Maybe you’re like us and you like coffee as well as sustainability and trying to leave things a little better than you found them. And like us, you’ve found yourself sipping on a freshly brewed cup of coffee asking yourself the deeply philosophical question (not where did I leave the TV remote, you already know that’s lost), but ‘what do I do with the used coffee grounds?’ They’ve already brought you the joy of coffee in your cup, don’t they deserve a better send off than being tossed in the trash? Well fear not dear reader, we are here to bring solutions to this proverbial pickle you find yourself in.
10 Smart and Sustainable Uses for Used Coffee Grounds
- Natural Fertilizer for Your Garden
Used coffee grounds are rich in nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium—all of these are good for plants. To use coffee grounds as a fertilizer, sprinkle them directly into the soil or mix them into your compost. Coffee grounds help improve soil quality and increase organic matter, which makes your plants thrive. Happy dirt, happy plants.
- Compost Accelerator
Coffee grounds break down quickly and act as a “green” compost material, adding nitrogen to the compost pile. They also attract helpful worms, which loosen the soil, allowing more air to move through as they move through it. When composted, coffee grounds can help balance pH levels and speed up the composting process, making them an ideal addition to any compost pile. Who doesn’t want to speed up the party of creating nutrient rich additives for the soil?
- Natural Pest Repellent
Coffee grounds’ strong scent can repel pests like ants, slugs, and even rodents. Sprinkle the grounds around plants or entry points to deter these critters. Coffee grounds are especially useful for gardeners looking to keep slugs away from their plants without using harsh chemicals. We see this every day in the roast house as there’s not a bug or pest to be found. In fact, one farmer who used to pick up the chafe from our roasts to mix with the bedding for his chickens, commented how many fewer bugs or pests there were around his birds when using the chafe.
- Deodorizer for Your Home
Coffee grounds absorb odors, making them an excellent natural deodorizer. Place a bowl of used grounds in your fridge, freezer, or any other spot prone to odors to neutralize smells. You can also fill an old sock or cloth pouch with dried coffee grounds and leave it in closets or shoes. Tip – works better when your foot is not also inside the socks or shoes.
- DIY Skin Exfoliant
Coffee grounds have a gritty texture that makes them a fantastic natural exfoliant. Use them to make a body scrub by mixing them with a little coconut oil or honey. Gently scrub your skin with this mixture to remove dead skin cells and improve circulation. Plus, coffee grounds contain antioxidants that may help nourish and revitalize the skin.
- Natural Dye for Fabrics and Paper
If you’re looking for a natural, earthy brown dye, coffee grounds are a perfect solution. Boil used coffee grounds in water and let your fabric or paper soak in the mixture. The result is a lovely sepia-toned effect, which can be used for art projects, homemade cards, or rustic decor. Real life evidence – the classic coffee drip stain down the front of the shirt. I know, in the rush and excitement to start our day with a cup of Peru, Honduras or any of the other great options available, spills do happen.
- Scour Pots and Pans
Coffee grounds have just enough abrasiveness to scrub stubborn stains off pots, pans, and grills without scratching surfaces. Simply sprinkle a small amount on your sponge and scrub away. Not only is this an eco-friendly alternative to chemical-based scrubs, but it also makes use of something you would otherwise throw away. Even after being used as a scrub, these twice used coffee grounds can still give your garden or compost some benefits. Coffee really is a gift that keeps on giving.
- Boost Your Plants with a Coffee “Tea.”
Make a liquid fertilizer or “coffee tea” by steeping used coffee grounds in water for a few hours. Remember, steep means soak, no need to heat this mixture. Then, use this mixture to water your plants. It’s an effortless way to give houseplants or garden plants a little nutrient boost and is especially helpful for acid-loving plants like roses, hydrangeas, and evergreens.
- Neutralize Ash in Your Fireplace
Ashes from your fireplace can be tricky to clean, as they often become airborne and create a mess. Sprinkling used coffee grounds over the ashes will help keep them contained, making cleanup much easier. The grounds add moisture and weight, so the ash doesn’t fly around as much, leaving you with a cleaner fireplace area.
- Repair Scratches on Wooden Furniture
Coffee grounds can help mask small scratches on dark wood furniture. Simply rub a small amount of damp coffee grounds into the scratch, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe away any excess. The grounds will help darken the scratch, making it less noticeable. Of course, you’ll want the color of the damaged furniture to be dark colored and close to the color of coffee grounds.
Final Thoughts
Used coffee grounds are surprisingly still useful and can benefit you in several aspects of your daily living, at home and your garden. Repurposing your coffee grounds not only saves money but also helps reduce waste, making a small yet positive difference in our world. So next time you’re about to toss your coffee grounds, consider these ideas and turn your waste into a resource!
PS – Think of all the benefits – Fairtrade coffee that helps others, gives you a great cup of coffee, plus many ways to reduce waste and benefit you and the world we live in!
