Don’t Throw Away Those Used Coffee Grounds

Estimates show about half of the world’s population drinks coffee regularly. Once the coffee is gone, most people dispose of their coffee grounds directly into the trash. However, coffee grounds have many potential uses around the home.

Fertilizer - The most straightforward use of old coffee grounds is as a fertilizer and insect repellant. Coffee grounds can be added to compost or scattered in flower beds or vegetable gardens. The grounds will repel insects and will not attract animals. In addition, coffee grounds will decay and add nutrients to the soil and boost the soil’s acidity.

Odor Remover- Coffee grounds can be placed into an open container and used in a freezer or a refrigerator to remove odors. However, its strong aroma may transfer to other foods. Therefore, it is best to let the grounds completely dry before using them in a refrigerator or freezer.

Odor Neutralizer - Old coffee grounds can be used to both cover and absorb unpleasant odors. Use the leg of an old pair of tights or pantyhose filled with coffee grounds. Tie off the ends to make an odor absorbent for use under cabinets and in other locations where musty or unpleasant smells can be found.

Disposal Cleanser - Coffee grounds can also be placed into garbage disposals in small amounts. The grounds will help clean the cutting blades of decaying materials and prevent odors. Large amounts of coffee grounds should not be put into a garbage disposal as they can clump together and clog drains.

The options are limitless when it comes to coffee grounds. They can be crushed into a powder and used to make dyes for craft projects. Add them to meat rubs to help tenderize tough cuts of meat. Or use as an abrasive additive in facial scrubs. What are ways you have utilized the versatility of coffee grounds?