Coffee is part of many people’s daily ritual. But what happens to the grounds left in the machine after you have enjoyed your cup? Most people simply throw them away without knowing that this supposed waste has many useful properties. In this article, you will learn why you should not discard coffee grounds and how to use them wisely.
Body scrub#
Coffee is not only good for you — it benefits your skin too. You can use old coffee grounds as a homemade body scrub. Add a little olive oil to the grounds and mix thoroughly. Use this mixture in the shower as a body scrub. It removes dead skin cells, and the caffeine boosts circulation. That stimulates skin cells and speeds up renewal, so skin feels firmer.
Odour neutraliser#
Coffee can neutralise odours, so you can use coffee grounds as a natural deodoriser. Sometimes our fridge does not smell great — old coffee can help. Use it in the fridge to neutralise odours from cheese or cold cuts. Your fridge will smell fresh again. Place a small bowl with some coffee grounds in the fridge. After a few minutes, you will notice the coffee scent when you open the door.
Fertilizer#
Coffee contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — all good for plant growth. Coffee is nutrient-rich for plants and works perfectly as fertilizer. You can fertilize houseplants once in winter and once in spring. One to two teaspoons of coffee grounds per plant is enough. Note that the pH in the pot may drop, and some houseplants may not tolerate it.
Cleaning product#
Old coffee works brilliantly as a cleaning product for stubborn dirt on pans or grill grates. Coffee acts like scouring cream — without chemicals. Simply rub the dirty surface with coffee grounds and rinse. Your pans should be free of grime afterwards.
Hair care#
You should definitely add coffee to your hair care routine. It makes hair look beautiful and adds a lovely shine. Coffee can also help with hair loss. Brew a cup of strong coffee and let it cool slightly. When the coffee is lukewarm, use it after shampooing like a conditioner. Pour the coffee over your hair after washing, let it sit briefly, then rinse thoroughly.
Insect repellent#
Coffee grounds can also help keep insects away. Ants and snails dislike the smell and stay away. Simply sprinkle some coffee grounds around plants or on ant trails to deter unwanted visitors.
Coffee grounds are too valuable to throw away. With their many uses, they work both at home and in personal care. So before you discard your next batch of grounds, think about how you could reuse them. You help the environment and save money on products that coffee grounds can replace.
Try the different uses and discover how versatile coffee grounds can be!