Coffee grounds are the residue left after brewing coffee. Instead of throwing it in the garbage can, why not give it a second life? Coffee grounds have many virtues and can be used in a variety of ways at home and in the garden.
Here are a few tips on how to make the most of coffee grounds.
Good uses for coffee grounds at home
1. An odor absorber
Coffee grounds have the ability to absorb unpleasant odors and neutralize them. So you can use it to deodorize your fridge, freezer, garbage can or cupboards. Simply place a bowl or jar of dry coffee grounds in the area to be sanitized and change them regularly.
2. A candle to scent your home
If you love the smell of coffee, you can make a scented candle with coffee grounds. You’ll need :
- a glass jar
- a candle wick
- candle wax
- coffee grounds
Here are the steps to follow:
- Melt the wax in a double boiler or in the microwave.
- Pour a little wax into the bottom of the jar and stick the wick in the center.
- Add a layer of coffee grounds on top of the wax and pack lightly.
- Repeat until the pot is full, alternating wax and coffee grounds.
- Allow to dry completely before lighting the candle.
3. Coffee grounds as a natural colorant
Coffee grounds can be used as a natural colorant to tint paper, fabric or wood. It gives a brownish color that gives an aged or vintage look. To do this, you need to :
- Brew coffee grounds in hot water for a few minutes.
- Filter the liquid and pour into a suitable container.
- Soak paper, fabric or wood in the dye for a few minutes or a few hours, depending on the desired intensity.
- Leave to dry in the open air.
Coffee grounds in the bathroom
4. Coffee grounds, a natural exfoliant
Coffee grounds are an excellent natural exfoliant for face and body. It removes dead skin cells, activates blood circulation and leaves skin soft and luminous. You can use it on its own or mix it with honey, vegetable oil or yoghurt. Apply the scrub to damp skin, massaging gently in circular motions. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
5. Coffee grounds as a natural hair care product
Coffee grounds can also be used as a natural hair care product. It has stimulating, strengthening and coloring properties for hair. It can help combat hair loss, add volume and revive brown or auburn highlights. To do this, you need to :
- Apply coffee grounds to damp hair after shampooing.
- Massage into scalp and lengths for a few minutes.
- Leave for 20 minutes under a warm towel or plastic cap.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Using coffee grounds in the garden
6. An organic fertilizer
Coffee grounds are an organic fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. It provides essential nutrients for acid-loving plants such as roses, hydrangeas, raspberries, strawberries and tomatoes. You can spread it directly at the base of plants or dilute it in watering.
7. A compost activator
Coffee grounds are also a compost activator. It promotes the decomposition of organic matter and the pH balance of compost. It also attracts earthworms, which are beneficial to soil quality. You can add coffee grounds to your composter by mixing them with green waste (peelings, leaves, grass clippings, etc.) and brown waste (paper, cardboard, straw, etc.).
8. Potting soil
Coffee grounds can also be used as a potting soil for germinating seeds or taking cuttings. It retains moisture, encourages rooting and protects against disease. Simply fill a pot or egg carton with moist coffee grounds and plant the seeds or cuttings. Water regularly and wait for the plants to grow.
9. A natural rodent repellent
Coffee grounds can also be used as a natural rodent repellent. Mice, rats, field mice and voles don’t like the smell of coffee and will stay away. You can therefore scatter coffee grounds around your vegetable garden, your compost or your fragile plants. You can also mix it with mint or bay leaves to boost its effectiveness.
Coffee grounds are a natural product with multiple uses in the home and garden. So don’t hesitate to save your coffee grounds and give them a second life!
