What Are Used Coffee Grounds Good For? 50+ Great Uses

Coffee Crusted Steak Rub

I haven’t tried this recipe, but you had me at steak. (I normally wouldn’t keep a link that didn’t have automatic embedding … it just makes life easier … but I couldn’t resist this recipe.)

Do Coffee Grounds Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Coffee grounds have a pungent, overpowering odor that mosquitoes don’t want to go near. Mosquitoes are repelled by all types of coffee, whether fresh, used or burnt. The most effective way to use coffee grounds as a mosquito repellent is to burn coffee grounds … yes, this actually works! I also love to sprinkle coffee grounds arounds my lemon balm plants, which surround my deck.

Cat Repellent

Are neighborhood cats turning your garden into their personal litter box? Scatter coffee grounds around your precious plants to give those feline invaders a caffeine-induced wake-up call. They’ll think twice before using your begonias as their personal porta-potties.

The Secret Life of Coffee Grounds: Discover the Versatile Uses Beyond Your Morning Cup

I cringe every time I throw out used coffee grounds, but composting them only goes so far because of the high acidic content. Upcycle it into these useful and awesome ways. Seriously, I think I could create an entire compost pile filled with used coffee grounds on a daily basis. From gardening to beauty hacks, coffee grounds can be repurposed in countless ways, making them an eco-friendly and affordable solution for various everyday needs. Whether you’re looking for natural remedies, sustainable practices, or innovative DIY projects, you’re about to discover a whole new realm of possibilities. So, grab your favorite mug and journey with us as we unveil the secret life of coffee grounds! Did you know that you can have Amazon autodeliver your coffee for you? (We love Folgers coffee.)

Fire Starter

Forget about using boring old kindling to start your campfire. Pack some used coffee grounds into a cardboard egg carton, place a charcoal briquette on top, and light it up. The grounds will catch fire, providing a spectacular caffeine-infused blaze that would make even a pyromaniac barista proud. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/787496684866007972/

Facial Scrub

Forget about those expensive spa treatments! Rubbing used coffee grounds on your face not only exfoliates your skin but also leaves you smelling like a java-infused superhero. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid being mistaken for a walking cappuccino. Whirl used coffee grounds in a blender. Use on your skin as a facial scrub. Make sure to use in the shower for easy rinse off!

Chapped lips getting you down? Whip up a quick coffee grounds lip scrub to exfoliate away the dry skin. Mix the grounds with a small amount of honey or coconut oil, then gently massage the mixture onto your lips. Rinse off the scrub, and your lips will feel as smooth and kissable as a freshly brewed espresso.

Scrub Pots and Pans

Speaking of good exfoliation, try using used coffee grounds to clean that stubborn grease from pots. Use the coffee filter, too!

Kitchen Sink Cleaner

Is your kitchen sink looking more like a science experiment than a place to wash dishes? Sprinkle coffee grounds in the sink and give it a good scrub. The gritty texture will scrub away grime, and the coffee aroma will make washing dishes feel like a gourmet coffee break.

Rust Remover

Rusty tools getting you down? Sprinkle some coffee grounds on the rusty spots and add a few drops of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a while, then scrub away the rust with a brush. Your tools will not only be rust-free but also smell like they’ve been sipping espresso in an Italian café all day long.

Keep Cutting Worms at Bay

Leave a pile around tomato plants to help keep cutting worms at bay. They don’t like the acid, but the acid is good for your tomato plants.

Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Coffee is a natural deodorizer. (It’s the acid.) If your garbage disposal has a funky smell, don’t panic! Dump some coffee grounds down there and let their magical aroma-masking powers do their thing.

Shower Deodorizer

Also works in the shower.

Make a Candle

This will give the scent of coffee throughout the entire house. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/787496684866008049/

Are Used Coffee Grounds Good for Your Lawn?

The short answer: yes!

Compost Lawn Fertilizer Tea

Use an old carafe (pick one up at a thrift store) and put in used coffee grounds. Then “brew” another pot by adding some lukewarm water and letting it sit for a while. Fertilize bald patches of your lawn.

Make Your Own Paint

Want something super fun? How about making your own paint with used coffee grounds? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVpH36SHHDo

Fertilize Your Lawn

Remember when I said about making compost tea? Well, used coffee grounds have a high nitrogen content, which is fantastic for fertilizing grass. You can just sprinkle coffee into your grass. No water required.

Grass Seeds

Sprinkle a layer of used ground coffee underneath your seeds for better sprouting. Seriously. I did this when I needed to patch a big brown spot, and the coffee made the seeds take off like rockets.

Increase Carrot and Radish Harvests

Carrots and radishes love coffee.

Attract Worms

Slugs may hate coffee, but earthworms love it. Pile it on to gather a bucket load of worms.

