Eight good reasons not to throw coffee grounds away

1. Natural fertiliser

Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, potassium and magnesium, making them far too useful to throw away. They make an excellent natural fertiliser for plants, but can’t be used on all species. Diluted at a ratio of 1:5 (one part coffee grounds to five parts soil), they can be spread under heather, camellias, roses, azaleas and hydrangeas, which they help to regain their bluish colour. They have no place in pots containing orchids or young shoots though, as they can inhibit their growth. If you don’t have any plants, then simply add coffee grounds to your compost, as they help speed up decomposition.

2. Fridge deodoriser

If your fridge smells of cheese or dinner leftovers, a thorough clean with vinegar is sometimes not enough. That’s where coffee grounds come in – simply put a few spoonfuls in a bowl and pop them in the fridge. Those foul odours will soon disappear! They’re also highly effective in laundry rooms, cupboards and other enclosed spaces.

3. Odour remover for footwear

Thanks to their deodorising effect, coffee grounds are also highly effective at combatting sweaty smells in footwear. Simply put some coffee grounds in a tea filter, seal it tightly and leave it in your shoes overnight. By the next day, the unpleasant odours will have disappeared, leaving your feet smelling of arabica!

4. Cleaning your hands

After cooking, your hands can sometimes smell unpleasantly of garlic, onion or fish. How can you get rid of it? Put the coffee grounds into a bowl and dip your hands into them. Rub vigorously, using the coffee grounds like soap, and then thoroughly rinse your hands.

5. Removing grease from cookware

When your pots and pans need a good clean, it’s best to serve them a coffee! Put a spoonful of coffee grounds into a bowl of water and stir well. Using this mixture with a sponge is an effective way of removing grease from the bottom of saucepans and other cookware.

6. Cream for bags under the eyes

Caffeine is a dehydrating agent that improves blood micro-circulation and can help tauten the skin. This cream containing coffee grounds is easy to make: mix three tablespoons of coconut oil, two tablespoons of almond oil and five tablespoons of coffee grounds in a small saucepan. Boil the mixture for 30 minutes, then strain it. Add two tablespoons of coconut oil to the strained liquid and mix well again until you obtain a homogeneous liquid solution. Then pour it into small jars. This cosmetic cream can be applied under the eyes to achieve a healthy glow.

7. Home remedy for scratched wood

You can avoid having to paint scratched furniture made of dark wood or scratched parquet flooring. Two teaspoons of coffee grounds mixed with some linseed oil will make wooden surfaces look as good as new. Apply the black paste to the scratched surface and leave it to act for a few minutes. Remove the mixture and rub with a cloth – and the scratches will have disappeared!

8. Insect repellent

You never find ants or snails at the bar because they can’t stand the smell of coffee. That’s why it’s a great idea to put coffee grounds down around garden plants or along the pathways used by the unwanted ants. A few drops of lemon juice heighten the effect. However, this potion will only work while the coffee is giving off an aroma.

To repel wasps and mosquitoes, put some coffee grounds in aluminium foil and then place it in a bowl. Pour some methylated spirit over the top and then set it alight. Extinguish the fire and allow the coffee grounds to smoke. The odour drives away insects, but sometimes people too!

Published 17.11.2022, revised 16.09.2024