19 Amazing Uses for Old Coffee Grounds

Coffee provides us with a quick boost of energy to start the day or to stay up late at night. Most of us, however, discard the old coffee grounds, but you may want to hold on to them after reading about their many practical uses here. There is also a bonus video at the end you won't want to miss. 

1) Exfoliate Your Pores with a Homemade Mocha Mask 

Here is the recipe for a homemade Mocha-Frappuccino Mask: 

What You Will Need: 

• 2 Tbsp of freshly ground coffee (use the finer grind if possible)
  
• 2 Tbsp of cocoa powder
  
• 3 Tbsp of whole milk, heavy cream, or yogurt
  
• 1 Tbsp of honey

1. Mix all the ingredients together.
   
2. Apply the mask to your face in the morning.
   
3. Allow it to dry between for 15-20 minutes.
   
4. Wash the mask off in the shower, scrubbing very gently over the skin surface while rinsing.
   

2) Create an Aromatizing Soap 

Here is the easy-to-make recipe for an aromatizing bar of soap:

What You Will Need: 

• 8 ounces glycerin soap
  
• 1/4 cup used coffee grounds
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
  
• 1 teaspoon powdered milk (optional)
  
• Small saucepan
  
• Small metal or glass bowl
  
• Muffin tin
  
• Ladle
  
• Butter knife

1. Gather all the ingredients together 
   
2. Fill a small saucepan with 1 cup of water, topping the metal or glass edges of the bowl to create a double boiler.
   
3. Place over medium heat.
   
4. Mix the soap into the bowl and let it melt completely with the aid of the steam from the boiling water below. This process should take you a few minutes
   
5. Lightly grease 4 rounds of a muffin tin while the soap is melting.
6. Pour a small spoonful of coffee grounds at the base of each muffin tin.
   
7. Turn off the heat as soon as the soap becomes liquid.
8. Add the vanilla, and add 1 teaspoon of the coffee grounds.
   
9. Stir in the powdered milk.
   
10. Carefully pour the soapy mixture into the muffin tin, filling each round to the top.
    
11. Allow it to cool for several hours, and then scoop them out with a butter knife.
    
12. Wrap in parchment paper and enjoy your wonderful smelling soaps.
    

3) Homemade Coffee Salt Scrub 

Here is the recipe for a homemade salt scrub: 

What You Will Need: 

• 1 cup coffee grounds (dried)
• 1 ½ cup coarse sea salt
• 1 cup oil (your preference)
  
• 5-15 drops of essential oils (your preference)

Directions: 

1. Fill a large bowl with 1 cup of coffee grounds and 1 ½ cups of coarse sea salt, and then stir.
   
2. Stir in the cup of oil and about 5-15 drops of essential oils into a bowl. You can use cinnamon, lemon or Eucalyptus for the essential oils They all work very well. 
   
3. Store the mixture in an airtight jar, and use the scrub as needed. 
   

4) Keep Your Pots and Pans Sparkling Clean 

The high acidity level contained in coffee acts as a natural cleaning abrasive, ideal for scrubbing dirty pots and pans. A couple of teaspoons of coffee grounds and a rag is all it takes to eliminate the unwanted grease stains. 

5) Wash Your Hands After Chopping Onions and Garlic 

Use coffee grounds to wash your hands after you've been dicing up onions or chopping garlic cloves. The grounds absorb all the strong odors in no time at all. 

6) Give Your Dog a Flea Bath 

Mix a tablespoon of used coffee grounds with your dog's shampoo during the bath. It will help keep those pesky little insects of your beloved pet. 

7) Coffee Ground Garbage Disposal Cleaners 

Here are the instructions for a coffee grounds garbage disposal cleaner: 

What You Will Need: 

• 1 cup dry used coffee grounds
• 1/2 cup Epsom salts
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 3 tablespoons vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
• Small mixing bowl
• Rounded measuring spoon or small melon baller
• Sheet pan
• Parchment paper

1. Measure and add the coffee grounds, Epsom salts, and baking soda to the mixing bowl.
   
2. Slowly add the vinegar, which will bubble once it interacts with the baking soda.
   
3. Add a little bit at a time until the mixture resembles wet sand.
   
4. Add a little vanilla for a pleasant smell to the tiny garbage disposal cleaners.
   
5. Cover a sheet pan with parchment paper, and use a rounded measuring spoon or melon baller to create the cleaners.
   
6. Scoop the mixture and then press against the side of the bowl, packing the coffee ground filter together, and then tap onto the parchment-covered sheet pan. 
   