Use It as an Ashtray Deodorizer

Clean out your ashtrays by sprinkling some used coffee grounds in it.

Speaking of Ashtrays  …

Use it outside to put out your cigarettes. If it isn’t wet, the coffee grounds are “fluffier” than soil, allowing a person to stick the cigarette butt into it.

Clean Your Drains

Pour used grounds down the drain, followed by some dish soap and lots of hot water. This will help degrease your drains.

Bacon Fat

Any time you need to pour bacon fat down the drain … pour it down with used grounds, some dish soap, and lots of hot water.

Flea Repellent

Add some to your dog’s shampoo as a natural flea repellant.

Coffee Soap

Some different recipes here.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/787496684866007998/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/787496684866007985/

Hair Dye

Stick coffee grounds in water and let soak. When ready, let drip using a reusable coffee filter. You can then use it as a temporary hair dye in the shower. Be careful, though, since the acidic content could weaken your hair if used too much.

Are Used Coffee Grounds Good for Succulents?

Tap water (normally) has a high pH, ​​so coffee grounds can help lower and balance it. Coffee grounds contain acids, which eat away at pH and help keep it balanced and at the right level for succulents.

Cellulite Scrub

Bath Bombs

Dye Fabric

Seep grounds in boiling water and let stand for a while to use as a natural dye.

Are Used Coffee Grounds Good for Cucumber Plants?

Coffee grounds can be used as fertilizer when growing vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, radishes, and beans. Root vegetables need magnesium and potassium, while nitrogen is essential for green plants. Sprinkle some around the base of your plants and gently “rub” into the dirt. Just be sure not to add too much, as nitrogen means more green leafy and less yummy veggie.

Between Stones

Sprinkle used coffee grounds in between stepping stones or bricks.

Wood Stain

As an all natural wood stain, use this wonderful recipe. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/787496684866008063/

Add it to Your Shampoo

Add a teaspoon in your shampoo wash to exfoliate and make strands super soft. P.S. Just make sure not to use it too much as coffee is very acidic.

Coffee Shampoo

Or make your own coffee shampoo. Says to help with hair growth! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGSb3Zskqg8

Coffee Crusted Steak Rub

I haven’t tried this recipe, but you had me at steak. (I normally wouldn’t keep a link that didn’t have automatic embedding … it just makes life easier … but I couldn’t resist this recipe.)

Do Coffee Grounds Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Coffee grounds have a pungent, overpowering odor that mosquitoes don’t want to go near. Mosquitoes are repelled by all types of coffee, whether fresh, used or burnt. The most effective way to use coffee grounds as a mosquito repellent is to burn coffee grounds … yes, this actually works! I also love to sprinkle coffee grounds arounds my lemon balm plants, which surround my deck.

Cat Repellent

Are neighborhood cats turning your garden into their personal litter box? Scatter coffee grounds around your precious plants to give those feline invaders a caffeine-induced wake-up call. They’ll think twice before using your begonias as their personal porta-potties.

Bacon Seasoning

Move over, salt and pepper! Sprinkle some finely ground coffee on your bacon before frying it, and prepare to experience the most epic breakfast of your life. It adds a smoky, caffeinated kick that will make you feel like you’re devouring breakfast at a rock concert.

Book Deodorizer

Love the smell of old books but hate the mustiness that comes with them? Place a small bowl of used coffee grounds next to your beloved volumes. They’ll absorb the unpleasant odors, leaving your reading material smelling as fresh as a barista’s latte art.

Shoe Deodorizer

If your shoes smell like they’ve been marinating in a gym locker, it’s time for a java intervention. Stuff some used coffee grounds into a pair of old socks, tie them up, and place them in your smelly sneakers overnight. The next morning, your shoes will have a pleasant coffee aroma instead of reeking like a sweaty marathon.

Coffee-Scented Sachets

Fill small fabric bags or sachets with used coffee grounds and tie them with a ribbon. Place them in your drawers, closets, or even your car to add a delightful coffee aroma to your spaces. Not only will they keep things smelling fresh, but they’ll also make you feel like you’re walking through a coffee-scented wonderland every time you open a drawer or step into your vehicle. Just be prepared for sudden coffee cravings to strike at any moment.

Coffee-Themed Refrigerator Deodorizer

Bid farewell to fridge odors with a coffee-themed deodorizer. Place used coffee grounds in a small bowl or fabric bag, and keep it in your refrigerator. The coffee will absorb unwanted smells, leaving your fridge smelling as fresh as a café’s morning brew. Just be careful not to accidentally reach for the coffee grounds when you’re craving a mid-snack caffeine fix.

