6 ways to reuse coffee grounds

Coffee is widely consumed during breakfast to help people stay awake in the morning but did you know that it has more uses than acting as a stimulant? Do not throw away those coffee grounds just yet because here is a list of six ways you can reuse and recycle coffee in and around your home.

INSECT AND PEST REPELLENT

Natural Living Ideas suggests that instead of buying insect repellent from the store, why not make your own version from used coffee grounds? Simply sprinkle them around potted plants, bushes and grass in your garden to prevent pests like slugs and snails from destroying them. If you also have stray cats lurking around, you can mix dried used coffee grounds with dried orange peels to keep them at bay.

NATURAL EXFOLIATING SCRUB

Feeling like you need a good scrub? Don't grab that new exfoliator you saw on the TV last night! The Earthy Mama recommends getting rid of those pesky dead skin cells and clogged pores with used coffee ground scrub mix.

Simply combine two tablespoons of dried coffee grounds and two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Mix them thoroughly then rub the mixture onto skin while in the shower. Rinse well with lukewarm water and your whole body will feel energized all day long.

DIY FRIDGE DEODORIZER

Used coffee grounds has the same effect as baking soda when absorbing bad food odors. This Old House writes that leaving a bowl of dried grounds in your fridge or freezer can naturally remove the smell of stale, spoiled and rotten food inside. As an added treat, once the grounds has done its part, you can toss it in the compost to be used as a fertilizer for your plants.

NATURAL HAIR LIFTER

Natural Living Ideas adds that if you wish to remove residue brought about by the use of commercial shampoos and conditioners, simply grab a handful of used coffee grounds before you shampoo, massage it in your hair then wash it with lukewarm water. It will restore your hair's natural shine and glow.

SCRATCH-FREE YOUR FURNITURE

Having kids and small animals inside the house can easily damage your dark wooden furniture. Of course, you can always buy a new one but instead of spending money on expensive furniture, why not try to use coffee grounds as a natural scratch remover? The Earthy Mama writes that all you need to do is dip a cotton swab in a steeped coffee grounds solution, then dab it onto the scratches.

CONTAIN ASHES FROM GOING AIRBORNE

Did you have a recent camp fire in your backyard? To avoid making those sneeze-inducing ashes fly towards your face when you try to sweep them, This Old House suggests sprinkling damp and used coffee grounds on the ashes first before sweeping them. This is also useful if you have an indoor fireplace to avoid making too much mess.