How to Use Coffee Grounds Around the House
Deodorizer
Instead of baking soda, try putting a bowl of coffee grounds in the fridge to eliminate icky food smells. You can also keep a dish of them by the kitchen sink to rub on your hands after chopping onions, garlic or fish.
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Exfoliating Body Scrub
Turn your used coffee grounds into a luxurious body scrub. Just combine a half cup of used grounds with a quarter cup of olive or coconut oil and a pinch of citrus zest. It will slough off dead skin cells, tighten blood vessels and boost blood flow. Thank you, caffeine.
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Hair Rinse
Massage the grounds into your hair and rinse thoroughly for extra shine — no products required. Just be careful if you have light hair, as the coffee can leave behind a little color.
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Compost or Plant Food
Toss them in your compost pile for a boost of nitrogen, or feed them to acid-loving plants (like blueberries, roses and hydrangeas) as a soil amendment.
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Pest Control
Sprinkle coffee grounds to scare away ants, snails or slugs. These critters are offended by the strong smell.
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Meat Rub
Coffee grounds make a great flavor profile when rubbed directly onto meats or used in marinades. (Here’s an easy-peasy recipe.)
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Kitchen Scrub
Use coffee grounds to help get the grease and grime off of extra-dirty pots and pans. Just remember that the grounds can stain, so maybe don’t rub them all over that white wedding china.