10 Creative Ways to Use Old Coffee Grounds
Updated - Team Colipse
Used coffee grounds are the damp, compacted remains of coffee beans that have already been brewed. These used grounds are biodegradable because they are organic material that naturally breaks down in soil. After brewing, coffee grounds are typically discarded, but they can be reused or composted instead of going to landfills. Used coffee grounds are good for enriching garden soil, deterring pests, and reducing odors in refrigerators or trash bins. These grounds are safe for the environment because they do not contain harmful chemicals and can support sustainable waste practices when composted or repurposed. The following list shows 10 ways to recycle used coffee grounds at home.
- Fertilize Your Garden with Used Coffee Grounds
- Use Old Coffee Grounds in Composting
- Repel Insects and Pests with Leftover Coffee Grounds
- Remove Fleas from Your Pet Using Old Coffee Grounds
- Neutralize Odors Using Spent Coffee Grounds
- Use Old Coffee Grounds as a Natural Cleaning Scrub
- Clean Your Pots and Pans with Used Coffee Grounds
- Exfoliate Your Skin Using Old Coffee Grounds
- Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite with Used Coffee Grounds
- Use Leftover Coffee Grounds as a Natural Dye
1. Fertilize Your Garden with Used Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds fertilize soil by adding organic matter and improving drainage, aeration, and moisture retention. They also supply nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to restore depleted nutrients. Used coffee grounds support soil microbes and release compounds that improve soil aggregation. Their neutral pH makes them safe and unlikely to acidify soil, unlike fresh grounds. According to the 2024 study published in Foods by Athari K Mesmar, adding spent coffee grounds to fertilizer improved red radish growth and soil quality more than chemical fertilizer alone. However, spent coffee grounds work best when combined with top dressing or vermicompost, not when used alone. Nitrogen-loving plants like tomatoes, blueberries, and azaleas benefit from coffee grounds, while succulents, rosemary, and basil may be sensitive to overuse. Apply grounds sparingly and mix them into compost, leaf mulch, or soil to create a balanced amendment.
2. Use Old Coffee Grounds in Composting
Old coffee grounds are compostable and add nitrogen-rich organic matter to garden soil. They improve structure, moisture retention, and support healthy plant growth. A 2024 study published in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry found that combining nitrogen with spent coffee grounds significantly increased total dry matter, flower production, and antioxidant activity in Chrysanthemum plants. The highest concentration of spent coffee grounds (10%) also raised levels of beneficial compounds like rosmarinic, chlorogenic, and caffeic acids in the leaves. Used coffee grounds speed up composting by feeding microbes and boosting decomposition. Mix them thoroughly to prevent clumping, which can block airflow and slow the process. Compost moldy, expired, or stale coffee grounds with caution to avoid spreading unwanted fungi. Fresh grounds are too acidic for some plants, so use used grounds instead for safer composting.
3. Repel Insects and Pests with Leftover Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds repel pests like ants, slugs, and mosquitoes, but they are not a complete solution. They work best as a natural, low-cost supplement to broader pest control methods. They block ant trails, deter slugs and snails with texture, and repel flying insects when burned. A 2015 study in Parasites & Vectors found that strong coffee extracts keep gravid Aedes albopictus mosquitoes from laying eggs and make them retain those eggs longer. The same extracts sharply reduce mosquito hatch rates and deter egg-laying while controlling dengue larvae. However, used coffee grounds are ineffective against cockroaches, rodents, and aphids.
4. Remove Fleas from Your Pet Using Old Coffee Grounds
Old coffee grounds help remove fleas from pets when rubbed into wet fur after shampooing. Massage the grounds thoroughly, then rinse to complete this natural flea treatment. Only use used grounds—not fresh ones—to avoid skin irritation. Ensure your dog, cat, or rabbit does not ingest the coffee grounds, as caffeine is toxic to animals. Recycle coffee grounds as a supplement to anti-flea shampoos or vet treatments. If fleas persist, consult a veterinarian for proper treatment.
5. Neutralize Odors Using Spent Coffee Grounds
Spent coffee grounds neutralize odors in enclosed spaces by absorbing volatile compounds. Their porous texture makes them effective deodorizers for refrigerators and shoes. A 2019 study in the Journal of Hazardous Materials from University of Occupational and Environmental Health in Japan showed that just one gram of used coffee grounds acted as a natural deodorizer by absorbing odors from chemicals like ethyl acetate, toluene, and hexane. Place spent coffee grounds in open containers or fabric pouches to trap odors in small spaces. This eco-friendly method replaces chemical air fresheners but may cause mold if used in thick, moist layers.
6. Use Old Coffee Grounds as a Natural Cleaning Scrub
Use old coffee grounds to scrub kitchen surfaces like countertops, sinks, and stovetops. Their gritty texture makes them a natural, non-toxic abrasive cleaner. They effectively clean tough messes like dried spills, sticky residues, and grease stains by removing grime and odors. Spent coffee grounds are mildly acidic with a pH 6.5 and 6.8 after brewing, according to Oregon State University. This low acidity level reduces the risk of damaging reactions with most cleaning surfaces and makes spent grounds safer for household use. Using coffee grounds as a cleaner cuts chemical exposure, reduces waste, and lowers cleaning costs. Their natural abrasiveness offers an eco-friendly alternative to commercial products.
