Re-using Coffee Grinds

Sorry for the long gap between posts, we've been busy bunnies at work and I've just not had much time to blog. I have quite a few post ideas dancing around in my head though, so I've not disappeared entirely. :) I promised at the end of my last post to give you some re-use ideas for coffee grinds for those of you who really can't give it up. So here they are!

In the garden!

Adding used coffee grinds in the garden can make all the difference between a limp, snail chewed lettuce and a nice leafy green one! Not only are they a great pest repellent to ants, slugs and snails, but also to a larger garden pest - cats! We may love the cuddly pets, but we certainly don't love the presents they leave in our flower beds. A few coffee grounds sprinkled onto the soil will be enough to deter them and your plants will be free to grow.

They're also great as a fertiliser for plants that love acidic soil. Simply mix the grounds into the top layer of the soil and pop your plants in - roses especially love coffee enriched soil and it keeps away greenflies too! Alternatively you can use the grinds as soil for growing mushrooms, just fill a container with grinds and pop the mushroom plugs in. :)

Cleaning the house!

Coffee grinds really come into their own when it comes to house cleaning. From a de-odouriser in practically any situation to stopping ashes from spreading in a fireplace, they're incredibly versatile!
To de-odourise an area, simply put a little pot of dry grinds somewhere they won't get knocked over; a pot in the fridge, in the wardrobe, the shoe cupboard... the possibilities are endless!

Cleaning your pots and pans becomes a lot easier once coffee grinds are in the mix: simply rub the grinds on the offending stain to cut through grease and have it clean in no time. While you're at it, stick about half a cup of grinds down the drain to get rid of nasty smells - once you're done with the pans pour the boiling water down the drain to stop the grinds blocking the sink and you've killed two birds with one stone!

Another great use is to touch up scratches on wooden furniture as the coffee stains the wood back to a darker colour. Just dab the grinds onto the scratch - although be careful - make sure the stain won't be darker than the wood you're touching up!

Finally, anyone with a fireplace will love this tip: sprinkle the coffee grounds over the ashes in your fire place before sweeping them up to stop them flying into the air and making a mess. :)

As a beauty product?!

Take coffee out of the kitchen and into the bathroom with these great ideas...

Mix 1/4 of a cup of coffee grounds into some egg whites and you have a great exfoliating mask!

After you've washed your hair rub in some coffee grounds to add shine and enrich your colour. (This one is only for brunettes - coffee will act as a dye so could leave blondes looking a bit odd!)

To banish cellulite: Mix 1/4 of a cup of still-warm, moist coffee grounds with some olive oil and rub into the cellulite. Wrap it with cling-film and leave there for 5-10 minutes (trying not to feel silly)! Once your time is up just hop in the shower and wash it off. For the best results do this 2-3 times a week. (ps if anyone tries this let me know how you get on with it!)

In your cooking!

Want an interesting meal full of flavour? First soak a steak in a pan of hot coffee - it will add flavour and leave the steak nice and tender. Then use the grinds to make a tasty dessert - coffee & walnut cake is always a favourite, or make coffee infused butter icing!

Alternatively they're great for getting rid of the onion or garlic smells on your hands - just rub them all over your hands and rinse off!

Just for fun!

Get crafty with coffee with some of these tips. :)

Dried coffee grinds are a great filling for homemade pin cushions!

As mentioned above, coffee is a natural dye and will stain pretty much anything. So why not put it to use and get creative! Dye clothing, paper, even your hair! Boring old paper becomes parchment when dipping in just a little coffee and left to dry. ;)

Mix grounds with henna to make a natural base for tattoos. :)

To make playdough! Mix a few cups of coffee grounds with 1/2 a cup of salt, add in 1 to 2 cups of cornflour and then enough warm water to get the consistency you like. Voila! Playdough. :)



Can you think of any other uses? Have you tried any of these and do they work? I've used the grounds from the coffee shop to clear drains and one lady who comes in used to take them home for her roses, so I know those ones are right!