What to Do with Used Coffee Grounds

If you love your daily cup of coffee, don’t let those used coffee grounds go to waste! Instead of tossing them, consider repurposing them in ways that benefit your home, garden, and even your skincare routine. Coffee grounds have natural antibacterial, exfoliating, and odor-absorbing properties, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for various household tasks.

1. Exfoliating Skincare Scrub

Coffee grounds make an excellent natural exfoliant, helping to slough off dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling refreshed and smooth. Plus, their antioxidant properties can help combat signs of aging.

DIY Coffee Scrub Recipe:

• 2 tbsp used coffee grounds
• 1 tbsp coconut oil (for moisture)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or sea salt (for added exfoliation)
• A few drops of essential oil (optional, for fragrance)

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and apply in gentle circular motions to exfoliate your skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use this scrub once or twice a week for the best results.

2. Garden Fertilizer & Compost Booster

Used coffee grounds are a fantastic addition to your garden. They are rich in nitrogen, a key nutrient for plant growth. You can:

• Sprinkle them directly onto the soil around acid-loving plants like roses, azaleas, blueberries, and carrots.
• Mix them into compost to speed up decomposition and add nutrients.
• Brew “coffee ground tea” by soaking used grounds in water overnight, then using it to water plants for a nutrient boost.

Pro Tip: If your soil is already acidic, rinse the coffee grounds before adding them to avoid excessive acidity.

3. Odor Neutralizer

Coffee grounds can absorb and eliminate odors naturally. Here’s how you can use them:

• Fridge and Freezer Freshener: Place dried coffee grounds in an open container to absorb unwanted smells.
• Shoe Deodorizer: Fill an old sock or small breathable bag with dried coffee grounds and place them in shoes overnight.
• Hand Odor Remover: After handling garlic, onions, or fish, rub coffee grounds on your hands before washing to eliminate lingering odors.

4. Natural Pest Repellent

Certain pests dislike the scent and texture of coffee grounds, making them an effective, natural pest deterrent.

• Keep ants away by sprinkling coffee grounds around entry points in your home.
• Repel slugs and snails by spreading a thin layer around your garden beds. The rough texture deters them from crossing.
• Deter neighborhood cats from digging in your garden by mixing coffee grounds with orange peels and scattering them in the soil.

5. DIY Hair Treatment for a Healthy Scalp

Used coffee grounds can help remove buildup from hair products while stimulating circulation in the scalp, promoting healthier hair growth.

How to Use:

• In the shower, take a handful of damp coffee grounds and gently massage them into your scalp.
• Let sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly and shampoo as usual.
• Use once a week to keep your scalp fresh and healthy.

6. All-Natural Cleaning Scrub

The abrasive texture of coffee grounds makes them excellent for scrubbing tough stains and grease.

• Use them to scrub burnt-on food from pots, pans, and baking dishes.
• Sprinkle them in your sink or on a sponge to clean stainless steel and remove stubborn grime.
• Mix with a little soap and water to clean counters and stovetops naturally.

7. Flea Treatment for Pets

If your pet has fleas, coffee grounds can help naturally repel them. After shampooing your pet, rub a handful of damp coffee grounds through their fur. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Not only will this repel fleas, but it will also leave their coat soft and shiny.

Note: Be sure to rinse thoroughly and avoid using coffee grounds on white or light-colored pets, as it may leave stains.

8. Homemade Candles with a Coffee Aroma

Love the smell of coffee? Make coffee-scented candles by incorporating dried used coffee grounds into melted wax.

DIY Coffee Candle Recipe:

• Melt candle wax and pour a small layer into a jar.
• Sprinkle dried coffee grounds over the layer.
• Continue layering wax and coffee grounds for a marbled effect.
• Insert a wick and let the candle cool before lighting.

As the candle burns, it will release a rich, comforting coffee aroma into your home.

9. Furniture Scratch Repair

Got scratches on your dark wood furniture? Used coffee grounds can help camouflage them!

How to Fix Wood Scratches:

• Mix coffee grounds with a bit of water to create a thick paste.
• Apply the paste to scratches using a cotton swab.
• Let sit for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess with a dry cloth.

The coffee grounds will darken the scratches, making them less visible.

10. Homemade Air Freshener

If you love the smell of coffee, you can create a simple coffee air freshener:

• Fill a small breathable bag (like a muslin pouch) with dried coffee grounds.
• Place the pouch in drawers, cars, closets, or anywhere you want a fresh coffee scent.

11. DIY Coffee-Infused Soap

Coffee grounds make a great exfoliant in homemade soap, plus they add a deliciously rich scent.

Simple Coffee Soap Recipe:

• Melt a soap base (such as shea butter or glycerin).
• Stir in a tablespoon of dried coffee grounds.
• Pour into a mold and let harden.

Use it to cleanse and exfoliate your hands after messy tasks like gardening or cooking.

12. Natural Meat Tenderizer

Coffee contains natural acids and enzymes that can help tenderize meat while adding a deep, smoky flavor.

How to Use Coffee Grounds as a Meat Rub:

• Mix coffee grounds with salt, pepper, and spices.
• Rub the mixture onto meat before grilling or roasting.
• Let sit for 30 minutes before cooking for best results.

13. Coffee-Infused Marinades

Enhance the flavor of beef or pork by adding brewed coffee ground extract to marinades. The natural acidity helps break down proteins, resulting in a more tender, flavorful dish.

Used Coffee Grounds Conclusion

Used coffee grounds are a sustainable, cost-effective, and versatile household staple. From enhancing your beauty routine to fertilizing your garden and freshening up your home, these tiny granules pack a punch. Instead of throwing them away, try some of these creative and practical ways to make the most of them.

Do you have any favorite ways to reuse coffee grounds?