Leather Dye

Coffee can be a great way to dye leather! While most recipes use brewed coffee, you can make a second “pot” using used ground coffee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mem3aHndPt4

Coffee Leather

No, it isn’t deja vu all over again. This site shows you how to make leather out of coffee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgLNn3__eB0

Jewelry Cleaner

Want to give your dull jewelry a caffeinated makeover? Soak them in a bowl of coffee grounds and hot water for a while, then gently scrub away the tarnish with a soft toothbrush. Your bling will sparkle like a diamond while smelling like a fresh brew. Hello, fashionista barista!

Potpourri

Bored of the same old potpourri scents? Create a customized blend by mixing used coffee grounds with dried flowers and herbs. The result? A potpourri that smells like a secret garden hidden inside a bustling café.

Candle Scents

A different take on coffee candles. Sprinkle some used ground coffee into a candle jar after you started it. This will make your entire house smell like heaven.

Ant Deterrent

Ants invading your home like uninvited guests at a party? Draw a line of coffee grounds at their point of entry, and watch them turn around faster than you can say “decaf.” Those caffeine-sensitive critters will flee from the powerful aroma, leaving your home ant-free and smelling like a trendy artisanal coffee shop.

Pantry Bugs

This trick also works in the pantry. Sprinkle some used ground coffee on the shelves creates an unhospitable smell for those pesky bugs.

Photo Aging Technique

Want to give your photos a vintage, sepia-toned look? Dunk them in a coffee ground-infused water bath and let them soak for a while. The coffee will give your pictures a charming, nostalgic appearance, as if they’ve been passed down through generations of coffee enthusiasts. (Please do NOT use original heirloom photographs, okay!)

---

What are used coffee grounds good for? Have any more suggestions? While we are at it, I wrote an article on 22 uses for coconut oil too.

Potpourri

Bored of the same old potpourri scents? Create a customized blend by mixing used coffee grounds with dried flowers and herbs. The result? A potpourri that smells like a secret garden hidden inside a bustling café.

Candle Scents

A different take on coffee candles. Sprinkle some used ground coffee into a candle jar after you started it. This will make your entire house smell like heaven.

Ant Deterrent

Ants invading your home like uninvited guests at a party? Draw a line of coffee grounds at their point of entry, and watch them turn around faster than you can say “decaf.” Those caffeine-sensitive critters will flee from the powerful aroma, leaving your home ant-free and smelling like a trendy artisanal coffee shop.

Pantry Bugs

This trick also works in the pantry. Sprinkle some used ground coffee on the shelves creates an unhospitable smell for those pesky bugs.

Photo Aging Technique

Want to give your photos a vintage, sepia-toned look? Dunk them in a coffee ground-infused water bath and let them soak for a while. The coffee will give your pictures a charming, nostalgic appearance, as if they’ve been passed down through generations of coffee enthusiasts. (Please do NOT use original heirloom photographs, okay!)

Coffee Crusted Steak Rub

I haven’t tried this recipe, but you had me at steak. (I normally wouldn’t keep a link that didn’t have automatic embedding … it just makes life easier … but I couldn’t resist this recipe.)

Do Coffee Grounds Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Coffee grounds have a pungent, overpowering odor that mosquitoes don’t want to go near. Mosquitoes are repelled by all types of coffee, whether fresh, used or burnt. The most effective way to use coffee grounds as a mosquito repellent is to burn coffee grounds … yes, this actually works! I also love to sprinkle coffee grounds arounds my lemon balm plants, which surround my deck.

Cat Repellent

Are neighborhood cats turning your garden into their personal litter box? Scatter coffee grounds around your precious plants to give those feline invaders a caffeine-induced wake-up call. They’ll think twice before using your begonias as their personal porta-potties.

The Secret Life of Coffee Grounds: Discover the Versatile Uses Beyond Your Morning Cup

I cringe every time I throw out used coffee grounds, but composting them only goes so far because of the high acidic content. Upcycle it into these useful and awesome ways. Seriously, I think I could create an entire compost pile filled with used coffee grounds on a daily basis. From gardening to beauty hacks, coffee grounds can be repurposed in countless ways, making them an eco-friendly and affordable solution for various everyday needs. Whether you’re looking for natural remedies, sustainable practices, or innovative DIY projects, you’re about to discover a whole new realm of possibilities. So, grab your favorite mug and journey with us as we unveil the secret life of coffee grounds! Did you know that you can have Amazon autodeliver your coffee for you? (We love Folgers coffee.)

Fire Starter

Forget about using boring old kindling to start your campfire. Pack some used coffee grounds into a cardboard egg carton, place a charcoal briquette on top, and light it up. The grounds will catch fire, providing a spectacular caffeine-infused blaze that would make even a pyromaniac barista proud. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/787496684866007972/

Facial Scrub

Forget about those expensive spa treatments! Rubbing used coffee grounds on your face not only exfoliates your skin but also leaves you smelling like a java-infused superhero. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid being mistaken for a walking cappuccino. Whirl used coffee grounds in a blender. Use on your skin as a facial scrub. Make sure to use in the shower for easy rinse off!

