10 Things I Like to Do With My Used Coffee Grounds

We’re not huge coffee drinkers in our house—well, I’m not, but my husband could probably fuel a small city with his daily intake. This means we end up with quite the collection of used coffee grounds.

Over time, I’ve gotten pretty creative with finding ways to give those grounds a second life around our home and garden. From freshening up the fridge to making eco-friendly fire logs, I’ve gathered some of my favorite tricks to repurpose what many would consider waste.

Here’s how you can do the same and maybe even discover a new favorite use for those leftover grounds!

Clean Your Hands

If you’re like me and often find yourself battling food odors on your hands after cooking, used coffee grounds can be your best friend. After chopping onions, garlic, or handling fish, grab a handful of grounds and scrub your hands with them.

The coarse texture and strong natural aroma of the coffee works wonders in neutralizing those stubborn smells. It’s a quick, effective method that leaves your hands odor-free and feeling smooth.

Clean Your Fireplace

Cleaning out the fireplace used to be a dusty nightmare for me. Ashes would float up and settle everywhere—on furniture, on my clothes, and all over freshly cleaned surfaces. Then I discovered a trick: used coffee grounds. They’re fantastic for keeping the dust down.

Just sprinkle a thin layer of grounds over the ashes before you start cleaning. They bind the fine particles together, making it so much easier to sweep up without creating a mess.

Make a Coffee Firelog

Now, here’s a creative twist for your fireplace that might just surprise you. Turning used coffee grounds into a firelog is not only eco-friendly but also a real treat for your senses. These logs burn longer and emit less carbon dioxide than traditional wood logs.

Plus, they fill your room with a yummy, rich coffee aroma as they burn. To make one, you’ll need a few simple ingredients like candle wax, dried coffee grounds, and molasses.

Start by melting 7.5 ounces of candle wax in a 9 x 4 inch baking pan in the oven set to 260°F, ensuring it’s well spread out.

In another tray, dry out 6-20 tablespoons of coffee grounds. Once dried, mix them into the melted wax along with a cup or two of molasses, adjusting the quantities to get a thick, sludgy texture akin to chocolate cake batter.

Cover the mix with metal foil and press it into a log shape.

Freeze for about an hour, then unmold and light it up. It’s a simple, sustainable way to enjoy a cozy fire that’s easy on the environment and your nose.

Make Homemade Coffee Candles

Delving into candlemaking has led me to one of my favorite discoveries: using used coffee grounds as an ingredient. Trust me, once you try this, you might never go back to aromatic oils. Coffee grounds give your candles an authentic, rich coffee scent that’s just irresistible.

Plus, they look incredibly chic layered within the wax. As the candles burn, the warmth gently releases the deep, comforting aroma of coffee, filling your space with a café-like atmosphere.

Touch Up Furniture Scratches

Dealing with furniture scratches can lead some to pricey fixes. But here’s a simpler, greener way I’ve been managing those pesky dings and scuffs—using coffee grounds! Forget about harsh chemicals or expensive kits. All you need is a q-tip and a small amount of your used coffee grounds.

Moisten the grounds slightly, dip your q-tip in, and gently dab it on the scratched area. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, then buff it with a soft rag. You’ll be amazed at how the scratches blend away.

Deodorize the Fridge

I’ve discovered a nifty trick for keeping my fridge smelling fresh without reaching for the usual box of baking soda. Try placing a small bowl of used coffee grounds inside your refrigerator. You’ll find they do a fantastic job of absorbing any stray odors.

And when it’s time to swap them out—usually about once a month—don’t just toss them in the trash. Add them to your compost pile for an eco-friendly disposal method.

For Your Beauty Routine

Hanging onto those used coffee grounds could be a game changer for your beauty regimen. I started stashing a jar of them in my shower, and it’s like my own little spa corner now. They work wonders as a natural body scrub, leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated and silky smooth.

But that’s not all—these gritty leftovers can also add a lustrous shine to your hair or even become a key ingredient in homemade soaps. It’s an all-around win for upcycling and pampering yourself at the same time.

Eliminate Build-Up in Your Hair

Switching to natural shampoo was a great move for my hair health, but I did notice some build-up at first as my scalp adjusted to the lack of harsh chemicals. That’s where coffee grounds came to the rescue.

To tackle this, I use about a quarter to half a cup of used coffee grounds, depending on hair length. Just wet your hair, gently massage the grounds into your scalp and through your hair, and then rinse thoroughly. Follow up with your usual natural shampoo and conditioner or an apple cider vinegar rinse.

This once-a-month treatment has seriously revitalized my hair—it feels lighter and incredibly shiny. If you have blonde or color-treated hair, just do a small test first to make sure the grounds don’t affect your color. I’ve had no issues, but it’s always good to check.

Natural Fertilizer

I’ve found a fantastic way to use my old coffee grounds is by turning them into fertilizer for my plants. These grounds are rich in essential minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—just what your green friends crave.

Plus, they’re a boon for improving soil quality, thanks to their ability to absorb harmful toxins and heavy metals. This not only helps your plants grow healthier but also supports the beneficial earthworms that enrich the soil.

To use coffee grounds as fertilizer, just spread them lightly over your soil. Their coarse texture enhances the soil’s drainage, water retention, and aeration, creating an ideal growing environment.

Repel Those Pests

Ever noticed how certain bugs recoil at the scent of coffee? That’s because the potent acids and aromas lingering in used coffee grounds are natural bug deterrents. By placing a barrier of grounds around your home, especially near entry points, you can keep ants at bay effectively.

I once used this method around my kitchen and didn’t see an ant for a week, giving me enough time to call pest control to handle a bigger problem.

For your garden, a sprinkle of coffee grounds can protect your plants from snails and slugs. They really dislike crawling over the stuff. And if fleas are bothering your pets, a gentle coffee ground rub (done outdoors, to avoid an indoor flea circus) can help fend them off.