How to reuse coffee grounds
Coffee is discussed and written about in countless ways. But what about the grounds left after brewing? They still contain various compounds, including antioxidants, and can have useful applications. It is not only the beans that invite creativity: what can you do with used coffee grounds?
The original article estimated that an average Polish coffee drinker produces around 3 kg of used grounds each year, usually throwing them away. Yet there are several ways to reuse them in the kitchen, garden and some homemade care routines.
Homemade beauty treatments
A popular body-scrub recipe combines coffee grounds, coconut oil and brown sugar. Massage gently onto damp, unbroken skin and rinse with warm water. Avoid harsh rubbing, sensitive areas and the face if your skin is easily irritated; oils can also make a shower floor slippery.
The original face-mask recipe combined four tablespoons of grounds, eight tablespoons of yoghurt and four tablespoons of cocoa, with two tablespoons of honey suggested for dry skin or lemon juice for oily skin. These are homemade suggestions rather than tested skin treatments. Lemon juice and abrasive grounds may irritate skin, so avoid them on sensitive skin, patch-test any mixture and keep it away from the eyes. Do not use ingredients to which you are allergic.
Coffee rinses are also sometimes suggested for dark hair to add a temporary deeper appearance. Apply cooled brewed coffee cautiously and rinse thoroughly; grounds can be difficult to remove, and coffee may stain light hair, fabrics or bathroom surfaces. It is not a guaranteed substitute for hair colour or conditioner.
Household odours and cleaning
Fully dried grounds can be placed in a small open container in the fridge to help absorb some odours. Leave them for a few hours and replace regularly. Clean the source of the smell as well, and discard grounds if they become damp or mouldy.
A small breathable sachet of dry grounds can similarly be left in shoes overnight. Keep the grounds contained so they do not stain the lining.
Rubbing a little onto your hands may help remove lingering onion or garlic smells; wash and rinse afterwards. Grounds can also act as a mild abrasive on some sturdy pots and dishes, but avoid delicate, coated or easily scratched surfaces. Dispose of them in the bin or compost, not down the drain.
In the garden
Used grounds contribute organic material to compost. Use moderate amounts mixed with other compostable materials rather than laying down a thick layer or packing them into the bottom of a pot, where they can impede drainage and airflow.
They are not a complete fertiliser, and plants differ in their requirements. Some people scatter grounds to discourage ants, but this is not a reliable way to eliminate an infestation.
A note about fleas and pets
The original article suggested mixing grounds with flea shampoo. This is not a recommended flea treatment: coffee contains caffeine, which can be toxic to pets if swallowed, and animals may lick it off their coats. Keep coffee grounds away from pets and use veterinary-approved flea products according to professional advice.
