Picture this: you’ve finished an uplifting cup of morning coffee and are readying yourself for the clear-up. The used coffee grounds are about to end up in the bin, or worse, washed down the sink (hello, plumbing bill). Not only can that block your pipes faster than you can say ‘flat white,’ but you’re also chucking away a surprisingly handy little byproduct.
Here are five clever ways to give your used coffee grounds a second lease of life – your skin, your plants, and even your Netflix setup will thank you.
Make your own body and face coffee exfoliator
The same product that gets you through your mornings is also packed with antioxidants (yes, science backs it up). Even after brewing your coffee, those leftover grounds are still extremely rich in polyphenols like chlorogenic acids, which help hydrate your skin and keep it looking fresh. From caffeine skin boosters to premium face masks and exfoliators, that’s why so many beauty brands swear by it. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to splurge on fancy products. Making your own coffee face and body scrub at home is so easy. All you need are used coffee grounds, a tiny bit of coconut oil, and a clean, airtight container.
Here’s how to make your used coffee ground scrub:
- 60g used coffee grounds
- 50g melted coconut oil
- Optional: 2 tsp brown sugar or a few drops of your favourite essential oil
Just mix everything together in a bowl until it forms a gritty paste and pop it into a clean container.
Use coffee ground fertiliser for healthy plant growth and richer soil
Have you ever thought that your garden may be craving a little caffeine fix too? While it’s not widely known, coffee grounds make an excellent natural fertiliser. They’re rich in nitrogen, which encourages healthy plant growth and improves soil structure. Plus, they contain helpful trace minerals like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, making coffee grounds an excellent supplement to soil.
The best part? It’s super easy to utilise them. You can sprinkle dried coffee grounds directly on your plants or mix a small amount into the top layer of the soil to enrich it. Just don’t go overboard since coffee grounds are slightly acidic, so moderation is key here. You can even brew a very weak coffee ‘tea’ (never thought we would be recommending this) by soaking your used coffee grounds in water overnight, then use it to water your plants. As a bonus, coffee grounds are also great at keeping pests like slugs and ants at bay. It’s an easy, sustainable win that your garden will be extremely thankful for.
Add used coffee grounds to your compost pile
If you’re a dedicated Mozzo drinker and find yourself with more used coffee grounds than your garden can absorb, composting is a brilliant way to make them work double duty. Coffee grounds are considered a ‘green’ compost material which pairs well with ‘brown’ materials like dried leaves, cardboard or shredded newspaper. This balance is essential for a healthy compost pile. Just be sure to mix them in well. Too many coffee grounds in one spot can get compacted and block airflow.
Clean your home with used coffee grounds
As it turns out, your used coffee grounds aren’t just good for your skin or plants, they are surprisingly brilliant for cleaning around the house too. Thanks to their naturally gritty texture, they make an excellent gentle abrasive, ideal for tackling stubborn stains, lifting grease off pans, and even giving your sinks and bathtubs a much-needed refresh. All you have to do is mix the damp grounds with a little dish soap and you’ve got yourself a powerful, sustainable cleaning scrub.
Make your own coffee-scented candle
Believe it or refuse to, the cosy season is not far around the corner. Think: oversized sweaters, way too much Netflix, and crisp autumn walks. But here is a little secret: you can make your own coffee-scented candle using, well, you guessed it, your used coffee grounds.
Not only will it smell like your favourite coffee shop on a rainy Sunday, but it’s also a genius way to reuse what would otherwise end up in the bin. Imagine warm, earthy, espresso vibes filling your home while you binge-watch your comfort show. It sounds like pure autumn magic.
Here’s how to make your own soy wax candle (no barista needed)
You’ll need:
- 90g soy wax flakes
- 1 tbsp dried used coffee grounds
- 1 candle wick
-
1 heat-safe mug (approx. 200ml capacity)
Instructions:
- Melt the soy wax in a bain-marie (or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between).
- Once melted, add in your dried coffee grounds and stir gently.
- Place your wick in the centre of your container and pour in the wax mixture. Use a pencil or chopstick to hold the wick upright while it sets.
- Let the candle cool and harden completely (a few hours), then trim the wick.
Final thoughts
Your used coffee grounds are far from useless. From nourishing your plants and skin to making your home smell like a coffee shop, these little leftovers are surprisingly versatile. So next time you brew your favourite Mozzo filter or espresso coffee, just know that great coffee doesn’t stop giving when the cup is empty.
