Americans spend $40 billion on coffee each year and 65% of coffee drinkers have their first cup in the morning with breakfast. This helps them wake up and get enough energy and brainpower to start the day.

For many people, it’s fuel that keeps them focused and productive throughout the day.

But did you know you can use your coffee grounds for more than just brewing coffee? They can be useful for your garden, kitchen, pets, and even your body.

Read on to learn more about the versatility of coffee grounds and how you can use them in your household.

FOR YOUR PETS

Your furry friends have to be clean and fresh and you can use coffee grounds to maintain their hygiene. The grounds are especially good for removing fleas because they’re natural and free of harsh chemicals and additives.

After you shampoo your pet, apply the coffee grounds by rubbing them into the fur and body. Rinse the pet thoroughly and dry them. The fleas will quickly go away and your pet’s fur will be shinier and stronger.

TO ELIMINATE ODORS

Coffee grounds can remove even the strongest of odors from your fridge, shoes, household or hands. To double the effect, dry your used coffee grounds and mix them with baking soda.

Place a bowl of fresh or used coffee grounds in the fridge to prevent overpowering smells. Place dry grounds in a clean sock and put it in your shoes to remove unpleasant odors. Throw a handful of grounds in your food disposal to keep it fresh.

If your hands smell like garlic or onions from cooking, take a teaspoon of wet coffee grounds and rub them between your palms. Rinse with water and the smell should diminish right away.

AS AN INSECT REPELLENT

During the spring and summer months, insects and ants start making their way into your home through walls and cracks.

Don’t resort to store-bought products filled with chemicals and harmful substances to deter them. Coffee grounds are a healthier, cheaper and more natural alternative, as bugs don’t like the smell of coffee. This goes for everything from mosquitos and flies to cockroaches and ants.

Another way to get rid of pests is to make a coffee trap. Put fresh, dry coffee beans into a small container lined with aluminum foil. Burn the grounds slowly with a lighter or place a piece of burning barbeque charcoal in the middle. Let the grounds burn slowly. The strong smell will repel the insects and keep them away.

IN YOUR GARDEN

Your garden and home plants can also benefit from coffee beans.

To help them thrive, you should use used coffee grounds only or fresh grounds that you’ve dampened with water. This is because dry coffee beans are acidic and many plants don’t thrive in acidic soil.

You can use fresh coffee grounds with carrot seeds and similar root veggies.

Coffee grounds will complement your compost pile. They contain nitrogen that reacts with the carbon found in decomposing leaves and similar browns.

Earthworms are especially attracted to coffee, so if you want to fertilize your garden naturally, sprinkle a thin layer of used coffee grounds around your flowers and shrubs.

AS AN EXFOLIATING SCRUB

Coffee grounds can serve a cosmetic purpose as well.

Mix equal parts brown sugar and coffee and stir until well incorporated. Add 1⁄2 tsp. of your favorite oil (coconut, olive or any body oil) and mix until you form a paste. Apply the scrub all over your body in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and enjoy silky smooth skin.

The coffee grounds and sugar work together as exfoliants removing dead cells from the top layer of your skin. The oil moisturizes the skin and forms a protective layer preventing it from drying.

Finally, coffee grounds are incredibly effective against cellulite because they stimulate blood circulation. In addition, the antioxidants in coffee can boost collagen production to rejuvenate the skin.

TO IMPROVE THE FLAVOR OF FOOD

Using coffee grounds for cooking may sound a little weird, but coffee is a great flavor enhancer.

Professional chefs around the world know all about the wonders of coffee, especially for enhancing the taste of meat. Used coffee grounds can be used to bring out the flavor of other meals like stews, sauces, marinades and desserts.

You can also use the grounds to rub the meat before cooking or add them to BBQ sauces.

COFFEE GROUNDS ARE VERSATILE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY! Now you know how easy it is to recycle and reuse coffee grounds for your garden, pets and home.

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Frosina A. Ivanovic is a content marketing specialist and writer. She’s passionate about quality coffee, travel, wellness, and digital marketing. You can connect with Frosina on LinkedIn or her website, Zhillmatic.