Chapped lips getting you down? Whip up a quick coffee grounds lip scrub to exfoliate away the dry skin. Mix the grounds with a small amount of honey or coconut oil, then gently massage the mixture onto your lips. Rinse off the scrub, and your lips will feel as smooth and kissable as a freshly brewed espresso.

Scrub Pots and Pans

Speaking of good exfoliation, try using used coffee grounds to clean that stubborn grease from pots. Use the coffee filter, too!

Kitchen Sink Cleaner

Is your kitchen sink looking more like a science experiment than a place to wash dishes? Sprinkle coffee grounds in the sink and give it a good scrub. The gritty texture will scrub away grime, and the coffee aroma will make washing dishes feel like a gourmet coffee break.

Rust Remover

Rusty tools getting you down? Sprinkle some coffee grounds on the rusty spots and add a few drops of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a while, then scrub away the rust with a brush. Your tools will not only be rust-free but also smell like they’ve been sipping espresso in an Italian café all day long.

Keep Cutting Worms at Bay

Leave a pile around tomato plants to help keep cutting worms at bay. They don’t like the acid, but the acid is good for your tomato plants.

Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Coffee is a natural deodorizer. (It’s the acid.) If your garbage disposal has a funky smell, don’t panic! Dump some coffee grounds down there and let their magical aroma-masking powers do their thing.

Shower Deodorizer

Also works in the shower.

Make a Candle

This will give the scent of coffee throughout the entire house. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/787496684866008049/

Are Used Coffee Grounds Good for Your Lawn?

The short answer: yes!

Compost Lawn Fertilizer Tea

Use an old carafe (pick one up at a thrift store) and put in used coffee grounds. Then “brew” another pot by adding some lukewarm water and letting it sit for a while. Fertilize bald patches of your lawn.

Make Your Own Paint

Want something super fun? How about making your own paint with used coffee grounds? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVpH36SHHDo

Fertilize Your Lawn

Remember when I said about making compost tea? Well, used coffee grounds have a high nitrogen content, which is fantastic for fertilizing grass. You can just sprinkle coffee into your grass. No water required.

Grass Seeds

Sprinkle a layer of used ground coffee underneath your seeds for better sprouting. Seriously. I did this when I needed to patch a big brown spot, and the coffee made the seeds take off like rockets.

Increase Carrot and Radish Harvests

Carrots and radishes love coffee.

Attract Worms

Slugs may hate coffee, but earthworms love it. Pile it on to gather a bucket load of worms.

Use It as an Ashtray Deodorizer

Clean out your ashtrays by sprinkling some used coffee grounds in it.

Speaking of Ashtrays  …

Use it outside to put out your cigarettes. If it isn’t wet, the coffee grounds are “fluffier” than soil, allowing a person to stick the cigarette butt into it.

Clean Your Drains

Pour used grounds down the drain, followed by some dish soap and lots of hot water. This will help degrease your drains.

Bacon Fat

Any time you need to pour bacon fat down the drain … pour it down with used grounds, some dish soap, and lots of hot water.

Flea Repellent

Add some to your dog’s shampoo as a natural flea repellant.

Coffee Soap

Some different recipes here.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/787496684866007998/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/787496684866007985/

Hair Dye

Stick coffee grounds in water and let soak. When ready, let drip using a reusable coffee filter. You can then use it as a temporary hair dye in the shower. Be careful, though, since the acidic content could weaken your hair if used too much.

Are Used Coffee Grounds Good for Succulents?

Tap water (normally) has a high pH, ​​so coffee grounds can help lower and balance it. Coffee grounds contain acids, which eat away at pH and help keep it balanced and at the right level for succulents.

Cellulite Scrub

Bath Bombs

Dye Fabric

Seep grounds in boiling water and let stand for a while to use as a natural dye.

Are Used Coffee Grounds Good for Cucumber Plants?

Coffee grounds can be used as fertilizer when growing vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, radishes, and beans. Root vegetables need magnesium and potassium, while nitrogen is essential for green plants. Sprinkle some around the base of your plants and gently “rub” into the dirt. Just be sure not to add too much, as nitrogen means more green leafy and less yummy veggie.

Between Stones

Sprinkle used coffee grounds in between stepping stones or bricks.

Wood Stain

As an all natural wood stain, use this wonderful recipe. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/787496684866008063/

Add it to Your Shampoo

Add a teaspoon in your shampoo wash to exfoliate and make strands super soft. P.S. Just make sure not to use it too much as coffee is very acidic.