7. Clean Your Pots and Pans with Used Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds effectively clean pots, pans, and dishes by providing gentle scrubbing power without the need for harsh chemicals. Their gritty texture makes coffee grounds a safe, natural cleaner for removing food, residue, and grease, but vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda works better for tougher stains. Gently scrub with 2–3 teaspoons of used grounds and warm, soapy water, then rinse well. Avoid drains and porous surfaces to prevent stains and clogs. Do not use unused or expired coffee grounds on pots and pans, as their coarse texture can scratch delicate surfaces. Stainless steel, cast iron, or enameled cookware can handle them, but used grounds are safer for preventing damage.
8. Exfoliate Your Skin Using Old Coffee Grounds
Old coffee grounds exfoliate the skin by removing dead cells and improving texture. They act as a natural scrub that also boosts circulation. According to a 2025 study published in Cosmetics by Szaferski and Janczarek, spent coffee grounds created stable scrubs with eco-friendly emulsifiers like apricot kernel oil. These emulsions preserved coffee aroma and improved texture and stability when mixed with castor or macadamia oils. Mix coffee grounds with yogurt or coconut oil to boost exfoliation and hydrate skin. Apply before showering and rinse thoroughly. All skin types benefit from used coffee grounds, which unclog pores, soften skin, and exfoliate safely. Sensitive skin requires gentler use, and those with caffeine sensitivity or skin issues should proceed cautiously.
9. Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite with Used Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds help reduce the appearance of cellulite, though the effect is temporary and cosmetic. Caffeine improves circulation and may tighten skin by dilating blood vessels. The gritty texture exfoliates, antioxidants support skin health, and massage enhances lymphatic drainage. A 2014 study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology showed that applying a caffeine-based anti-cellulite gel twice daily for 12 weeks led to visible improvements in 81% of women, especially on the buttocks, hips, and thighs. To recycle used coffee grounds for cellulite, mix them with coconut or olive oil to create a natural exfoliating scrub. Massage onto cellulite for a few minutes, then rinse in the shower. Repeat several times a week. Regular use of coffee scrubs improves skin tone short-term, but coffee grounds do not remove cellulite permanently. Lasting cellulite reduction needs consistent diet, exercise, and targeted treatments.
10. Use Leftover Coffee Grounds as a Natural Dye
Leftover coffee grounds serve as a natural dye for fabric, paper, and other porous materials. Coffee grounds contain tannins that impart a rich brown color to fabrics. Fabrics like cotton, wool, silk, and linen absorb coffee dye effectively. Coffee dye lasts through several washes before fading, especially with frequent washing or sunlight exposure. To enhance color retention, use a fixative like vinegar or salt during dyeing. Coffee dye is safe for skin and suitable for wearable fabric. It produces a darker, richer color than tea dye. Other natural dyes include beet, turmeric, and avocado pits. They offer eco-friendly coloring, lower toxicity than synthetic dyes, and unique shades from organic sources.
What are Spent Coffee Grounds?
Spent coffee grounds, or used coffee grounds, refers to the brewed residue solids left after brewing coffee. These grounds make up about 70% of the original coffee bean’s mass and are the main waste product from drinking coffee. Used coffee grounds are part of the 6–8 million tonnes of by-products generated annually in global coffee production, according to a 2023 study in Nutrients titled "The Potential of Spent Coffee Grounds in Functional Food Development." Once discarded as waste, they are now repurposed for cosmetic, agricultural, and industrial uses.
What are Used Coffee Grounds Good For?
Used coffee grounds are a valuable by-product with a wide range of health, food, cosmetic, agricultural, and industrial applications, according to a 2023 study published in Nutrients by Elza Bevilacqua from Griffith University in Australia, used coffee grounds can be incorporated into functional foods like cookies and gluten-free baked goods to increase fiber, antioxidants, and chlorogenic acid content for better digestion and metabolic health.
In the cosmetic industry, used coffee grounds are added to anti-aging creams and natural preservatives due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Agriculturally, they serve as nutrient-rich fertilizers and compost enhancers, though their caffeine content requires treatment before use. Industrially, spent coffee grounds are converted into biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and packaging materials as part of sustainable waste-to-energy systems. The following table lists used coffee ground uses in food, health, beauty, agriculture, energy, and industry.
