It’s absolutely amazing when you can repurpose one thing and use it for various other reasons. Coffee, something that is available at everybody’s house, is one such thing. Read on to find out how you can use this amazing product in various different ways, to get the ultimate value for your money.
Next time, you are enjoying a cup of homemade espresso, don’t get rid of your coffee grounds too quickly! Cleaning experts have put together a list of tips and tricks spilling the beans on how you can utilise the end of that aromatic drink.
1. Scrubbing pots
The coarse texture of ground coffee makes it ideal for scrubbing those hard-to-clean pans – and is much better for the environment than abrasive sponges. All you need to do is combine two to three teaspoons of ground coffee with warm, soapy water, and scrub the pans with a soft sponge until clean. Coffee is a natural degreaser, so your pans will be spotless in no time.
2. Cleaning the grill and oven
Removing dirt, grease and grime from your oven is no easy feat. Having trouble getting yours clean? According to the experts at Tap Warehouse, the acidity in coffee makes it brilliant for removing tough stains.
Polly explains: “Soak your grill grates in the sink for about 45 minutes in a solution of warm water and a few spoonfuls of coffee, (even instant coffee will do), and you’ll find the tough stains will melt off, leaving you with a grill that’s as good as new. This also works just as well for barbecue grills.”
3. Fridge and bin smells
Looking to banish lingering food smells? Kitchen bins and fridges are a magnet for bacteria, but coffee is another great secret ingredient that can help banish bad smells for good.
To try this at home, all you need to do is place coffee grounds or a few beans in a cup in your fridge. Coffee is a great absorber of odours, so it can be used to keep your fridge smelling fresh. The same can be done with your bin; simply place a teaspoon of coffee at the bottom before you put it in the bin bag and any bad odours will fade.
4. Cleaning surfaces
“Coffee is also great for removing hard-to-clean stains from tiles — mix a few teaspoons of instant coffee or used grounds with soapy water and you’ll have your very own surface cleanser,” says Polly.
“This method can also be used on wooden surfaces that have scratches – soak a spoonful of coffee with warm water and gently rub on the surface. This will minimise the appearance of scratches and stains.”
5. Unblocking the sink
Kitchen sink not draining? Try pouring coffee grounds into the sink followed by liquid soap and boiling water. A great way to use up old grounds, this will help clear any blockages and leave your sink odour free in no time.
6. Guard your garden
While planting your very own herbs and vegetables can be a rewarding treat, it can also be frustrating to find that the underside of your tomato has been damaged by ants. Keep garden pests at bay by sprinkling coffee grounds around the perimeter of your garden.
7. Wood Repairing
During your last move did you scratch your floor or wooden furniture? Mix coffee grounds with warm water and let them soak in for a while and then gently rub the mixture over the scratches. Coffee stain fixes scuffs naturally, apply as often as needed.
8. Flea Repellent for your Dog and Cat
As well as in the garden, coffee grounds are also a very good repellent against fleas. If you’re looking for a natural and cost effective solution in your pet’s fight against fleas, there is a solution for dogs and cats. For dogs grab a handful of coffee grounds with or without shampoo and apply on top of their fur coat. Your dog will be flea-free, and will absolutely appreciate your love of getting ‘dirty’.
For our kitty cats grab a glass of citrus fruit juice and blend in some coffee grounds. Place it near the border where your friend often heads out for adventures and bingo, you will no longer be bothered with what gets brought back hiding in its fur.