The coffee industry, although bringing joy and satisfaction to consumers, cannot avoid having a significant impact on the environment. From growing and processing to transporting and roasting coffee, every step in the supply chain requires energy use and contributes to carbon emissions, increasing the problem of climate change.
Used coffee grounds, which many people often ignore, are actually an important part of the environmental impact chain.
Duc sees a lot of coffee shops throwing away coffee grounds, which is a waste!
Many people may think that throwing away it along with other organic waste is safe, but this is often not the case. When they are thrown into landfills, used coffee grounds interact with the surrounding environment and create harmful wastes and gases.
The consequences can be significant when we do not handle thoroughly. Duc thought why can’t we make the most of the value of used coffee grounds by reusing them.
Coffee grounds can be used as organic fertilizer to provide nutrients to the soil, helping to improve soil structure and increase water holding capacity. In addition, it can also be used in composting landscape plants or mushroom production.
Yes, those are just 2 out of 15 effects of coffee grounds on daily life!
With Duc and Kim Coffee, let’s start more!
What are coffee grounds?
Coffee powder, after being mixed through a filter with hot water to remove “pure coffee juice”, coffee grounds are the remaining part that is insoluble in water. Coffee grounds are black or dark brown depending on the original coffee source.
Or you can simply understand it another way:
Coffee grounds are the finely textured particles left over after water passes through the coffee grounds during the brewing process. This grounds includes both water-soluble components (such as flavors, oils, and acids that give coffee its flavor) and insoluble components (such as cellulose and other plant matter).
Coffee grounds are a natural byproduct of the coffee brewing process and are usually discarded after brewing. However, they can also have many other uses beyond making coffee.
Let’s start with 15 uses and effects of coffee grounds that Duc compiled in the next section!
15 Benefits and effects of coffee grounds
Duc once mentioned in an article about the health benefits of coffee on Kim Coffee and other ingredients of coffee are not inferior such as Caffeine, coffee grounds, ….
Related guide: What is caffeine? How much caffeine per day is okay?
And in this article, we will dedicate a small corner to the uses and effects of coffee grounds!
If you don’t know what it are for, it’s a waste because there are up to 15 effects, from beauty, health care to plants.
Let’s go!
Plant fertilizer
Used coffee grounds - left over after using a coffee maker or “coffee filter” - contain significant amounts of nitrogen, as well as potassium and phosphorus,’ says coffee expert Lewis Spencer of Coffee Direct
These properties make them perfect for gardening activities, such as composting. It’s a creative way to utilize something that would otherwise end up in landfill.
Coffee grounds are an excellent fertilizer because they contain several important nutrients needed for plant growth. They can also help attract worms and reduce heavy metal concentrations in the soil.
To use the residue as fertilizer, simply sprinkle the residue directly onto your soil and rake gently. Coffee grounds add organic matter to the soil, helping with water retention, aeration and drainage
Repels insects and vermin
Coffee grounds contain compounds such as caffeine and diterpenes that are toxic to many insects. So you can use them to repel mosquitoes, fruit flies, beetles and other pests.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), It’s an effective way to keep insects out of your garden.
Not only is this option more environmentally friendly than the average pest repellent on the market, but it’s also easier to source and even easier on the wallet.
Remove fleas from your pet
Like other insects, fleas do not like coffee. Bathing your pet in used coffee grounds can help repel fleas.
Just rub evenly on your pet’s fur after shampooing. Then rinse and let your pet dry as usual.
However, may be less effective than the prescription product, so if your pet has fleas and this treatment doesn’t work, you can contact your vet to discuss alternatives.
Additionally, coffee grounds should only be used externally. They can be toxic to dogs if consumed.
Coffee grounds eliminate odors
According to a study published in Sciencedirect (the world’s leading source for scientific, technical and medical research) “Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, which helps remove foul-smelling sulfur gas from the air when it combines with carbon”
In other words, it can help absorb and eliminate odors. Here are a few tips you can try:
- Eliminate refrigerator odors: Put coffee in a small bag/cup, then place it in a corner of the refrigerator to quickly eliminate odors without affecting the food. You can leave coffee grounds in the refrigerator for about 3-4 weeks then replace them to maintain effectiveness.
