6 Unconventional uses for ground coffee
Millions of people around the world choose to begin their day with a hot cup of coffee – making it one of the most popular beverages in the world. Unbeknownst to many, though, coffee has substantially more uses than previously thought; particularly ground coffee, which is fast becoming known as one of the more versatile products available on supermarket shelves. It’s an excellent way to reduce chemical usage around the home, and provides households with a way to repurpose one of the more commonly used food items in the pantry. Check out some of the lesser-known uses for your old coffee grounds: Magic beans Ground coffee works particularly well as a fertilising agent for many herbs, as well as palm and citrus trees and plants, as these types of plants require a higher level of acidity in the soil to survive. Coffee also acts as a natural deterrent towards many weeds. Tattooing Mix finely ground coffee in with henna to create a temporary tattoo paste with a rich brown colour. The tattoos will typically last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, and will fade naturally as the henna mixture wears off. Furniture touch-ups Wet coffee grounds are particularly effective as a quick fix for scratches and scuffs on stained wood furniture. Moisten grounds with a small amount of water, and spread mixture over scratches with a paintbrush or cotton tip. Future Picassos Coffee makes a great textured paint, or stain (similar to watercolour) for children’s artwork. Simply mix in with regular paint, or add a little water to used grounds to make an effective, yet kid-friendly stain. Ant be gone Ants can be a problem for many homes during the warmer months. Place used ground coffee at various entry points around the house (e.g. windowsills and doorways), and the ants will avoid crossing it. For added protection, blend the coffee with cinnamon. No, Kitty! Stop cats from using flowerbeds as a litter tray – sprinkle coffee grounds along with citrus peel in the garden, and kitty will soon find somewhere else to do his business.
Ground coffee not only makes a delicious beverage, but has many uses both in and outside the home. Try experimenting with used grounds and see how versatile coffee can be.
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