What to do with your coffee grounds?

WHAT IS COFFEE GROUNDS?

Coffee grounds are the solid, granular residue left over after coffee preparation. If you use a coffee machine, it will be compacted into cakes.

What are the benefits of coffee grounds?

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of coffee grounds, due to their caffeine and phenolic compounds, make them beneficial for the skin and hair. It stimulates blood circulation and gives a firmer, more radiant appearance.

Environmentally, it encourages more sustainable consumption. Recycling it helps reduce waste and limits the use of the chemicals it replaces.

USING YOUR COFFFE GROUNDS IN THE GARDENS

Coffee grounds as a compost activator

Many of you compost coffee leftovers after grinding them with your peelings. But did you know that coffee grounds are also an excellent compost activator? Earthworms are particularly fond of it. 

It helps them to digest. Sensitive to caffeine, they are more active in transforming plants into compost. Don’t hesitate to add your coffee grounds to your compost bin.

Coffee grounds and fertilizer

Adding coffee grounds to your acid loving plants can also be a perfect fertilizer. Rich in potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen and magnesium, it’s a friend to plants. Slightly acidic, it’s perfect diluted with fresh potting soil at the foot of your hydrangeas or tomato plants.

However, be sure to respect the dilution limit: a handful of coffee grounds for one kilo of soil is enough! 

Use no more than a small amount once a month on outdoor plants and once every two months for indoor plants.

Coffee grounds as an insect repellent 

Coffee grounds are also an excellent insect repellent. You can use it against slugs, snails, caterpillars, ants, mosquitoes and fleas.

USING COFFEE GROUNDS AS A BEAUTY PRODUCT

Fashionistas and fans of DIY (Do It Yourself), coffee could well become your best ally. We’re hearing more and more from people who want to get away from the ‘all chemical’ approach. 

Gone are the creams and beauty products packed with products with unpronounceable names, without losing any of their charm. And who’d have thought it, your coffee powder could once again save your life!

Coffee grounds face mask and scrub

Toning and exfoliating, coffee grounds are a great ally for your face and body. Thanks to the caffeine it contains, it cleanses deep down and has an exceptional rejuvenating effect. Mix it with a little vegetable oil, like coconut oil, or honey and massage in a circular motion. In no time at all, pores are unclogged and a tightening effect guaranteed!

There’s no need to buy tons of cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising products. What’s more, you’ll reduce the potential allergic effects of chemical products. 

Coffee grounds are particularly kind to your skin.

Hair benefits

Coffee grounds promote hair growth and soothe itchy scalps. It also cares for oily hair, and can even replace a natural colourant.

To promote hair growth, simply apply as a conditioner to wet hair, massage in and rinse. The coffee beans exfoliate the scalp and stimulate blood circulation, boosting growth.

And you can tell its colouring properties just by looking at its colour. It revives colour and restores shine to brown and dark hair. It camouflages grey hair and slows its appearance.

USING COFFEE GROUNDS AS A HOUSEHOLD PRODUCT

It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. Coffee grounds are an excellent daily cleaning product. Although sceptical at first, some members of the team have tested it…. and their feedback is very surprising.

A super deodoriser

First of all, it removes stubborn garlic, onion or fish odours from your hands or even your fridge.

By filling a bowl with coffee grounds, you can deodorise everything without replacing the old smell with coffee. Coffee grounds absorb unpleasant odours. 

Coffee grounds last for about 2 weeks. Finally, when the smell returns, it’s time to change the contents of the bowl!

Drain maintenance

Leftover coffee also helps to prevent clogging and eliminate unpleasant odours. It’s the best way to reduce the risk of blockages (and the need to use expensive corrosive products).

Just put a tablespoon of grounds in your sink and run very hot water for about 2 minutes.

Thanks to the hot water, the coffee grounds will flow down your pipes and clean them naturally. It will also absorb odours.

Repeat the operation once a week. This method is preventive, preventing your sink from clogging up with grease from food scraps.

Coffee grounds to polish and clean furniture

Wet coffee grounds can be used to polish fine scratches on wooden furniture. To do this, rub gently with a cloth in small circles. 

It can also be used as an abrasive cleaner for greasy stoves. Stripper!

Coffee grounds as a natural dye

Coffee grounds can also be used as a natural dye for fabrics. Simply soak your clothing or fabric in a mixture of coffee grounds and water, then let it dry for a unique, earthy color. This is a great way to give new life to old clothes or add some character to plain white fabrics.

There are many ways to reuse your coffee grounds beyond just brewing another cup of coffee. From skincare to gardening, these little beans have endless potential. So the next time you make your morning brew, think twice before tossing out those used grounds and give them a new purpose instead. Your wallet and the planet will thank you!  Remember to always use organic coffee to ensure that you are reusing safe and chemical-free grounds. And don’t forget to share your creative uses for coffee grounds with us at MaxiCoffee!