- Deodorize the car: When taking a taxi, you’ve probably seen drivers hanging a small bag of coffee beans next to them, right? That’s because of the deodorizing effect of coffee, but you can absolutely use coffee grounds to do this.
- Deodorize onions and garlic: Use to scrub your hands after cutting onions and garlic to quickly and effectively remove odors.
Natural detergent
Coffee grounds have abrasive properties, capable of removing clogging agents on difficult-to-clean surfaces. They also have the ability to provide hygiene through their antibacterial and antiviral properties.
If you want to avoid using chemicals, using used coffee grounds may be an option worth trying.
They can be applied to scrub the sink, brighten cooking utensils (do not use inside pans, pots… as it can scratch) or clean your grill.
However, be careful and do not use them on any porous surface, as they can create unwanted brown stains.
Remove scratches on furniture
If you have ever owned a set of wooden furniture, you have certainly felt the scratches that easily appear on it.
Among dozens of products to help reduce scratches, Duc wants to share a suggestion, before you go to the store - try using coffee grounds.
Start by making a smooth paste from coffee grounds and water.
Next, use a cotton swab to gently apply this mixture to the scratch, leave it for 5-10 minutes and then gently wipe it off with a soft towel.
This action will bring shine to the scratch and make it disappear under the dark brown tones of the wood.
Repeat the process, continuing to apply coffee grounds to the scratch with a cotton swab until you achieve the color you desire, leaving a few hours between applications to allow absorption to occur.
Reduces the appearance of Cellulite
Cellulite is a condition where the skin is dimpled and rough. It affects 80–90% of adult women.
It occurs when fatty deposits push through the connective tissue under your skin and is commonly found on the buttocks and thighs.
Coffee grounds can help reduce the appearance of cellulite by breaking down fatty deposits and increasing blood flow to the area thereby reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Simply mix the residue with water or coconut oil and rub for 10 minutes twice weekly on any areas affected by cellulite.
Helps hair stay healthy
A study from the National Institutes of Health found that caffeine in used coffee grounds stimulates hair growth in humans
Similarly, another study from the National Institutes of Health found that applying caffeine to the skin increases blood flow and promotes hair growth.
You can clearly feel that shampoos and hair styling products often leave behind residue, making hair color seem dull and making hair feel heavy.
To remove dead skin cells on the scalp, Duc tried using coffee grounds and discovered it has the ability to effectively clean accumulated dead skin cells.
Before starting the shampooing process, use a little coffee grounds and gently massage it into your scalp and hair for a few minutes. Then, proceed to wash and rinse your hair as usual.
These steps have become an indispensable part of Duc’s hair care. Done once or twice a week, or whenever Duc feels the need, this action gives Duc not only refreshing hair but also a feeling of comfort and confidence.
Coffee grounds are used as natural dyes
If you have ever experienced spilling coffee on a white shirt, you will understand the feeling of coffee stains.
By using used coffee grounds and wetting them, you have the ability to create a natural and cost-effective dye that is suitable for coloring fabrics such as cotton, synthetic fibers, printing paper, linen and paper.
This method is simple but highly effective, helping to give fabrics and paper a vintage look or hide unwanted stains on clothes and towels.
Imagine, it can even be used to dye Easter eggs or create a deep color for hair.
While commercial foods and chemicals in hair dye often contain a range of potentially harmful chemicals, used coffee grounds stand out as a safe alternative.
If you’re ready to dye a piece of fabric or yarn for sewing or knitting, don’t forget to wash it in cold water with a mild detergent before starting the dyeing process.
Coffee grounds treat dark eye circles
The skin around the eyes is extremely delicate and contains very little fatty tissue. Therefore, this is one of the first places you may see signs of aging.
According to 2 studies from the US National Institutes of Health, “Infraorbital dark circles - Evaluation of clinical effectiveness” and “safety of eye patches containing caffeine and vitamin K in Emu oil emulsion“, Skin care products containing antioxidants and caffeine can help prevent the appearance of aging and reduce dark circles under the eyes.
Caffeine has anti-inflammatory properties and stimulates blood circulation around the eyes to help reduce the appearance of dark circles and swelling.
