Coffee is one of the beverages we consume the most, especially in the morning, to keep us awake. If you are one of those who prepare it in a coffee pot, you will probably throw the coffee remains at the bottom, which is a very serious mistake.
The reason is simple: the remains or leftovers of this beverage can be reused for countless things that will be very useful as in the kitchen, garden or other uses. Next, we will analyze the best uses you can give them so that you can apply them from now on.
How to use coffee grounds
It is hard to believe that the residues that accumulate in our coffee maker after brewing our coffee can be used for so many things. In this section of the article, we will tell you the best ways to use them:
A magnificent air freshener
Coffee residues are ideal for absorbing and neutralizing unpleasant odors in our kitchen, in our bathroom, and near the garbage can. Place a container containing dregs near the point where more stench is concentrated. It is a fantastic air freshener and, best of all, very economical.
It will also help us to combat the unpleasant smell of sewage that sometimes appears. You only have to pour about half a cup of coffee residue and then strain a little more than a liter of water. The odor will disappear for at least one week. Finally, if you’ve chopped garlic or eaten tangerines and your hands stink of food, rub them with a little coffee grounds.
An ideal flea and ant repellent
If you have a dog, apply coffee grounds to its coat after bathing it, as it is one of the best flea repellents you can find. It is a natural treatment without any toxic chemicals, which is also very effective in repelling these annoying parasites.
In addition, if you place coffee grounds where ants normally pass through, you will keep them away from your home. If you are bothered by the presence of these insects at home, we suggest you apply this method.
A very good exfoliator
If you have cellulite problems, you can help yourself with the remains of coffee, although not to prevent or remedy them, to make the orange peel texture less noticeable to the eye.
The process follows: In a small bowl mix a tablespoon of olive oil, sugar, and a few coffee grounds. Mix well and apply to the affected area while showering. With this, you will activate the circulation of the cellulite area, thus covering the visible.
An excellent fertilizer for plants
Coffee residues can also be used as fertilizer for plants. It will be enough to add a few coffee grounds mixed with water to the soil where you grow your plants once a month.
In addition, you should know that coffee grounds are very good for the development of plants since they contain high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, two nutrients they need to grow and stay healthy. No more wasting money on fertilizers: use what’s left in the coffee pot!
A fantastic kitchenware cleaner
Coffee grounds are slightly abrasive and are particularly useful for removing dirt that sticks to frying pans, pots, trays, etc. Simply put, they can be used as a cleaning agent. with a scouring pad and coffee grounds, you will have what you need to leave your kitchenware clean and shiny.
As we have explained, these are the best uses you can give to coffee waste. From now on, could you not throw them away? It is much better to take advantage of them and use them for our benefit.
Eliminate strong odors in the fridge
If you are tired of the fridge smelling bad even when it is clean, put coffee grounds in a glass and put it in the refrigerator. This will absorb the unpleasant odors and give off a light coffee aroma.
Suppresses bad smells from your hands
Some foodstuffs smell good, such as garlic, salmon, or coriander. However, their fragrance is not so pleasant when it remains on your hands for hours. To suppress them, take a handful of used coffee and rub it all over your hand, then rinse with warm water.
Ash inhibitor for fireplaces
Fireplaces are very unpleasant to clean because ashes spread easily. But you can avoid it if you already put a good quantity of wet coffee grounds on the ashes before cleaning it.
Natural exfoliant
Apart from using coffee grounds for cellulite, reducing it, and tightening the skin, the texture of coffee grounds also removes dead skin cells. Make your scrub by mixing a tablespoon of coffee grounds (new coffee would be advisable in such a case) with half a tablespoon of olive oil and a drop of your favorite essential oil.
Ant repellent
If you want to repel pesky ants without chemicals, , sprinkle used, dry coffee grounds around the areas where they roam.
Keep cats away from your garden.
Using coffee grounds for plants will also prevent cats from visiting your garden. You can use the dirt mixed with orange and lemon peels and spread the mixture throughout the park. Cats do not like these smells, so your plants will not be destroyed by these felines.
Why not flush coffee grounds down the sink?
Using coffee grounds to unclog as a household antidote is not a great idea. While they are biodegradable, they are a solid material that can get stuck in the pipes or worsen a previous clog. Coffee grounds can get stuck on the walls of the downspouts, accumulate in the elbows and even generate mold due to the humidity and the different organic materials that accumulate in the cavities.
Where should coffee grounds be disposed of?
The best thing to do is to dispose of the coffee grounds in the organic garbage container. As they are food waste and biodegradable, they can be transformed into compost and reused. They can be used as home compost to nourish plants and scare away insects.