You might be familiar with the idea of utilizing coffee grounds in the garden to ward off insects and strengthen plants, or perhaps you recall using them to give paper an aged appearance in school. However, were you aware that coffee grounds have another unexpected purpose—cleaning? Despite being commonly viewed as messy waste, coffee grounds can actually serve a dual role as an effective cleaning and repair substance.
Although coffee grounds may not boast as many applications as other kitchen essentials such as lemon or baking soda, they still have a handful of clever tricks that can provide them with a renewed purpose in the realm of cleaning. Continue reading to discover six inventive ways to utilize coffee grounds for cleaning various household items and address some of life’s minor cleaning challenges.
1. Gently Scour and Degrease Pans
Coffee grounds serve a dual role in effectively tackling the removal of residue, including stubborn oil and grease, from pots and pans. The coarse texture of coffee grounds provides a slightly abrasive quality, enabling them to scour away burnt-on food from the cookware’s surface. Classified as a “mild abrasive,” coffee grounds are safe for use on delicate non-stick cooking surfaces such as Teflon or cast iron, much like baking soda. Additionally, coffee possesses natural degreasing properties, allowing it to cut through oily buildup while lifting stuck-on food.
To utilize coffee grounds in cleaning pots and pans, begin by filling the pan one-third to halfway with warm, soapy water. Add 1 tablespoon of coffee grounds to the soapy water. With a non-abrasive sponge, gently scrub the pan using the soapy grounds. Afterward, rinse the pan thoroughly and proceed to dry it as usual.
2. Soak Oven and Grill Grates
The cleaning effectiveness of coffee grounds extends to effortlessly removing grease and stubborn food residues from oven and grill grates. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds with warm water, either in the sink or a spacious plastic bag, and employ this solution as a soaking agent for a hassle-free approach to cleaning oven racks and grill grates. Allow the racks or grates to soak for 45 minutes, then easily wipe away the accumulated residue with a sponge or rinse under running water.
3. Absorb Foul Fridge Odors
Despite maintaining a tidy and well-organized refrigerator, unpleasant odors can still arise occasionally, often due to overlooked old food or accidental spills. Once the source of the odor is removed, place a small bowl or cup of dry coffee grounds in the refrigerator to soak up any lingering smells. The nitrogen present in the grounds reacts with carbon, effectively neutralizing and eliminating the unpleasant odors.
4. Eliminate Smells from Hands
Just as with foul smells in the fridge, coffee grounds can help neutralize strong smells from foods like garlic and onions on hands. Simply rub a small spoonful of grounds between your palms to eliminate odors. As a bonus, the coffee grounds will gently exfoliate your hands, removing dead skin and leaving them looking and feeling softer.
5. Remove Scuffs from Wooden Furniture and Floors
When wooden furniture or flooring gets scratched or nicked, coffee grounds can be used to restore the finish. Make a thick paste by mixing the grounds with a small amount of water or cooking oil, and apply it to the scuffs. Gently rub it into the damaged areas, and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, wipe away the excess grounds and buff the wood dry. Repeat the process if necessary to fully obscure the damage.
6. Tamp Down Ashes for Easier Fireplace Cleanup
Cleaning the fireplace is a messy, frustrating job; even the slowest, most methodical shoveling can leave ash and dust flying everywhere. To help keep ash and other fine particulates from forming clouds when shoveling, sprinkle coffee grounds on top of the ash prior to cleaning. The grounds will weigh down the ash, making it easier to scoop it up and dispose of it.
