Coffee grounds: 5 ways to reuse it on a daily basis

Each day, millions of coffee cups are consumed around the world, generating an impressive amount of residues: coffee grounds. Too often thrown into the trash, this natural by-product nevertheless is full of unsuspected virtues. Rich in nutrients, biodegradable, abrasive but sweet, coffee grounds have properties that make it an ecological and economic ally in many domestic uses. Here are five simple and effective ways to reuse the daily coffee grounds .

A natural fertilizer for the garden

The coffee grounds are a boon for amateur gardeners as well as confirmed. Thanks to its wealth of nitrogen, potassium, magnesium and other trace elements, it acts as a soft organic fertilizer, ideal for enriching the earth with your plants.

How to use it?

Directly on the ground : once dried, it can be spread at the foot of the plants or mixed with the earth. It improves soil structure, promotes water retention and nourishes useful microorganisms.
In the compost : integrated into the compost, the coffee grounds accelerate the decomposition of organic matter and contributes to obtaining a richer humus. Be careful, however, not to excess to avoid the acidification of the mixture.
For potted plants : in small quantities, it stimulates the growth of plants such as tomatoes, hydrangeas or even strawberries.

Trick

Earthworms, precious allies on the ground, love coffee grounds. Their presence promotes ventilation and soil fertility.

A natural repellent against certain harmful

Few know it, but coffee grounds are also a natural repellent. Its smell and texture dissuade many insects and parasites from approaching your home or plants.

Targeted insects:

Ants
Slugs and snails
Aphids
Mosquitoes (when burned)

Application methods:

Around plants : sprinkle with marc around plants to be protected. Its granular texture embarks on the displacement of slugs.
On windows or entrances : mixed with a little lemon, the coffee grounds are a natural barrier against ants.
Burned in a cup : outside, the dried marc then burnt gently gives off a light smoke that keeps mosquitoes away, a bit like incense.

Excellent exfoliating body treatment

Rich in antioxidants and slightly abrasive, coffee grounds are an excellent homemade cosmetic ingredient, especially for skin exfoliation. It allows you to clean up in depth while stimulating blood circulation.

Prepare an exfoliation for coffee grounds:

Simple recipe : Mix a marc spoon with a spoon of vegetable oil (coconut, olive or sweet almond).
Application : Massage gently on the damp skin in circular movements, then rinse.

This natural treatment eliminates dead cells, refines the skin texture and leaves a feeling of softness. It is particularly appreciated for rough areas such as elbows, knees or heels.

Bonus: anti-cellulite effect

Thanks to the caffeine it contains, coffee grounds stimulate microcirculation and help dislodge fats. Used regularly, it can alleviate the appearance of cellulite.

Effective and natural deodorant

Coffee grounds have the ability to absorb sting odors. Used indoors, it can advantageously replace chemical deodorants that are often expensive and not very ecological.

Concrete uses:

In the refrigerator : Place a MARC SEC cup on a shelf, it will neutralize bad odors.
In the shoes : wrapped in a compress or a small fabric bag, it absorbs moisture and smells.
In the pipes : a spoon of Marc poured into the sink with hot water allows you to clean and deodorize the pipes (without abusing them so as not to plug them).

Important

The coffee grounds must be very dry before being used as a deodorizer, otherwise it could mold or give off an unpleasant odor.

A spare ally to clean and scour

Thanks to its slightly abrasive texture, coffee grounds are also an excellent natural household product. It makes it possible to challenge without scratching, while being ecological and safe for health.

Usage ideas:

Cleaning the pots and stoves : rub a small amount of marc on the dirty surfaces using a sponge, then rinse.
Detaching of surfaces : used on the stainless steel sink or the barbecue grid, it eliminates tenacious residues.
Hand cleaning : After handling fish, garlic or onions, rub your hands with a little marc allows you to neutralize odors.

To avoid:

The Marc should not be used on porous, white or clear surfaces, at the risk of leaving brown traces that are difficult to make left.

In summary: a small gesture for a big impact

Reuse the coffee grounds is to adopt a simple, economical and ecological reflex. This too often neglected household waste can become a precious ally in the garden, the bathroom, the kitchen or even for the maintenance of the house. By multiplying these small everyday gestures, everyone can help reduce waste, limit the use of chemicals and enhance natural resources available free of charge.

Some practical tips

Storage : store the marc in a jar open in the open air or dry it in the oven to avoid the development of mold.
Quantities : even if the marc is useful, its use must remain moderate, especially in gardening so as not to unbalance the soils.
Origin : If possible, favor organic and untreated coffee to limit chemical residues in your Marc.

With a little creativity, the coffee grounds are perfectly written in a zero waste approach. The next time you prepare an espresso or a filter, think about it: your Marc still has a lot to offer.

Also to discover: can we create coffee without coffee, focus on cell or synthetic coffee?