| Use Category | Specific Application | Notes with Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Functional Foods | Baked Goods | Used coffee grounds are blended into cookies and cakes to add fiber and antioxidants like CGA and caffeine, which help reduce oxidative stress and improve metabolic health. |
| Functional Foods | Prebiotic Fiber Additive | Spent coffee grounds supply melanoidins and non-digestible fibers that promote beneficial gut bacteria and increase short-chain fatty acid production. |
| Functional Foods | Gluten-Free Flour Enhancer | Gluten-free cookies made with leftover coffee grounds gain improved texture and nutritional value through added polyphenols and prebiotic fiber. |
| Functional Foods | Alcoholic Beverages | Used coffee grounds add polyphenols and flavor compounds to spirits, contributing to antioxidant activity and complex sensory notes. |
| Health | Metabolic Syndrome Intervention | Spent coffee grounds reduce blood pressure, fat, and glucose via melanoidins and CGA, which enhance nitric oxide availability and insulin sensitivity. |
| Health | Gut Microbiota Modulation | Old coffee grounds increase Bifidobacteria and SCFAs by acting as fermentable fiber, improving gut barrier function and reducing inflammation. |
| Health | Appetite & Energy Intake | Cookies made with leftover coffee grounds promoted satiety and reduced calorie intake, likely due to delayed gastric emptying and fermentation effects. |
| Health | Sleep Improvement | Antioxidant fiber from spent coffee grounds enhances colonic fermentation, increasing SCFA levels that support circadian rhythm and sleep duration. |
| Cosmetics | Anti-aging Products | Used coffee grounds are included in skin creams for their caffeine and antioxidant content, which stimulate circulation and reduce oxidative skin damage. |
| Cosmetics | Natural Preservatives | Old coffee grounds are rich in polyphenols that inhibit bacterial growth and stabilize cosmetic products naturally. |
| Agriculture | Fertilizer & Compost | Spent coffee grounds provide nitrogen and minerals for plant growth; pre-treatment like vermicomposting helps reduce caffeine toxicity in soil. |
| Agriculture | Soil Amendment | Used coffee grounds add organic matter and improve soil fertility by enhancing microbial activity and water retention. |
| Agriculture | Biopesticide | Leftover coffee grounds contain caffeine and phenolics that act as natural pest deterrents with low environmental toxicity. |
| Industrial | Bioplastics / Films | Spent coffee grounds contain polysaccharides that form stable, viscous matrices suitable for biodegradable packaging alternatives. |
| Industrial | Biofuels (Biodiesel) | Used coffee grounds yield 10–30% oil extractable via ultrasound, which can be converted into biodiesel through transesterification. |
| Industrial | Bioethanol | Carbohydrate-rich spent coffee grounds are fermented into ethanol, serving as a renewable liquid fuel source. |
| Industrial | Biogas | Old coffee grounds are digested anaerobically to produce methane-rich biogas for clean energy generation. |
| Industrial | Biochar / Bio-oil | Hydrothermal processing of leftover coffee grounds generates carbon-rich biochar and crude oil for industrial fuel use. |
| Extraction Source | Bioactive Compound Recovery | Used coffee grounds are a low-cost source of CGA, caffeine, and melanoidins, extracted using pressure, ultrasound, or microwave-assisted methods. |
| Pharmaceutical | Drug Ingredient Source | Spent coffee grounds contain trigonelline, CGA, and diterpenes that show neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects in early research. |
What Makes Coffee Grounds High Quality?
High-quality coffee grounds are uniform in particle size, freshly roasted, and free from mold or contamination. They are optimal for brewing with consistent flavor. Finer grinds are faster to extract and may over-extract, while coarser grinds are prone to weak or sour flavors. A 2023 study by Texas A&M AgriLife Research found that fine spent coffee grounds retained more moisture and extended drought tolerance when used in soil mixes, while coarse grounds improved drainage and aeration—suggesting that grind size also affects how used grounds perform in composting and soil amendment. Dark roast grounds are better for composting than light roast grounds because. They decompose faster, add more carbon, and improve soil texture with balanced acidity.
Where to Buy High Quality Coffee Grounds?
You can buy high quality coffee grounds from Colipse Coffee, which offers specialty-grade Arabica beans in fine, medium, or coarse grinds. These are freshly roasted to order and suited for espresso, moka pot, French press, cold brew, or drip. Choose from multiple sizes and roast levels.
Where to Get Used Coffee Grounds for Free?
You can get free used coffee grounds from local cafés like Starbucks, which offers them through its "Grounds for Your Garden" program. Most locations provide packaged grounds on a first-come basis, typically after mid-morning or evening clean-up. Independent cafés often offer free coffee grounds if you build rapport with staff. University cafés, like those at the London School of Economics, may provide them through recycling programs. Bring your own container, visit during clean-up, and ask politely—many save grounds for regulars. This supports composting and reduces coffee waste.
Are Coffee Grounds Good for Plants?
Yes, coffee grounds benefit plants when used moderately in compost or soil. They improve water retention, soil structure, and organic content while adding slow-release nitrogen, minerals, and nutrients that boost microbes and plant health. Used (brewed) coffee grounds are better than fresh because most caffeine and acidity are removed during brewing, making them safer and still nutritionally beneficial for established, acid-loving plants.
How Long do Used Coffee Grounds Last?
Used coffee grounds spoil fast because of their moisture content and should be used immediately or within days if not refrigerated. Mold can grow quickly in damp grounds. However, drying used coffee grounds fully—by sun or gentle heat—can extend their shelf life for a year or more. Store dried grounds in airtight plastic or glass containers in a cool, dry, dark place to avoid moisture buildup. For gardening or composting, use freshly used grounds right away or dry them properly for long-term storage without spoilage.