7. Let the cleaners dry overnight and then place in a coffee cup next to your sink.
   
8. Drop one down your drain, turn on your garbage disposal and then the faucet.  
   
9. You should have about 30 mini garbage disposal cleaners in total. 

8) Alter the Color of Your Hydrangeas

The pH balance of the soil can negatively affect your precious Hydrangeas. Not to worry, a few old coffee grounds should help to do the trick. Coffee grounds reduce the pH balance to the soil and transforms pink flowers into blue ones.

9) Snack on a Few Coffee Energy Bites

Snack on a few bite-sized coffee energy treats to give you a boost during the day. Peanut butter may be substituted for almond butter, but it must be the creamy variety. Here is the delicious recipe:

What You Will Need:

• 1 cup dry whole grain oatmeal
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 2 Tbsp fresh ground un-brewed coffee beans 
• 1/2 cup creamy almond butter 
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1 Tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

1. Stir the oatmeal, flaxseed, and coffee granules together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed.
   
2. Add the almond butter, honey and vanilla.
   
3. Fold in the chocolate chips and cranberries once everything is combined, and stir well.  
   
4. Allow the mixture to chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.  
   
5. Roll them into tiny balls after they finished chilling.
   
6. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for no later than 1 week.
   

10) Enjoy a Coffee Rubbed Pork Roast for Dinner 

Did you know that you can cook your favorite pork meal with coffee grounds? Here is the mouth-watering recipe:

What You Will Need: 

• 3.5 lbs. Boston Butt or Pork Shoulder 
  
• 1 oz. (approx 3 Tbsp) coffee beans 
  
• ½ cup brown sugar 
  
• ½ Tbsp cayenne pepper 
  
• ½ Tbsp salt 
  
• 15-20 cranks cracked black pepper 
  
• 1 Tsp minced garlic 
  
• ½ Tsp smoked paprika  

11) Use Them to Make Homemade Coffee Candles

• Small paper coffee cup
  
• 1 -2 Tbsp used coffee grounds
  
• Paper towel
  
• 1 cup wax candle remnants
  
• Candlewick
  
• Scissors
  
• Small saucepan
  
• Small metal or glass mixing bowl

1. In order to create the base of he candle, add 1 cup of wax candle remnants to a small metal or heat-safe glass bowl.
2. Place the remnants over the top of a small saucepan, and fill it halfway with water. This should give you a double boiler.
3. Allow the water to a simmer and observe carefully until the wax has completely melted. The process should take about 5 minutes or so.
4. Clean the paper coffee cup thoroughly and wipe it down to make sure it's dry.
5. Place the coffee grounds in a paper towel, and squeeze to release any extra liquid.
6. Place the wick in the center of the cup, and sprinkle a layer of the coffee grounds at the base. 
7. Gently pour in half of the melted wax over the coffee grounds, while saving the rest of the wax for the top of the candle.
8. Allow the wax to harden for 20 minutes.
9. Add the cooled wax with extra spoonful of coffee grounds to create the second layer of the candle.
10. Reheat the wax in the double boiler, and top off the candle.
11. Allow the candle to cool off for about an hour.
12. Cut away to reveal the finished candle.
13. Smooth the edges with a paper towel if needed, and trim the end of the wick to fit the candle. Enjoy.

12) A Natural Way to Dye Fabrics 

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to dyeing out fabrics using old coffee grounds: 

Instructions:

1. Wash the fabric beforehand.
   
2. Wash and dry the fabric to remove any excess dirt and oil, which can keep the dye from penetrating evenly. This step is especially important on brand new fabrics that are coated with a finishing spray.
   
3. Place a large pot on your cooktop. You will need a pot that is large enough to submerge your fabric. A regular stockpot will do just fine.  
   
