3 Creative Uses for Coffee Beans After Brewing Coffee
Coffee beans don’t have to end their journey once you’ve brewed your morning cup of joe. Spent coffee grounds, or used coffee beans, can be repurposed in a variety of creative and sustainable ways. Instead of tossing them in the trash, consider these three different uses for coffee beans after brewing coffee that can benefit your home, garden, and even beauty routine.
1. Natural Fertilizer for Plants
One of the most common uses for coffee grounds is as a natural fertilizer for your plants. Coffee grounds are rich in nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which can help enrich your soil and encourage healthy plant growth. Simply spread the used grounds around the base of your plants or mix them into your compost.
Coffee grounds also improve soil aeration, drainage, and water retention. Plus, they can help deter pests like slugs and snails, as the acidity and texture are unpleasant to these creatures. Be mindful, though: while most plants benefit from the nutrients, some (like tomatoes) may not thrive in the acidity, so it’s best to use coffee grounds sparingly in certain gardens.
2. Exfoliating Body Scrub
Did you know that coffee grounds make an excellent exfoliating scrub? Their coarse texture helps to slough off dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and refreshed. Coffee is also packed with antioxidants that can help improve the skin’s appearance by reducing inflammation and stimulating blood flow.
To make your own coffee scrub, simply mix the used grounds with a bit of coconut oil, brown sugar, or honey. You can add essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus for a calming or invigorating scent. The scrub is great for exfoliating rough areas like elbows, knees, or feet, but gentle enough to use on your face and body, giving your skincare routine a boost.
3. Deodorizing Odor Absorber
Coffee grounds are excellent natural deodorizers, capable of neutralizing unwanted smells around your home. The nitrogen in the grounds helps absorb and trap odors, making them perfect for spaces like your refrigerator, freezer, or trash cans. Simply dry out the used coffee grounds and place them in a breathable container, such as a jar with holes in the lid, or a small cloth bag.
Additionally, placing coffee grounds in a bowl or sachet in smelly areas like your car or gym bag can help keep those odors at bay. Even in your kitchen, you can use coffee grounds to scrub your hands after handling garlic, onions, or fish to remove lingering smells.
Conclusion
Rather than tossing away your coffee grounds, these simple and sustainable methods allow you to maximize their potential. Whether you’re enriching your garden soil, improving your skincare routine, or keeping your home odor-free, used coffee grounds offer eco-friendly and practical solutions. So, next time you brew your favorite coffee, remember that those beans have more to give beyond your morning cup!
Don't forget to grab a bag of our specialty dark roast coffee beans here and start brewing a great cup of coffee!