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There are many old tales about what you can and cannot reuse in your kitchen. When it comes to coffee grounds, there is a lot of debate.
Some people say you can reuse them, while others claim it is not worth the effort. So, what is the truth? Can you reuse coffee grounds? Continue reading, as this post covers everything worth knowing!
Can You Reuse Coffee Grounds?
We all know the drill: make coffee, drink coffee, repeat. If you’re like most people that toss coffee grounds in the trash, what if we told you that you can reuse them?
That’s right, coffee grounds can be reused, but there are a few things to note. It depends on how often you make coffee and how long you let the grounds sit before making more coffee.
For example, if you make coffee every day, you can probably get away with using the same grounds for two days, and if you only make coffee once a week, you can probably get away with them for a week or two. However, you can reuse coffee grounds in many ways, and each has its benefits.
The Best Ways To Reuse Coffee Grounds
They are as follows:
1. Fertilize Your Plants: Coffee grounds serve as a natural fertilizer for plants. They are best when mixed with other compost materials and are high in nitrogen, a rich nutrient for plants. The grounds can also help to improve the drainage of your soil.
2. Drive Away Insects and Pests: Coffee grounds are best to keep insects and pests away from your plants. The strong smell of coffee is off-putting to many insects, and they will stay away from your plants if you surround them with coffee grounds.
3. Use As Cleaning Agent: Coffee grounds are an example of an abrasive cleaner. Mix them with water and clean stovetops, countertops, and even your hands. This method is especially effective on tough stains, and rinse the appliances well afterward, as the grounds can be quite drying.
Not only is using coffee grounds to clean your home utensils environmentally friendly, but it will also leave your utensils smelling amazing. So the next time you need to clean your home utensils, ditch the harsh chemicals and reach for the coffee grounds instead.
4. Freshen Your Bin: You can use the grounds to freshen up your garbage disposal. Just grind up a handful of coffee grounds and run the disposal with cold water for a fresher-smelling sink.
5. Deodorize Your Fridge: If your fridge is starting to smell a little bit icky, fear not! You can deodorize it with some coffee grounds. Just put a bowl of coffee grounds in your fridge and let it do its thing for a few hours. The coffee grounds will absorb any bad smells in your fridge and leave it smelling nice and fresh.
6. Make A Body Scrub: A coffee scrub is another way to exfoliate your skin and leave it feeling soft and smooth. To make a coffee scrub, mix 1/2 cup of coffee grounds with 1/4 cup of sugar. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and then massage the scrub into your skin in a circular motion. Clean with warm water and enjoy your soft, glowing skin!
7. Use To Dye Fabrics: You can use coffee grounds to dye clothes. It’s more or less a natural dye. Brew a pot of coffee and soak the fabric in the coffee for several hours.
The grounds will produce a light brown color but note that the longer the fabric is soaked, the darker the color will be.
8. Add To Your Cooking and Brewing: Coffee grounds can make a simple coffee rub for meats. You can incorporate it into soups or stews or even use them in baking to give extra flavor. When used in baking, it adds a deep, rich flavor to cakes, cookies, and even loaves of bread.
In addition, you can brew a second cup of coffee from the grounds. This is known as “coffee brewing”, and it’s done by adding used coffee grounds to a new pot of water and brewing it like you would a regular pot of coffee. This method helps to produce a cup of coffee as strong and flavorful as a regular cup of coffee.
9. Use To Stimulate Hair Growth And Prevent Breakouts: Coffee grounds can do more than give you an extra energy boost in the morning – you can also use them to stimulate hair growth and prevent breakouts. When applied topically to the scalp, coffee grounds can increase blood flow and help to open up hair follicles, promoting new hair growth.
Additionally, the antioxidants in coffee grounds help fight against radicals detrimental to the skin, leading to breakouts. Massage the coffee grounds into the scalp and wait for 10-15 minutes before washing it off.
10. Clear Puffy Eyes: Coffee grounds are a natural way to clear puffy eyes. When you wake up in the morning, apply the grounds to your eyes and let them sit for a few minutes. Coffee contains caffeine that helps to constrict the blood vessels and decrease puffiness.
You can do this once or twice a day until the puffiness goes away, and be sure to use fresh, clean coffee grounds each time, as old grounds can make the puffiness worse.
How To Dry & Store Your Coffee Grounds For Reuse
Drying and storing your coffee grounds for reuse is a great way to save money and reduce your environmental impact.
- To dry your coffee grounds, you can air dry or spread them out on a cookie sheet and bake them in a 200-degree oven for about 30 minutes.
- Once they are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- To further prolong the life of your coffee grounds, you can store them in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use them again, scoop out the desired amount and brew as usual.
NOTE: You can store coffee grounds like this for up to a month, though they’ll lose their flavor and develop mold after a couple of weeks. If this happens, discard them and start with fresh grounds.
Conclusion
Reusing coffee grounds saves money and reduces waste. You can use them to make compost, exfoliate your skin, clean your dishes, repel pests, etc. So, next time you finish a cup of coffee, don’t dispose of the grounds. Reuse them in one of these ways, or get creative and find your use for them!
FAQs
How often should one reuse coffee grounds?
It is not recommended to reuse coffee grounds more than once. The flavor and strength of the coffee will be greatly reduced after the first use, resulting in a less than desirable cup of coffee. It is best to use fresh coffee grounds each time you brew coffee for the best taste.
Are there cons attached to reusing coffee grounds?
Yes, there are several cons to reusing coffee grounds. The flavor and strength of the coffee will be greatly reduced after the first use, resulting in a less-than-desirable cup of coffee. Additionally, reusing coffee grounds can increase the risk of bacterial growth and contamination, which can be harmful to your health. It is best to use fresh coffee grounds each time you brew coffee for the best taste and safety.
How long can coffee grounds last in the fridge?
Coffee grounds should not be stored in the fridge for more than a few days. The moisture in the fridge can cause the grounds to go stale and lose their flavor, resulting in a less-than-desirable cup of coffee.
