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Don’t toss your used coffee grounds! Add them to your garden as compost, or dry them out and reuse them for a variety of really cool things.
Evenly spread used, wet grounds in a thin layer on a cookie sheet and dry them out in your oven at a low temperature (like 250°F) so mold doesn’t form. Store grounds in a resealable container so they’re ready to go when you need them!
1. Get rid of odors on hands.
Scrub your hands with used grounds after dealing with smelly foods like onion, fish, and garlic.
2. Keep clothes smelling fresh.
Put dried grounds in hosiery, tie it off, and place in drawers, shoes, and closets to keep things smelling fresh.
3. Stain unfinished wood.
What you need:
- unfinished wood picture frame or furniture item
- used coffee grounds
- steel wool
- vinegar
- glass container with a lid
Directions:
Put a steel wool pad into the sealable glass container, and add about ¼ cup coffee grounds and about 1-2 cups of vinegar. Close the container, shake the mixture, and let it stand overnight.
Open the container and gently mix up the stain. Using gloves, remove the steel wool and start applying the stain to the unfinished wood. Keep in mind that applying the stain with a brush won’t work—the steel wool is what makes the stain set deep into the wood.
After you apply the first coat, let the stain set for 20 minutes before applying a second coat. Repeat until you get the desired color.
Adapted from Everyday Family.
4. Create a protective border around plants and areas prone to pests.
The texture and scent of the grounds create a difficult obstacle for slugs and other bugs.
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5. Scour and clean greasy, crusty pots and pans.
Since grounds are abrasive, they can help remove buildup from pans. Just add a bit of water and dish soap.
6. Exfoliate hands, face, and body.
Add grounds to facial or body scrubs, and enjoy smoother skin!
7. Marinate and tenderize steak.
Since coffee grounds are acidic and acidity helps tenderize meat, your steak should be melt-in-your-mouth good.
Try this recipe from Food Network that combines coffee grounds, balsamic vinegar, garlic and shallots.
8. Make bright, white paper look old.
Add coffee grounds to an empty pan or cookie sheet and pour boiling water over them. Add a piece of paper and let it steep until paper reaches desired color. Hang to dry.
9. Neutralize odors in the fridge.
Like baking soda, coffee grounds will absorb odors. Stick grounds in a clean sock, or leave them exposed in a bowl.
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