Scrub pots and pans
Coffee grounds are naturally abrasive, making them perfect for scrubbing away stuck-on food and grease from pots, pans, and baking trays. Just sprinkle some used (but dry) coffee grounds onto a sponge or directly onto your cookware, scrub gently, and wipe clean with kitchen paper.Tip: Be sure to dispose of the grounds in the bin or compost - to avoid blockages, never rinse them down the drain.
Deodorise!
Used coffee grounds are excellent at absorbing odours, making them a great alternative to sodium bicarb. Simply place a small, open container of dried coffee grounds in your fridge to neutralise unwanted smells.You can also:
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Place a bowl of coffee grounds near rubbish bins to absorb odours
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Put them in a breathable sachet and tuck them into gym bags or shoes
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Keep an open jar in the laundry to freshen the air
Freshen up carpets and rugs
Sprinkle dry used coffee grounds lightly over carpets or rugs, let them sit for 10–15 minutes, then vacuum them up. They can help neutralise odours and refresh the fibres.
Tip: If you have light-coloured carpets, test a small area first to make sure the coffee grounds won’t leave a stain.
Use as a natural pest repellent
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Many insects, including ants and slugs, dislike coffee grounds. Sprinkle them around plants, garden beds, or near doorways to help deter pests.
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You can also place coffee grounds around pet food bowls to discourage ants from getting into your pet’s meals.
Improve garden soil
Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, making them a great natural soil conditioner. You can:-
Mix them into soil to improve texture and drainage
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Sprinkle lightly over flower beds to enrich the soil with nutrients
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Add to compost to balance carbon-rich materials like dry leaves and cardboard
Some plants that thrive with coffee grounds include roses, hydrangeas, azaleas, and blueberries. However, use them in moderation - too much may make the soil too acidic for certain plants.
Suppress weeds naturally
Used coffee grounds can help prevent weed growth when sprinkled around garden beds. They create a natural barrier that some weeds struggle to push through, helping keep your garden tidy without the need for chemicals.
Dye fabric, paper, or wood
Coffee grounds can be used as a natural dye for fabric, paper, or even unfinished wood. Just soak the item in a strong brew made from used coffee grounds or rub the grounds directly onto the surface for an aged, rustic look.
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Use on paper to create an antique-style effect
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Stain unfinished wood for a warm, natural tone
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Soak fabric for a soft, earthy brown hue
Remove scratches from dark leather
If you have dark leather shoes or furniture with scuff marks, coffee grounds can help. Dampen a cloth, dip it into used coffee grounds, and gently rub onto the scuff. Let it sit for a few minutes, then buff with a clean cloth.
Use as a natural cat deterrent
If neighbourhood cats keep digging up your garden, coffee grounds might help. Many cats dislike the smell, so sprinkling used coffee grounds around flower beds or vegetable patches can discourage them from returning.
Enrich compost
Coffee grounds are a fantastic addition to compost, as they provide nitrogen, an essential nutrient for healthy soil. They help speed up decomposition and improve the balance of organic matter.
For best results:
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Mix coffee grounds with carbon-rich materials like dry leaves or cardboard
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Avoid using too much at once - balance is key
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Add used coffee filters too, as they break down naturally
Keep cut flowers fresher for longer
If you love having fresh flowers in your home, coffee grounds can help them last longer. Mix a small amount into the water in your vase, and the added nutrients may help nourish the flowers.
Deodorise your hands after cooking
If you’ve been chopping onions or handling fish, coffee grounds can help remove lingering smells. Just rub dry used grounds between your hands, then rinse and enjoy the fresh scent.
Make a flea repellent for pets
Some pet owners use coffee grounds as a natural flea deterrent. Sprinkling them in pet bedding or around sleeping areas may help discourage fleas. However, always check with your vet before trying any new flea treatments on your pets
