If you enjoy a cup of coffee every morning, you are likely going through a whole lot of coffee grounds. And where do they end up? Most likely in the trash. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Here are some creative and unexpected ways you can make use of old coffee grounds.
Face mask
Coffee beans are rich in antioxidants, which are good for the skin. Coffee is also a diuretic, which can help release potential toxins through your pores. Plus, when used as a scrub, it is a great exfoliant. Livestrong recommends combining 1/4 cup used coffee grounds, 1 cup brown sugar, 3/4 cup olive oil and 1 teaspoon of honey in a lidded container. Mix the ingredients well, and keep this container in your shower to use as a facial scrub two to three times a week. Apply generously in gentle, circular motions with your fingertips so as to not dry out or overstress skin. The scrub should last about two weeks.
Cellulite reducer
Some professionals, such as Dr. Oz, believe the caffeine in coffee grounds can reduce the appearance of cellulite. To create a body scrub for this purpoise, mix old grounds with a little olive oil, and rub over affected areas. Complete the process standing on a towel or in the shower, as it can get messy. It might be messy, but it sure beats spending $50 to $100 on any of the creams out there.
Hand exfoliant
Because of their coarse texture, used coffee grounds are great for smoothing dry, chapped hands. Simply keep a small container of old coffee grounds by the kitchen sink, and scrub your hands with a tablespoon or two of it when you’ve finished washing the dishes.
Plant fertilizer
Coffee grounds are compostable, and that makes them great for helping your plants grow. Mix old grounds in with the soil of your potted plants, toss them into your compost, or add them to your flower beds when gardening season starts. They easily blend with soil and will give your plants additional nutrients they wouldn’t get otherwise.
Deodorizer
Coffee grounds are great at absorbing odors. Reader’s Digest recommends placing used grounds in a small bowl and placing them in areas with pungent smells, such as the fridge or freezer, overnight. You can even add a couple of drops of vanilla for an added scent.
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