The antioxidants in coffee can also help fight free radicals, which contribute to skin aging. Therefore, when applied to the skin they will help prevent aging and reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
Simply combine some fresh coffee grounds with egg whites and apply to the under eye area for a quick treatment that reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
Coffee grounds for face mask
Applying a coffee grounds mask regularly will reverse the signs of aging. The grounds of coffee have the effect of firming, shrinking pores, and preventing wrinkles extremely effectively.
Therefore, to keep your skin youthful longer and repel signs of aging, don’t forget to apply mask regularly.
Coffee grounds treat stretch marks
Coffee grounds are also a “miracle drug” in treating stretch marks caused by pregnancy or rapid weight gain during puberty.
When used, coffee grounds provide necessary nutrients to help increase resistance for healthier skin, stimulate collagen production, even skin tone and improve elasticity, gradually stretch marks gradually disappear.
Coffee grounds tenderize meat
Meat contains muscle fibers and proteins that can give it a chewy texture.
Tenderizing meat helps break it down, resulting in a softer texture.
Salt, enzymes and acids are three types of natural meat tenderizers. Coffee contains natural acids and enzymes, making it especially effective in tenderizing meat.
The acidic nature of coffee can also help enhance the flavor of meat.
Simply add used coffee grounds to your favorite “dry rub recipe” and apply to meat two hours before cooking.
The pulp will stick to the meat and form a dark, crispy crust.
Alternatively, you can compost the grounds used to make coffee, let it cool, and use it to marinate meat in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Scrub pots and pans
You can use coffee grounds to scrub pots and pans. Their abrasive texture helps remove caked-on food.
You can use them to scrape clean dishes and remove food stuck to pots and pans. Just sprinkle the residue directly onto pots and pans and scrub as usual.
Exfoliates dead skin cells
According to a study from the National Institutes of Health, coffee grounds can increase blood flow, supporting overall skin health.
Essences have an exfoliating effect, helping to remove dirt and dead cells on the skin.
Simple to use, just mix with a little water or coconut oil, then apply directly to face and body to rub.
In addition, it can be combined with gentle honey, becoming a great choice for exfoliating dead skin cells on the lips.
Along with that, the caffeine in coffee grounds also has strong antioxidant properties, helping to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays from the sun.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
How long do coffee grounds last?
Can be kept for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator to avoid mold. If you want to use it for a long time, you can put in a zip bag and store it in the freezer of the refrigerator, which can last up to several months.
Can moldy coffee grounds be used?
Moldy coffee grounds will lose their effectiveness and can affect your health. It’s best not to use it and discard it immediately after discovery
Do coffee grounds need to be dried?
If you don’t want to store it in the refrigerator, you can completely dry and then put them in a glass jar to store like regular coffee powder.
Do coffee grounds clog drains?
Coffee grounds can clog drains if you pour them down the sink or toilet. Coffee grounds can stick to grease and other residue, forming large clumps that can clog drains.
You should be throwing it in the trash or recycling it some other way.
Can coffee grounds treat acne?
Contain natural anti-pollutants and acids, and also have exfoliating properties. Therefore, it can help cleanse the skin and reduce bacteria, both of which are important factors in preventing acne.
However, Duc did not find scientific research clearly proving the effectiveness in treating acne.
If you want to try it, you can make a mask from coffee grounds and coconut oil or honey, then apply it to the affected area. Remember to test your skin’s reaction before using it completely.
Where do you buy it?
If you are not someone who regularly drinks coffee at home, you can buy at pure, reputable coffee shops with clear origins. Especially in beauty, you should buy organic coffee grounds to ensure health safety.
Most of us often throw away the remaining coffee after brewing. However, taking advantage of them can be done through many creative ways.
Caffeine and antioxidant compounds in coffee grounds can help fight cellulite, reduce dark circles under the eyes as well as signs of skin aging.
In addition, coffee grounds contain many useful nutrients that can provide nutrients to plants and at the same time prevent the growth of pests in your garden.
Not only that, the abrasive nature makes them an effective cleaning ingredient for tasks around the house.
The next time you enjoy a cup of coffee, Duc recommends that you consider the possibility of reusing coffee grounds through some of the ideas mentioned in this article.
I am the owner of Kim Coffee and a coffee enthusiast. Of course, my passions extend beyond coffee, especially to technology.
I am an experienced blogger with a deep understanding of marketing, particularly in the area of website SEO.
Coffee is my inspiration, and that’s why I am a part of Kim Coffee.
