Coffee is arguably one of the best beverages out there, and it’s super easy to make. You can make your own freshly brewed coffee at home, from beans, or ground coffee. Whichever way, the beans have to be ground to make coffee. You may put your used coffee grounds straight in the bin, or into a tub, and you may not know what to do with them afterwards. Well, look no further. There are so many uses for used coffee grounds, and some of them are wild! In this article, we will tell you how to reuse coffee grounds and be sustainable, whether that’s in your garden, or in your cup.
Can you reuse the same coffee grounds twice?
You can use used coffee grounds for another coffee, but the taste will not be as concentrated. There is no point using used coffee grounds for a straight espresso, as the coffee will not develop the same creme and dark froth, but it will produce a perfectly adequate pick-me-up. If you reuse coffee grounds for another coffee on the same day, the coffee will just be slightly weaker than the previous one.
If you reuse coffee grounds the next day, the coffee will probably be noticeably weaker. It will definitely be fine if you are having a cappuccino or a milk-based coffee. Reusing used coffee grounds is a great way to practice eco-friendly methods.
Can used coffee grounds be used in the garden?
Used coffee grounds have many excellent uses in the garden. The most obvious and popular use for used coffee grounds is for plants. Soil does not typically contain as many nutrients as plants need to thrive, but coffee is high in nitrogen, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium, which makes it jam-packed full of nutrients. Coffee grounds also help the plants by absorbing heavy-metals in the earth, so they will protect the growth of the plant even more.
Coffee grounds also attract worms, and worms are excellent for plants and their growth. To use your used coffee grounds in the garden, sprinkle them lightly into the soil around your plants.
Used coffee grounds should be primarily used for acid loving plants, because coffee grounds are high in acid. If your soil is already nitrogen heavy (acidic), it may stunt or even stop the growth of some of your plants.
Another use for used coffee grounds is compost. Composting is a zero-waste process that will turn vegetables and fruits into a dark soil-like material which is amazing for plant growth. It has been proven that compost containing used coffee grounds is higher in nutrients and produces the fewest toxic greenhouse gases.
It forms a pure compost which will help your plants thrive all year round. To compost, simply set up a big container in the garden, and throw all of your natural food items in there. This can consist of onion skin, lettuce, leftover food, egg shells, and fruit and vegetable cores.
Lastly, used coffee grounds can be beneficial to repel bugs and pests from your plants and vegetables. Coffee contains compounds such as caffeine and diterpenes, and this is toxic to certain pests and bugs. It will help to get rid of fruit flies, beetles, mosquitoes and slugs. Sprinkle used coffee grounds near your plants and any outdoor areas, but if you are using coffee grounds for fertilizer, you may have enough coffee grounds to repel bugs as it is.
What could I use coffee grounds for in the house?
Surprisingly, there are many uses for coffee grounds in the house, as well as in the garden. One of the best uses for used coffee grounds is a flea repellent. As you know, coffee grounds contain certain compounds that are toxic to bugs and pests. Fleas are bugs, and are attracted to animals, as well as humans.
If you rub coffee grounds on your washed pet, the fleas will gradually die. There are flea-removal shampoos and products, but if you are looking for a natural and effective flea repellent, coffee grounds will work. After you have rubbed the coffee grounds into the fur, rinse it out.
Used coffee grounds are rough in texture, so they can be used for cleaning purposes, too. For example, you can use coffee grounds as a natural scrub for cleaning surfaces. Coffee grounds have antibacterial and viral properties to some extent, and you can use them to clean kitchen areas and remove any dirt or grime.
Only use coffee grounds on non-porous materials, as it will stain; nobody wants a brown carpet! You can also use used coffee grounds to scrub pots and pans, and get that hard stubborn food from the bottom.
Believe it or not, coffee grounds are also excellent for the body. Coffee grounds can be used as an exfoliator for skin. The grounds are antibacterial and antiviral, and you can mix the grounds with coconut oil, honey, or water.
You can use the natural coffee scrub on your face, arms, legs, and neck. This will help remove any impurities, and it will protect the skin from sun damage as well as increasing blood flow. Coffee and honey also smells delicious, and will probably smell nice on your body for longer than body wash!
Finally, coffee grounds can actually help stimulate hair growth. I’m sure you’ve heard of caffeine shampoos. Exfoliating your scalp with used coffee grounds will clean your head thoroughly, as well as stimulate faster and healthier hair growth.
Do used coffee grounds still contain caffeine?
Can I keep used coffee grounds?
You can keep used coffee grounds for use at a later date. The best way to do this is to keep a container available to put your coffee grounds into straight after use. When they have cooled, transfer them to a larger container.
You can store as many ‘batches’ of coffee grounds as you can fit in this tub, and you should keep it in your fridge to make sure it stays fresh. Make sure it is placed in an airtight container, and store it for up to a month. Make sure it stays in the fridge, otherwise it may mold.
Final thoughts:
Coffee grounds are reusable, whether that is for consumption, fertilizing, or cleaning. Coffee is extremely versatile and has a lot of great properties. Used coffee grounds make excellent fertilisers and will assist the growth of plants, as well as your hair!
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