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Most people dump their used coffee grounds in the trash without giving them much thought. But those grounds still have plenty of life left in them. Before you toss them out after your morning coffee, there are several practical ways to reuse them around the house, garden, and even in a few preparedness situations.
Used coffee grounds can help with odors, garden care, cleaning, and pest control. They cost nothing extra if you already drink coffee, which makes them an easy item to reuse instead of throwing away.
Here are 10 useful ways to put those leftover coffee grounds to work.
Melt Ice
If you live somewhere that deals with snow and ice, used coffee grounds can provide extra traction on slippery walkways and driveways. Their dark color can also help absorb sunlight, which may help warm the surface.
They aren’t a replacement for proper ice-melting products during severe weather, but spreading a thin layer over icy spots can give you a little more grip under your feet. Think of them as a way to reuse something that would otherwise end up in the trash.
Natural Pest Repellent
Used coffee grounds can help discourage some garden pests. Their smell and texture may make certain insects and crawling pests less interested in an area.
Try sprinkling a small amount around areas where you’ve noticed ants, slugs, or snails. Coffee grounds aren’t a guaranteed pest-control solution, so keep an eye on your plants and use other methods if the problem continues.
For a garden that provides food for your household, having several simple pest-control options can be useful.
Add Coffee Grounds to Compost
Coffee grounds are a handy addition to a compost pile. They contain nitrogen, which contributes to the mix of materials needed for healthy compost.
You can add used grounds along with coffee filters, vegetable scraps, leaves, grass clippings, and other compostable materials. Don’t make coffee grounds the main ingredient, though. A good compost pile needs a mixture of green and brown materials.
Once the compost breaks down, you’ll have a nutrient-rich material that can be added to garden beds.
Related: 7 Natural Ways to Add Nitrogen to Your Garden Soil
Use Them in the Garden
Coffee grounds are often added directly to garden soil, but moderation matters. Used grounds contain organic material and some nutrients, including nitrogen, that can contribute to soil health as they break down.
Rather than dumping a thick layer around plants, mix a modest amount into compost or incorporate it into the soil. This gives the grounds time to break down without creating a dense layer around your plants.
Some gardeners also use coffee grounds around acid-loving plants, but they shouldn’t be treated as a quick fix for changing soil pH. A soil test is a better way to find out what your garden actually needs.
Neutralize Household Odors
Coffee grounds can help absorb unpleasant smells, making them handy for areas that tend to get a little funky.
Dry the used grounds first, then place them in a small open container or breathable pouch. Try putting them in the refrigerator, pantry, near the trash can, or anywhere else where lingering odors are a problem.
You’ll need to replace them regularly, but this gives your used coffee grounds another job before they head to the compost pile.
Help Keep Ants Away
If you’ve spotted ants coming through a particular area, coffee grounds are worth trying as a simple deterrent. Sprinkle a small amount near entry points, cracks, or other places where you’ve noticed activity.
The strong coffee smell may discourage ants from crossing the area, though results can vary. If you’re dealing with a larger infestation, you’ll likely need a more targeted solution.
Related: How to Make a Borax Ant Trap
Help With Fleas on Your Dog
Some people use coffee grounds during bath time as a home remedy for fleas. After wetting your dog’s coat, gently rub a small amount of used grounds through the fur and rinse thoroughly afterward.
Keep in mind that coffee can be toxic to dogs if swallowed. Don’t let your dog eat the grounds, and don’t rely on this method to treat a flea infestation. A veterinarian can recommend a flea treatment that is safe and appropriate for your pet.
Remove Lingering Smells From Your Hands
Anyone who cooks with garlic, onions, or other strong-smelling ingredients knows how difficult those odors can be to wash away.
A small amount of used coffee grounds can act as a mild scrub while helping reduce lingering smells. Rub a little between damp hands, then rinse well with soap and water.
Skip this trick if you have cuts, irritated skin, or sensitive hands, since the grounds can be abrasive.
Make a Simple Scrubbing Cleaner
The slightly gritty texture of coffee grounds makes them useful for scrubbing certain tough messes. You can use a small amount to help loosen stuck-on food from sturdy pots, pans, or other hard surfaces.
Add a little water to the grounds to make a paste, then scrub gently with a sponge or cloth.
Use care on delicate finishes, painted surfaces, countertops, and anything that scratches easily. Coffee grounds can be abrasive, so test a small hidden area before using them on a surface you don’t want damaged.
Related: 14 Simple Vinegar Uses Every Gardener Should Know
Help Deter Mosquitoes
Coffee grounds are sometimes used as a homemade mosquito deterrent. The smell may discourage some mosquitoes, and coffee grounds can also be used in certain outdoor pest-control methods.
For a simple option, place dried grounds around outdoor areas where mosquitoes tend to gather. You can also use them as part of a broader strategy that includes removing standing water and keeping outdoor areas clean.
Coffee grounds alone won’t keep every mosquito away, but reusing them this way costs little and gives you another option for dealing with backyard pests.
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