Coffee Shampoo

Or make your own coffee shampoo. Says to help with hair growth! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGSb3Zskqg8

Coffee Crusted Steak Rub

I haven’t tried this recipe, but you had me at steak. (I normally wouldn’t keep a link that didn’t have automatic embedding … it just makes life easier … but I couldn’t resist this recipe.)

Do Coffee Grounds Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Coffee grounds have a pungent, overpowering odor that mosquitoes don’t want to go near. Mosquitoes are repelled by all types of coffee, whether fresh, used or burnt. The most effective way to use coffee grounds as a mosquito repellent is to burn coffee grounds … yes, this actually works! I also love to sprinkle coffee grounds arounds my lemon balm plants, which surround my deck.

Cat Repellent

Are neighborhood cats turning your garden into their personal litter box? Scatter coffee grounds around your precious plants to give those feline invaders a caffeine-induced wake-up call. They’ll think twice before using your begonias as their personal porta-potties.

Bacon Seasoning

Move over, salt and pepper! Sprinkle some finely ground coffee on your bacon before frying it, and prepare to experience the most epic breakfast of your life. It adds a smoky, caffeinated kick that will make you feel like you’re devouring breakfast at a rock concert.

Book Deodorizer

Love the smell of old books but hate the mustiness that comes with them? Place a small bowl of used coffee grounds next to your beloved volumes. They’ll absorb the unpleasant odors, leaving your reading material smelling as fresh as a barista’s latte art.

Shoe Deodorizer

If your shoes smell like they’ve been marinating in a gym locker, it’s time for a java intervention. Stuff some used coffee grounds into a pair of old socks, tie them up, and place them in your smelly sneakers overnight. The next morning, your shoes will have a pleasant coffee aroma instead of reeking like a sweaty marathon.

Coffee-Scented Sachets

Fill small fabric bags or sachets with used coffee grounds and tie them with a ribbon. Place them in your drawers, closets, or even your car to add a delightful coffee aroma to your spaces. Not only will they keep things smelling fresh, but they’ll also make you feel like you’re walking through a coffee-scented wonderland every time you open a drawer or step into your vehicle. Just be prepared for sudden coffee cravings to strike at any moment.

Coffee-Themed Refrigerator Deodorizer

Bid farewell to fridge odors with a coffee-themed deodorizer. Place used coffee grounds in a small bowl or fabric bag, and keep it in your refrigerator. The coffee will absorb unwanted smells, leaving your fridge smelling as fresh as a café’s morning brew. Just be careful not to accidentally reach for the coffee grounds when you’re craving a mid-snack caffeine fix.

Leather Dye

Coffee can be a great way to dye leather! While most recipes use brewed coffee, you can make a second “pot” using used ground coffee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mem3aHndPt4

Coffee Leather

No, it isn’t deja vu all over again. This site shows you how to make leather out of coffee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgLNn3__eB0

Jewelry Cleaner

Want to give your dull jewelry a caffeinated makeover? Soak them in a bowl of coffee grounds and hot water for a while, then gently scrub away the tarnish with a soft toothbrush. Your bling will sparkle like a diamond while smelling like a fresh brew. Hello, fashionista barista!

Potpourri

Bored of the same old potpourri scents? Create a customized blend by mixing used coffee grounds with dried flowers and herbs. The result? A potpourri that smells like a secret garden hidden inside a bustling café.

Candle Scents

A different take on coffee candles. Sprinkle some used ground coffee into a candle jar after you started it. This will make your entire house smell like heaven.

Ant Deterrent

Ants invading your home like uninvited guests at a party? Draw a line of coffee grounds at their point of entry, and watch them turn around faster than you can say “decaf.” Those caffeine-sensitive critters will flee from the powerful aroma, leaving your home ant-free and smelling like a trendy artisanal coffee shop.

Pantry Bugs

This trick also works in the pantry. Sprinkle some used ground coffee on the shelves creates an unhospitable smell for those pesky bugs.

Photo Aging Technique

Want to give your photos a vintage, sepia-toned look? Dunk them in a coffee ground-infused water bath and let them soak for a while. The coffee will give your pictures a charming, nostalgic appearance, as if they’ve been passed down through generations of coffee enthusiasts. (Please do NOT use original heirloom photographs, okay!)

---

What are used coffee grounds good for? Have any more suggestions? While we are at it, I wrote an article on 22 uses for coconut oil too.

I just loooooove me a good cup of java. But I feel badly throwing it all down the drain every day. So I came up with 50 different ways to reuse used ground coffee grounds. I’ve tried some, and others I really want to try out. The good news is that the secret life of coffee grounds goes far beyond your morning cup! These seemingly ordinary leftovers from your daily brew are actually a treasure trove of versatility and usefulness.

