How to Reuse Coffee Grounds Around the Home

After Turkish coffee is served, the grounds left at the bottom of the cup are often thrown away. However, spent coffee grounds can be reused in the kitchen and around the home, so they are worth considering one more time before throwing them away. Their coarse, mildly abrasive texture can be useful for cleaning and personal-care routines. Here are common uses and ways to dry and store them.

Cleaning in the kitchen

Coffee grounds can help scrub stubborn residue from pots and pans, even the kind a dishwasher struggles to remove. Sprinkle them over dried food on a counter or stovetop and rub with a cloth to help lift the stain. A small open container of grounds near the trash can may help mask unpleasant odors with a mild coffee scent. To help prevent a clogged drain, put used grounds in the trash rather than down the sink.

Personal-care use

Massaging coffee grounds onto the skin after showering is a personal-care practice. Regular use is said to be key for this purpose. Grounds can also be mixed with coconut or olive oil and used as an exfoliant. This is not recommended for sensitive or dry skin. If trying it, use gentle motions and avoid scratching the face.

Adding coffee grounds to candles

People who make candles at home can add coffee grounds to the wax for texture and a coffee scent. The same approach can be used when melting and reusing leftover candles. Add the grounds just before pouring the wax, and make sure they are thoroughly dry. Damp grounds can foam in the wax and create a rough surface. More grounds can strengthen the scent, but too many may interfere with the wick burning properly. Grounds can also be mixed with spices such as vanilla or cinnamon for scented candles.

Use in potting soil and dog grooming

Coffee grounds contain magnesium and potassium and may provide extra nutrients to plants when mixed into potting soil. Dry them thoroughly first to help prevent mold. Adding coffee grounds to dog shampoo is not recommended; caffeine a dog swallows while licking its coat can cause poisoning, from vomiting to tremors and seizures. Use flea products your veterinarian recommends. Mix only a small amount into the soil in a thin layer so it does not interfere with aeration. These are ways to reuse grounds before discarding them.

Drying and storing coffee grounds

Do not leave used grounds wet if you plan to reuse them; wet grounds can mold and develop an unpleasant smell quickly. Spread them in a thin layer on a tray and air-dry them or dry them in a low-temperature oven. Once dry, store the grounds in an airtight jar, where they can keep for weeks. Use them as needed for cleaning, plant care, or personal care.

Other uses around the home

To absorb lingering refrigerator odors, leave a small container of dried grounds inside overnight. Dry grounds sprinkled inside shoes may absorb moisture and reduce odors; shake the shoes out before wearing them in the morning. The same method can be used alongside moisture-absorbing containers in a closet. A small amount of grounds on a wet cloth can also help remove odors from wooden cutting boards.