7 Surprising Uses for Coffee Grounds
Beyond the Coffee Pot
Oh the smell of coffee brewing in the morning! It is enough to wake even the deepest of sleepers. That morning cup of Joe is almost ritualistic in most homes. Some claim they can’t function without it. Whether it is the smell that allures you or the caffeine that you crave, coffee is loved around the world.
Did you know there is more to coffee than just that delicious brew? Coffee heaven doesn’t have to end with that morning cup. There is life left in those coffee grounds. Before you trash the grounds, put them to use in 7 surprising new ways.
1. Facial Exfoliant — Beauty products can be costly. Why not make your own luxury blend? Mix one teaspoon of coffee grounds into your favorite fragrance free cream cleanser to create your own creamy, naturally coffee scented exfoliant. Wet your face with warm water, gently rub the coffee scrub onto your face in a circular motion, and rinse with cool water.
2. Body Scrub — We all loathe cellulite. Did you know that caffeine may actually help reduce cellulite? Try this recipe to create an all natural, coffee scented body scrub and cellulite treatment. Mix 1/4 cup coffee grounds, 1/4 cup coconut oil, and 1/4 cup brown sugar together. Slather it on!
3. Plant Food — Flowers seem to capture the essence of spring. Their vivid colors and sweet fragrances add to any garden. Some plants need more than just sunshine and water for good health. Acid loving plants will benefit from those coffee grounds. Sprinkle them around plants for beautiful blooms.
4. Fragrance — Fill a sachet with dry coffee grounds and hang it in your closet. It will act as a natural deodorizer and air freshener. You can also place the sachet in the refrigerator to absorb unwanted odors from leftovers.
5. Hand Wash — If you like to cook, you know that some foods can leave a lingering smell on your hands even after washing with soap and water. After handling onions, garlic, and fish, rub coffee grounds all over your hands and rinse clean. The grounds will remove the smell and leave your hands feeling soft.
6. Pest Deterrent — No one enjoys being attacked by ants or stepping in the slimy trails left by some creepy crawlies. Sprinkle around anywhere you want to ward off ants, snails, and slugs.
7. Steak Rub — Try this recipe the next time you grill steak. Mix together 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp garlic, 1 tbsp paprika, and 1 tbsp coffee grounds. Coat steak in oil, sprinkle on dry rub, cover with plastic wrap, place in the fridge for 2 hours, and grill. Enjoy!
These are just a few of the many uses for coffee grounds. The next time you brew a pot of coffee, don’t toss the grounds. Think of all the things that you can do with them. Put those coffee grounds to use in surprising new ways!