4. Prepare several pots of coffee and pour into a larger pot, one cup at a time. You will need a large amount of coffee to cover the fabric completely once it is placed in the pot. 
   
5. You can achieve darker color fabrics with a stronger coffee brew. 
   
6. If you plan on preparing several batches of coffee, you will need to fill the stockpot with water and allow the instant coffee to dissolve inside. 
   
7. Bring to a boil after pouring all of your freshly prepared coffee into the pot.
   
8. Turn the heat off once the coffee reaches a full boil.
   
9. Add the fabric to the stockpot.
   
10. Submerge the fabric together into the stockpot after you've turned the heat off and the coffee has stopped bubbling.
    
11. Get rid of any air pockets by stirring the coffee grounds with a wooden spoon for a few seconds or so. 
12. Allow the fabric to steep for about a half hour, and longer if you desire a deeper tint. 
13. Rinse the dyed fabric under cold water in the sink. Once the water runs clear, the excess dye has been removed. 
14. Alternatively, if you still want the fabric to be a darker color after rinsing it, you can bring your coffee dye back to a boil and steep the fabric again. 
    
15. Beware, the coffee dye may stain your pot if you don't drain it and wash immediately after the dyeing process is finished.
    
16. Gently wash the fabric.
    
17. Wash the fabric infrequently and use a mild detergent such as Woolite to protect against fading. 

13) Get Rid of Foul Odors in Shoes 

Just put a few old coffee grounds into the shoes and allow them to work their magic. The unpleasant smell should leave right away. 

14) Polish Unfinished Wood Flooring  

Transform old unfinished wood with wet coffee grounds and steel wool, and here's how to do it: 

What You Will Need:

• Steel Wool 
• 1 Tbsp coffee grounds
• White Vinegar
• A sealable container 

Directions: 

1. Place the steel wool and coffee grounds in the container, and fill it with the vinegar.
   
2. Allow it to sit for 24 hours. 
   
3. The vinegar should begin to dissolve the steel wool at this point.
   
4. The coffee grounds will give the stain a bit of a brownish color.
   
5. Take a plastic glove, and fish the steel wool out of the container.
   
6. Rub the steel wool all over the piece of wood, dipping it back into the container for more liquid as necessary.
   
7. Coffee grounds will be all over the floor, but don't worry about the mess, you can just wipe it after it becomes dry.
   
8. Allow the first coat dry for about 1 hour and then do a second layer. Congrats, job well done. 

15) Cover Unwanted Scratches with Coffee Grounds

Use coffee grounds to cover up the scratches or dark stains on wooden furniture. You can make a thick paste out of the coffee grounds and water and then rub the paste into the scratch. Your furniture should look brand new afterward.

16) Wash Your Hair with Coffee Grounds

You can add old coffee grounds to your shampoo or conditioner to get rid of oil and build-up. Beware that it turns light hair into a darker color. 

17) Create a Non-Toxic Playdough for Kids 

Here are the instructions on how to turn the old coffee grounds into a mud-like, non-toxic Playdough for kids:

What You Will Need: 

• 2 Cups of Flour
  
• 1/2 Cup of Coffee Grounds
  
• 1 Tablespoon of Instant Coffee (if it isn't dark enough)
  
• 1 Cup of Salt
  
• 2 Teaspoons of Cream of Tartar 
  
• 1 Cup of boiling water
  
• 2 Tablespoons of oil

1. Add all the dry ingredients together, followed by 1 cup of boiling water, and stir.  
2. Allow the mixture to sit for awhile so it thickens.
3. Stir some more, and presto, you now have a pleasant non-toxic smelling Playdough substance.

18) They Can Be Used as a Fertilizer Mist to Your Garden 

Fill a spray bottle with half a cup of coffee grounds and warm water. Spray your flowers and plants with the mist to keep your garden chemical-free.  

19) Prevent Stray Cats from Entering Your Garden

Cats do not like the smell of coffee at all. Once they pick up the strong scent, they will leave the premises right away. You can sprinkle a few coffee grounds throughout your garden to keep cats from destroying your beautiful plants and flower beds. 

H/T: viralnova.com