Don’t waste your beans!...

Our family goes through a lot of coffee—no surprises there. One morning, watching everyone brew their favourite blends, discarding the used grounds into the knock pot and tossing them into the bin. I started wondering—couldn’t those leftovers be put to better use? So I did a little digging, and it turns out, there are some surprisingly clever (and eco-friendly) ideas out there. Here are a few that caught my attention.

1. Use it as a fertilizer

When you’ve finished your brews, collect the ground beans and add them to your compost bin. If you’re a pour-over aficionado then the used paper filters can join the party too—they’re compost-friendly and break down beautifully. 

It's all about balance

Coffee grounds are “green” compost material. They’re nitrogen-rich, which plants love. But they need to mix with “brown” materials like dried leaves, twigs, or shredded paper (yes, your junk mail finally has a purpose). Shoot for a 4:1 brown-to-green ratio.

Flip It

Give your compost pile a nice turn every now and then- the recommendation is at least once a week, but it really depends on the size and materials used.  Turning it helps air get in and speeds up the breakdown process, turning your pile into rich, earthy goodness in no time.

We have a compost bin and turn it only once a year when we empty it ready to feed the plants and veg patch. We just add a variety of vegetable/fruit waste, paper and leaves and after a year it's completely decomposed.  

Is it Ready?

Easy—it’ll be dark, crumbly, and smell like the forest floor after a good rain. That’s your green light to use it as mulch or mix it into your soil.

Grounds for a Greener Planet

By composting coffee grounds, you’re reducing landfill waste and giving your soil a nutrient boost packed with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and even copper.  I’m no eco-warrior or want to preach but this just makes sense.  You get to save money, making you feel good about not dumping it into landfill, looking after your plants and finally you’re doing something different and connecting with nature.

Don’t want to Compost

No problem,  you can still use coffee grounds as a natural fertilizer—just sprinkle a bit around your plants. But remember: a little goes a long way. 

Give it a go, experiment and see if it yields the results you’re looking to achieve.

2. Remove Fleas from Your Pet

Meet Shooga….

If you weren't already aware, we have a cat whose name is Shooga!..  And every year especially in spring she’s outside playing with other local cats and gets fleas.

My daughter then, chases her around and uses a flee comb to rid her of those pesky mites-much to the annoyance of Shooga, so I thought lets give this handy home remedy a go this year.

Suds Up!- Start with a good ol’ bath using your pet’s usual shampoo. (Not sure if she’s going to hate me after this stage!)

Coffee Time- Grab those used, cooled coffee grounds and gently rub them into your pet’s damp fur. Think of it like a mini spa scrub—just don’t get too close to the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Rinse-a-roo- Rinse your pet thoroughly to wash away every last bit of coffee.

Fluff and Puff- Towel-dry your furry pal, then give them a good brush to make sure they’re soft, clean, and coffee-ground-free.

***A Few Improtant things to keep in Mind:***

• Caffeine = No-No
  Coffee grounds are fine for external use, but they must never be eaten—caffeine is toxic to pets.

• Mild, Not Mighty
  Coffee grounds might help a little with fleas, but don’t expect miracles. Think of it as a gentle, natural boost—not a cure-all.

• Vet Knows Best
  If fleas are out of control, skip the home hacks and check in with your vet. They’ll help you find the right solution for your pet.

3. Neutralize odours

Bowls of Freshness

Dry your used coffee grounds and pop them into small bowls or dishes. Place them anywhere that needs a little freshening up—bathrooms, kitchens, cupboards, or that mysterious-smelling corner of the laundry room.
Over time, (a few weeks to a month), the grounds will quietly absorb lingering odours, no artificial sprays required.

DIY Deodoriser Sachets

Got an old sock or a mesh bag lying around? Fill it with dried coffee grounds and tie it off. These homemade sachets make perfect portable air fresheners. Tuck them into gym bags, drawers, your car, or even your shoes. 

Refreshing a Carpet

Sprinkle a thin layer of dry coffee grounds over the area. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to work its magic. Then simply vacuum it up—bye-bye odours, hello freshness! 

More Smell-Busting Hacks

• Fridge Fix: Place a small bowl of coffee grounds in the fridge to soak up funky food smells.

• Board Cleaner: Use grounds to gently scrub wooden chopping boards—they help remove stains and smells without harsh chemicals.

• Garden Guardian: Sprinkle around plants to deter garden pests like ants, snails, and slugs (turns out they’re not fans of your morning brew).

4. Insect  repellent-Buzz Off, Bugs: (I like the alliteration) 

Burning Coffee Grounds for Bug-Repelling Smoke

How
Place a layer of dry coffee grounds in a flame-proof container—think old pie tin, metal tray, or a bit of aluminum foil.

Light It Up:
Carefully light the top of the grounds. They’ll smolder slowly, releasing a fragrant, smoky aroma that insects find highly unappealing.

Where to Place:
Set the smoldering grounds upwind from where you’re sitting or working outdoors. The smoke creates a natural barrier that helps keep bugs at bay.

Safety Tip:
Only burn coffee grounds outdoors and always use caution. Keep away from flammable materials and never leave it unattended.

Scatter Grounds to Defend Your Territory

How To:
Simply sprinkle used (and dried!) coffee grounds around patios, picnic spots, doorways, or garden beds.

Why It Works:
The strong scent acts as a natural deterrent—many insects avoid the smell altogether.

Bonus Tip:
Draw a line of grounds around your garden plants to help stop slugs and snails in their slimy tracks. They hate crawling through it.

Watering with Coffee Grounds

How To:
Dilute leftover coffee or mix some grounds into your watering can before hydrating your garden.

Benefits:
Not only can this method discourage mosquito larvae from breeding, but it also gives your plants a little nutrient boost.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind:

• Fresh vs. Used: Both fresh and used grounds work, but fresh ones tend to pack a stronger punch.

• Dry It Out: Always dry used coffee grounds completely before burning or scattering them—wet grounds can go moldy.

• Not a Cure-All: Coffee grounds work best as part of a broader pest-repelling strategy. Combine with insect-repellent plants (like citronella or lavender), physical barriers, or eco-friendly sprays for maximum effect.

• Results May Vary: Coffee doesn’t repel all bugs, and effectiveness can depend on the type of insect and local environment.

We hope you enjoyed these creative ways to reuse your coffee grounds!
Want more inspiration and updates? Follow us on social media to see what we’re brewing next.

Molly’s latest creation? A dreamy hazelnut cream Frappuccino made with our Kenya beans—mmm, delicious.