Recycle That Coffee: Cool Uses For Old Grounds

Posted on September 13, 2008 by Doug Gunzelmann in DIY, Food+Drink, Home+Decor

Many of us have seen this before but we thought some of these were less than intuitive and wanted to share. Coffee grounds can be put to a multitude of uses after they’ve energized your morning. Although their effect as waste on the environment isn’t as detrimental as something like Styrofoam or toxic mining runoff, they can be used in lieu of other commonly used products hence reducing your footprint. As a coffee junky I found these tips innovative and exciting. The helpful properties of this bean extend beyond your morning mood adjustment.

• Coffee can be used as a natural dye, simply boil and dip in anything you want to turn brown
• Course grounds can be used as an exfoliating facial scrub
• Use them to scrub grimy or stinking hands
• Used in moderation coffee is a great additive to compost piles or even potting soil
• Besides scrubbing your face and hands coffee grounds work great on greasy cookware
• Coffee ground can soak up stinky fridge smells much like a box of Arm and Hammer
• They work to soften your hair when used while showering
• Can be used as ant repellant around your home
• Wet grounds can be used to polish fine scratches from wooden furniture (be gentle!)
• Can be used as a flea repellent when used after a pet’s bath
• Dry grounds can be used inside pin cushions
• Meat tenderizer, soak your dinner in grounds to soften your steak

coffee grounds