I don’t know about you, but I love the aroma from a new bag of coffee beans and the feel of a warm cup in my hands. I do find myself feeling a bit sad about the amount of grounds that can seem to go to waste. It seems such a shame that they should just be tossed, and thankfully they don’t need to be!
Coffee grounds are one of the most versatile “trash” items you likely have in your home. They have so many wonderful uses! Here are just a few to get you started. (Be sure to let me know in the comments if I’ve missed any!)
1. Compost It!
Probably the easiest way to discard your used coffee grounds is to simply add it to your backyard compost pile or bin. This gives you coffee grounds new life and can help to balance the pH of your heap, especially if you’re adding egg shells. When I’m not using mine for other things, I add them to a countertop compost bin during the week and empty into my compost bin on trash nights.
2. Soil Amendment
Add coffee grounds to the soil to help boost acid-loving plants, and acid tolerant plants like:
- Azaleas
- Beech Trees
- Begonias
- Daffodils
- Dogwood Trees
- Gardenias
- Holly
- Hydrangeas
- Irises
- Magnolia Trees
- Marigolds
- Rhododendrons
- Roses
In addition to ornamental plants, used grounds can be supplemented to the soil for acid loving (& tolerant) food-bearing plants like:
- Beans
- Blueberry Bushes
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Onions
- Parsley
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
- Squash
- Sweet Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Turnips
3. Bug Repellent
Sprinkling coffee grounds and mint around your home can help to deter pests from setting up a new home and may also help to drive existing ones out.
4. Pet Repellent
Sprinkling coffee grounds and mint around your home can help to deter pests from setting up a new home and may also help to drive existing ones out. Apparently it can help make your space less cozy for pests like ants, fleas, snails, and slugs.
5. Homemade Skincare
The abrasive texture of coffee grounds make them (especially those from espresso!) perfect to add to your body washes and soaps for gentle exfoliation, heavenly smells, and a little glow boost from the natural antioxidants. Try mixing grounds in with ingredients like honey, coconut oil, sea salt (careful with how corse the grind is depending on where you’d like to use it).
6. Deodorizing Onion Hands
Have you ever cut up onion or garlic and had your hands smell like it into the next day? No matter how many times you washed them? One way to help remove those odors is to use a bit of fresh coffee grounds to scrub your hands while you soap up.
7. Deodorize Your Home
Use dried coffee grounds to create sachets (coffee filters are great for this!) Place them in smelly areas to help absorb and combat odors. If you’d like more power, try mixing in baking soda or your favorite essential oils.
If you’re looking to cover up odors, you can also add them to homemade candles to create your very own coffee candle with the gentle smell of coffee grounds!
8. Garbage Disposal Deodorizing
If you are on public sewer (don’t use this or anything that can cause a blockage down the road for septic users) you can put a tablespoon or two of coffee grounds into the sink, slowly run the water, and flip on the disposal.
9. Crafts
Coffee grounds can add fun color and texture to a variety of craft projects. Use them to dye fabrics and paper for an antiqued look, eggs, and more. Add to clay, dough, paints, and other mediums to bring fragrance and texture to kids’ crafts.
