can do wonders for your garden? Coffee grounds are rich in important nutrients such as nitrogen, magnesium and potassium, which are essential for healthy plant growth and contribute to the overall vitality of your plants.

These nutrients not only help green up the leaves, but also promote the development of strong roots, which is crucial for good plant health.

Soil improver
Sprinkle the used coffee grounds over the soil around your plants and mix it in thoroughly. This will help improve the soil structure, promoting aeration and drainage, as well as water retention.

Better water retention means your plants will need to be watered less often and will be more resistant to dry spells.

Composting
Add coffee grounds to your compost pile for an extra boost. The organic matter in coffee is great for speeding up the composting process because it increases microbial activity.

This will result in a richer compost that contains more nutrients, which can further boost the growth of your plants when you add the compost to the soil.

Weed repellent
Coffee grounds can also help deter pests such as slugs, ants, and even some insects.

Sprinkle a circle of coffee grounds around your plants to create a natural barrier that will keep these unwanted visitors at bay.

Using coffee grounds in your garden is not only a smart way to reduce waste, but also an effective method of keeping your plants healthy and happy.

I myself have made a scrub from coffee grounds and I have tried to grow oyster mushrooms on it, but I didn't quite succeed. But that must be my green fingers :-).

Domestic use

Used coffee grounds can also be useful around the home in a variety of ways. From cleaning to odor control, it’s a versatile tool that can make your daily chores much easier and is even environmentally friendly.

Abrasive
The texture of coffee grounds makes it an excellent natural abrasive. This is because the fine grains are effective at removing stubborn stains and dirt without causing scratches.

Use it to clean pots, pans, and various surfaces in your kitchen. Mix the coffee with a little dish soap for extra cleaning power, and you have a powerful and natural solution that is not only effective but also smells nice.

Odor fighter
Place a bowl of used coffee grounds in your refrigerator or freezer to neutralize unwanted odors.

Coffee has a natural ability to absorb odors, making it an ideal choice for removing that nasty food smell.

You can also fill a bag with coffee grounds and place it in shoes or in your wardrobe to absorb bad odors. This is not only an effective solution, but it also gives a subtle coffee scent to your closets and shoes.

Stain remover
Coffee grounds can help remove stains from fabrics and carpets. It works particularly well on oily stains because the granules can help bind the oil.

Rub a little coffee grounds onto the stain, let it sit for a while to work, then rinse with water. This can help you keep your favorite clothes or carpets in good condition without using harsh chemicals.

I think it would be interesting to test coffee grounds as a stain remover. I usually do this with ox gall soap, but if it can also be done with coffee grounds, why not!

Personal care

Why spend money on expensive beauty products when you can use used coffee grounds in your skincare routine?

Not only are coffee grounds a slimming food, they also contain powerful antioxidants and caffeine, which provide a range of benefits for your skin and hair.

These natural ingredients can help improve the overall health of your skin and strengthen your hair.

Body Scrub
Mix coffee grounds with a rich coconut oil or a nourishing olive oil and use this mixture as a natural body scrub.

The grainy texture of the coffee grounds helps effectively remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking fresher and more radiant.

After use, your skin will feel wonderfully soft and smooth, perfect for a moment of pampering after a long day.

Hair treatment
Coffee grounds can also be a great hair treatment. Massage it into your wet hair to stimulate your scalp and strengthen your hair.

The caffeine in coffee grounds can help promote hair growth and give it a beautiful shine. Rinse thoroughly and enjoy stronger, healthier hair that looks great.

Eye mask
For tired eyes in need of a pick-me-up, mix coffee grounds with a little water to make a simple eye mask.

Gently apply this mixture under your eyes and leave it on for ten minutes. This will not only help reduce puffiness but can also fade dark circles, making you look fresher and more rested. Rinse off afterwards and feel reborn!

With these simple, natural remedies, you can enjoy the benefits of coffee grounds while saving money on expensive beauty products.

I just told you about this coffee scrub I made myself, right? It's really super simple and you can make it at home very easily. In this article I'll tell you how: DIY coffee scrub.

Practical applications

Used ground coffee can be used in many surprising ways around your home . Here are a few more practical applications you can try.

Hand cleaner
After chopping onions or garlic, your hands can smell unpleasant. Rub your hands with coffee grounds to neutralize the smell and make your hands soft.

Scare away birds
If birds are attacking your garden plants, sprinkle some coffee grounds around the plants. The smell of coffee will keep the birds away, so your crops will remain protected.

Ant exterminator
Ants don't like coffee. Sprinkle a little coffee grounds at anthill entrances or on their paths to deter them.

Outdoor use

In addition to your garden, you can also use used coffee grounds in other outdoor areas. Here are some ideas to improve your outdoor spaces.

Dog deterrent
Tired of dogs ruining your lawn? Sprinkle a line of coffee grounds along the edge of your lawn to deter dogs. The smell will keep them away.

Barbecue cleaning
Use coffee grounds to clean your BBQ grill. Their abrasive properties help remove grease and caked-on residue.

Ice control
In the winter, coffee grounds can help combat slippery sidewalks and driveways. Sprinkle a thin layer of coffee grounds on icy surfaces for extra traction.

By the way, I really didn't know that you can use coffee grounds to combat ice. To be completely honest, I find this quite hard to believe, but I'm going to try it anyway. After all, I produce enough coffee grounds on a daily basis, especially in the winter. I'll keep you posted!

Conclusion

By writing this article and delving a little deeper into the possibilities with your coffee leftovers that you normally just throw in the trash, I have become a lot wiser.

I'm definitely going to test it this winter as an ice fighter. Again, I find this a bit hard to believe, but nothing ventured, nothing gained, right!

In addition, it is great that you can use a beautiful natural product like coffee not only to drink, wake up and share beautiful moments with others, but you can also simply use it in your garden, in your home and for your personal care!

What is your experience with coffee grounds? And which of the above applications would you most like to test?