Uh oh...
It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
Read More about this safari issue.
It’s no secret around here that we love our coffee! So, there was no way we would let National Coffee Day (Sept. 29) pass without joining the conversation. Much has already been said in our corner of the internet about coffee, coffee shops, coffee trails, coffee with a view and more. And we don’t plan to stop anytime soon.
But today, instead of highlighting another cozy café or must-try latte, we’re grounding ourselves (literally) in a different way. This year, we’re celebrating the humble coffee ground, the byproduct that often gets tossed out without a second thought. It turns out those leftover grounds have uses far beyond your morning cup of joe.
Everyday Ways to Use Coffee Grounds
Fertilizer and Soil Conditioner
Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, calcium and potassium, nutrients that promote plant growth. You can sprinkle them directly onto your garden soil, mix them into potting soil or add them to compost. Worms especially enjoy coffee, so the grounds can also enhance the health of your compost bin.
Insect and Pest Repellent
Sprinkle used coffee grounds around patios, decks or flower beds, and you’ll create a natural barrier against ants, slugs, snails and even neighborhood cats that like to dig. The caffeine and aroma are unpleasant to many small pests, making this a simple, eco-friendly repellent.
Natural Deodorizer
Coffee’s bold scent makes it a surprisingly effective odor neutralizer. Keep a small bowl of dried grounds in your refrigerator or freezer to absorb unwanted smells, much like baking soda does. You can also bundle grounds in cheesecloth or a handkerchief and tuck them into closets, garages or trash can areas for a natural freshener.
Body Scrub and Beauty Boost
Coffee is just as good for your skin as it is for your morning routine. The coarse particles in grounds act as a natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin. Some even say the caffeine can temporarily tighten the skin and reduce puffiness. Mix grounds with coconut oil for a simple DIY body scrub, or add them to soap for a spa-like touch. Many local Arkansas soap shops use coffee grounds in their most popular products.
Household Cleaner and Scrub
The coarse texture of grounds acts as a gentle abrasive. Use them to scrub pots, pans or grills with stubborn residue. They are strong enough for tough jobs but still gentle compared to harsh chemical cleaners.
Touch Up Furniture Scratches
A simple coffee hack can mask minor scuffs and scratches on dark wood furniture. Mix damp coffee grounds into a paste and carefully rub it into the scratch. Wipe away the excess, and the mark will blend in more naturally.
Natural Dye for Crafts
From dyeing fabric to aging paper for a craft project, coffee grounds produce beautiful natural tones. Artists and DIY enthusiasts use them to stain wood, make homemade paints or add unique textures to artwork.
In the Kitchen
Coffee grounds can also sneak into your cooking. A popular trick among grill masters is to add them to a spice rub for beef, pork or wild game. The earthy flavor of coffee balances sweet and smoky tastes, creating a tasty bark on smoked or grilled meats. You can also use coffee grounds in marinades as a natural tenderizer.
Celebrating Coffee Day in Arkansas
Of course, the best way to celebrate National Coffee Day is still to enjoy a perfectly brewed cup, whether you like yours black, iced, flavored or foamy. Here in Arkansas, we’re fortunate to have a vibrant coffee culture, from small-town roasters to destination-worthy cafés. If you’re searching for a new spot to sip, we’ve made it simple: explore our new coffee roundup page, where you’ll find all of our coffee articles in one place.
Closing Thoughts
Coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a community, a ritual, and even a resource when you look beyond the cup. This National Coffee Day, enjoy your favorite brew, but don’t toss out those grounds too quickly. They may just brighten up your home, garden, or kitchen in ways you never expected.
We do the work.
You check your email.
Sign up for our weekly e-news.
Get stories sent straight to your inbox!
Like this story? Read more from Keisha Pittman McKinney
Mississippi County may be known for its endless rows of cotton and...
Few things bring people together like food. In Turkey and among Turkish...
Arkansas is full of surprises, and one of the most lively is how Hispanic...
Join the Conversation
Leave a Comment