Bacon Seasoning

Move over, salt and pepper! Sprinkle some finely ground coffee on your bacon before frying it, and prepare to experience the most epic breakfast of your life. It adds a smoky, caffeinated kick that will make you feel like you’re devouring breakfast at a rock concert.

Book Deodorizer

Love the smell of old books but hate the mustiness that comes with them? Place a small bowl of used coffee grounds next to your beloved volumes. They’ll absorb the unpleasant odors, leaving your reading material smelling as fresh as a barista’s latte art.

Shoe Deodorizer

If your shoes smell like they’ve been marinating in a gym locker, it’s time for a java intervention. Stuff some used coffee grounds into a pair of old socks, tie them up, and place them in your smelly sneakers overnight. The next morning, your shoes will have a pleasant coffee aroma instead of reeking like a sweaty marathon.

Coffee-Scented Sachets

Fill small fabric bags or sachets with used coffee grounds and tie them with a ribbon. Place them in your drawers, closets, or even your car to add a delightful coffee aroma to your spaces. Not only will they keep things smelling fresh, but they’ll also make you feel like you’re walking through a coffee-scented wonderland every time you open a drawer or step into your vehicle. Just be prepared for sudden coffee cravings to strike at any moment.

Coffee-Themed Refrigerator Deodorizer

Bid farewell to fridge odors with a coffee-themed deodorizer. Place used coffee grounds in a small bowl or fabric bag, and keep it in your refrigerator. The coffee will absorb unwanted smells, leaving your fridge smelling as fresh as a café’s morning brew. Just be careful not to accidentally reach for the coffee grounds when you’re craving a mid-snack caffeine fix.

Leather Dye

Coffee can be a great way to dye leather! While most recipes use brewed coffee, you can make a second “pot” using used ground coffee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mem3aHndPt4

Coffee Leather

No, it isn’t deja vu all over again. This site shows you how to make leather out of coffee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgLNn3__eB0

Jewelry Cleaner

Want to give your dull jewelry a caffeinated makeover? Soak them in a bowl of coffee grounds and hot water for a while, then gently scrub away the tarnish with a soft toothbrush. Your bling will sparkle like a diamond while smelling like a fresh brew. Hello, fashionista barista!

Potpourri

Bored of the same old potpourri scents? Create a customized blend by mixing used coffee grounds with dried flowers and herbs. The result? A potpourri that smells like a secret garden hidden inside a bustling café.

Candle Scents

A different take on coffee candles. Sprinkle some used ground coffee into a candle jar after you started it. This will make your entire house smell like heaven.

Ant Deterrent

Ants invading your home like uninvited guests at a party? Draw a line of coffee grounds at their point of entry, and watch them turn around faster than you can say “decaf.” Those caffeine-sensitive critters will flee from the powerful aroma, leaving your home ant-free and smelling like a trendy artisanal coffee shop.

Pantry Bugs

This trick also works in the pantry. Sprinkle some used ground coffee on the shelves creates an unhospitable smell for those pesky bugs.

Photo Aging Technique

Want to give your photos a vintage, sepia-toned look? Dunk them in a coffee ground-infused water bath and let them soak for a while. The coffee will give your pictures a charming, nostalgic appearance, as if they’ve been passed down through generations of coffee enthusiasts. (Please do NOT use original heirloom photographs, okay!)

Coffee Crusted Steak Rub

I haven’t tried this recipe, but you had me at steak. (I normally wouldn’t keep a link that didn’t have automatic embedding … it just makes life easier … but I couldn’t resist this recipe.)

Do Coffee Grounds Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Coffee grounds have a pungent, overpowering odor that mosquitoes don’t want to go near. Mosquitoes are repelled by all types of coffee, whether fresh, used or burnt. The most effective way to use coffee grounds as a mosquito repellent is to burn coffee grounds … yes, this actually works! I also love to sprinkle coffee grounds arounds my lemon balm plants, which surround my deck.

Cat Repellent

Are neighborhood cats turning your garden into their personal litter box? Scatter coffee grounds around your precious plants to give those feline invaders a caffeine-induced wake-up call. They’ll think twice before using your begonias as their personal porta-potties.

The Secret Life of Coffee Grounds: Discover the Versatile Uses Beyond Your Morning Cup

I cringe every time I throw out used coffee grounds, but composting them only goes so far because of the high acidic content. Upcycle it into these useful and awesome ways. Seriously, I think I could create an entire compost pile filled with used coffee grounds on a daily basis. From gardening to beauty hacks, coffee grounds can be repurposed in countless ways, making them an eco-friendly and affordable solution for various everyday needs. Whether you’re looking for natural remedies, sustainable practices, or innovative DIY projects, you’re about to discover a whole new realm of possibilities. So, grab your favorite mug and journey with us as we unveil the secret life of coffee grounds! Did you know that you can have Amazon autodeliver your coffee for you? (We love Folgers coffee.)

Fire Starter

Forget about using boring old kindling to start your campfire. Pack some used coffee grounds into a cardboard egg carton, place a charcoal briquette on top, and light it up. The grounds will catch fire, providing a spectacular caffeine-infused blaze that would make even a pyromaniac barista proud. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/787496684866007972/

Facial Scrub

Forget about those expensive spa treatments! Rubbing used coffee grounds on your face not only exfoliates your skin but also leaves you smelling like a java-infused superhero. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid being mistaken for a walking cappuccino. Whirl used coffee grounds in a blender. Use on your skin as a facial scrub. Make sure to use in the shower for easy rinse off!

Chapped lips getting you down? Whip up a quick coffee grounds lip scrub to exfoliate away the dry skin. Mix the grounds with a small amount of honey or coconut oil, then gently massage the mixture onto your lips. Rinse off the scrub, and your lips will feel as smooth and kissable as a freshly brewed espresso.

Scrub Pots and Pans

Speaking of good exfoliation, try using used coffee grounds to clean that stubborn grease from pots. Use the coffee filter, too!

Kitchen Sink Cleaner

Is your kitchen sink looking more like a science experiment than a place to wash dishes? Sprinkle coffee grounds in the sink and give it a good scrub. The gritty texture will scrub away grime, and the coffee aroma will make washing dishes feel like a gourmet coffee break.

Rust Remover

Rusty tools getting you down? Sprinkle some coffee grounds on the rusty spots and add a few drops of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a while, then scrub away the rust with a brush. Your tools will not only be rust-free but also smell like they’ve been sipping espresso in an Italian café all day long.

Keep Cutting Worms at Bay

Leave a pile around tomato plants to help keep cutting worms at bay. They don’t like the acid, but the acid is good for your tomato plants.

Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Coffee is a natural deodorizer. (It’s the acid.) If your garbage disposal has a funky smell, don’t panic! Dump some coffee grounds down there and let their magical aroma-masking powers do their thing.

Shower Deodorizer

Also works in the shower.

Make a Candle

This will give the scent of coffee throughout the entire house. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/787496684866008049/

Are Used Coffee Grounds Good for Your Lawn?

The short answer: yes!

Compost Lawn Fertilizer Tea

Use an old carafe (pick one up at a thrift store) and put in used coffee grounds. Then “brew” another pot by adding some lukewarm water and letting it sit for a while. Fertilize bald patches of your lawn.

Make Your Own Paint

Want something super fun? How about making your own paint with used coffee grounds? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVpH36SHHDo

Fertilize Your Lawn

Remember when I said about making compost tea? Well, used coffee grounds have a high nitrogen content, which is fantastic for fertilizing grass. You can just sprinkle coffee into your grass. No water required.

Grass Seeds

Sprinkle a layer of used ground coffee underneath your seeds for better sprouting. Seriously. I did this when I needed to patch a big brown spot, and the coffee made the seeds take off like rockets.

Increase Carrot and Radish Harvests

Carrots and radishes love coffee.

Attract Worms

Slugs may hate coffee, but earthworms love it. Pile it on to gather a bucket load of worms.

Use It as an Ashtray Deodorizer

Clean out your ashtrays by sprinkling some used coffee grounds in it.

Speaking of Ashtrays  …

Use it outside to put out your cigarettes. If it isn’t wet, the coffee grounds are “fluffier” than soil, allowing a person to stick the cigarette butt into it.

Clean Your Drains

Pour used grounds down the drain, followed by some dish soap and lots of hot water. This will help degrease your drains.

Bacon Fat

Any time you need to pour bacon fat down the drain … pour it down with used grounds, some dish soap, and lots of hot water.

Flea Repellent

Add some to your dog’s shampoo as a natural flea repellant.

Coffee Soap

Some different recipes here.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/787496684866007998/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/787496684866007985/

Hair Dye

Stick coffee grounds in water and let soak. When ready, let drip using a reusable coffee filter. You can then use it as a temporary hair dye in the shower. Be careful, though, since the acidic content could weaken your hair if used too much.

Are Used Coffee Grounds Good for Succulents?

Tap water (normally) has a high pH, ​​so coffee grounds can help lower and balance it. Coffee grounds contain acids, which eat away at pH and help keep it balanced and at the right level for succulents.

Cellulite Scrub

Bath Bombs

Dye Fabric

Seep grounds in boiling water and let stand for a while to use as a natural dye.

Are Used Coffee Grounds Good for Cucumber Plants?

Coffee grounds can be used as fertilizer when growing vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, radishes, and beans. Root vegetables need magnesium and potassium, while nitrogen is essential for green plants. Sprinkle some around the base of your plants and gently “rub” into the dirt. Just be sure not to add too much, as nitrogen means more green leafy and less yummy veggie.

Between Stones

Sprinkle used coffee grounds in between stepping stones or bricks.

Wood Stain

As an all natural wood stain, use this wonderful recipe. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/787496684866008063/

Add it to Your Shampoo

Add a teaspoon in your shampoo wash to exfoliate and make strands super soft. P.S. Just make sure not to use it too much as coffee is very acidic.

Coffee Shampoo

Or make your own coffee shampoo. Says to help with hair growth! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGSb3Zskqg8

Coffee Crusted Steak Rub

I haven’t tried this recipe, but you had me at steak. (I normally wouldn’t keep a link that didn’t have automatic embedding … it just makes life easier … but I couldn’t resist this recipe.)

Do Coffee Grounds Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Coffee grounds have a pungent, overpowering odor that mosquitoes don’t want to go near. Mosquitoes are repelled by all types of coffee, whether fresh, used or burnt. The most effective way to use coffee grounds as a mosquito repellent is to burn coffee grounds … yes, this actually works! I also love to sprinkle coffee grounds arounds my lemon balm plants, which surround my deck.

Cat Repellent

Are neighborhood cats turning your garden into their personal litter box? Scatter coffee grounds around your precious plants to give those feline invaders a caffeine-induced wake-up call. They’ll think twice before using your begonias as their personal porta-potties.

Bacon Seasoning

Move over, salt and pepper! Sprinkle some finely ground coffee on your bacon before frying it, and prepare to experience the most epic breakfast of your life. It adds a smoky, caffeinated kick that will make you feel like you’re devouring breakfast at a rock concert.

Book Deodorizer

Love the smell of old books but hate the mustiness that comes with them? Place a small bowl of used coffee grounds next to your beloved volumes. They’ll absorb the unpleasant odors, leaving your reading material smelling as fresh as a barista’s latte art.

Shoe Deodorizer

If your shoes smell like they’ve been marinating in a gym locker, it’s time for a java intervention. Stuff some used coffee grounds into a pair of old socks, tie them up, and place them in your smelly sneakers overnight. The next morning, your shoes will have a pleasant coffee aroma instead of reeking like a sweaty marathon.

Coffee-Scented Sachets

Fill small fabric bags or sachets with used coffee grounds and tie them with a ribbon. Place them in your drawers, closets, or even your car to add a delightful coffee aroma to your spaces. Not only will they keep things smelling fresh, but they’ll also make you feel like you’re walking through a coffee-scented wonderland every time you open a drawer or step into your vehicle. Just be prepared for sudden coffee cravings to strike at any moment.

Coffee-Themed Refrigerator Deodorizer

Bid farewell to fridge odors with a coffee-themed deodorizer. Place used coffee grounds in a small bowl or fabric bag, and keep it in your refrigerator. The coffee will absorb unwanted smells, leaving your fridge smelling as fresh as a café’s morning brew. Just be careful not to accidentally reach for the coffee grounds when you’re craving a mid-snack caffeine fix.

Leather Dye

Coffee can be a great way to dye leather! While most recipes use brewed coffee, you can make a second “pot” using used ground coffee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mem3aHndPt4

Coffee Leather

No, it isn’t deja vu all over again. This site shows you how to make leather out of coffee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgLNn3__eB0

Jewelry Cleaner

Want to give your dull jewelry a caffeinated makeover? Soak them in a bowl of coffee grounds and hot water for a while, then gently scrub away the tarnish with a soft toothbrush. Your bling will sparkle like a diamond while smelling like a fresh brew. Hello, fashionista barista!

Potpourri

Bored of the same old potpourri scents? Create a customized blend by mixing used coffee grounds with dried flowers and herbs. The result? A potpourri that smells like a secret garden hidden inside a bustling café.

Candle Scents

A different take on coffee candles. Sprinkle some used ground coffee into a candle jar after you started it. This will make your entire house smell like heaven.

Ant Deterrent

Ants invading your home like uninvited guests at a party? Draw a line of coffee grounds at their point of entry, and watch them turn around faster than you can say “decaf.” Those caffeine-sensitive critters will flee from the powerful aroma, leaving your home ant-free and smelling like a trendy artisanal coffee shop.

Pantry Bugs

This trick also works in the pantry. Sprinkle some used ground coffee on the shelves creates an unhospitable smell for those pesky bugs.

Photo Aging Technique

Want to give your photos a vintage, sepia-toned look? Dunk them in a coffee ground-infused water bath and let them soak for a while. The coffee will give your pictures a charming, nostalgic appearance, as if they’ve been passed down through generations of coffee enthusiasts. (Please do NOT use original heirloom photographs, okay!)

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What are used coffee grounds good for? Have any more suggestions? While we are at it, I wrote an article on 22 uses for coconut oil too.