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Many people can’t start the day without coffee – but what to do with all the used coffee grounds? We have 10 reasons for you why you shouldn’t get rid of him.

#1 Coffee grounds as a plastic-free scrub

Exfoliating the whole body from old coffee beans not only makes skin supple and smooth, but is also good for the environment. On the one hand, you save on the plastic packaging of the packed scrub, and on the other hand, your skin does not come into contact with microplastics or other unnatural ingredients. For the peeling, simply mix the coffee grounds with olive or coconut oil to create a crumbly paste and then use it in the shower.

#2 Touch up furniture scratches with coffee grounds

Moistening the coffee grounds slightly, mixing them with oil and then applying them to the scratches with a sponge or cotton swab will make most scratches invisible. The coffee grounds fill the grooves and the oil then closes them. Of course, this method is particularly suitable for dark furniture.

#3 Coffee grounds against unpleasant odors

The fridge smells like tuna, old cheese or other groceries? The coffee grounds can help because they neutralize unpleasant odors. Instead of disposing of the leftover coffee grounds, you can simply place them in a bowl in the fridge or kitchen. It almost magically attracts unpleasant smells.

#4 Coffee grounds as a natural fertilizer

Because coffee grounds contain many important nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus or nitrogen, they can also be used as fertilizer for indoor and garden plants. Hydrangeas, roses and blueberries in particular grow very well with coffee grounds. A positive side effect is that the coffee fertilizer attracts earthworms, which are known to loosen the soil and supply it with additional nutrients. However, you should be careful, because the coffee grounds must be completely dry, otherwise the plants can start to get moldy.

#5 Coffee grounds as snail protection

Because larger amounts of coffee can be deadly for snails, the molluscs try to avoid coffee and anything related to it. It is best to spread the coffee grounds in a ring around the beloved plants so that the snails are not tempted in the first place.

#6 Dye Easter eggs with coffee grounds

Instead of buying extra dye, you can simply use the coffee grounds for the brown color when dyeing eggs. Simply boil 50 to 70 grams of coffee grounds with two liters of water and simmer for about 20 minutes. Then add the raw eggs and wait another 10 minutes.

#7 Coffee grounds as an abrasive

Coffee grounds effectively clean burnt-in dirt, dirty grill grates and greasy baking tins. It’s easy to use: simply place the coffee grounds on a sponge, scrub the relevant surfaces and then rinse off with clear water. Deposits in bottles or thermos flasks can also be removed with coffee grounds: Simply put one or two tablespoons in the container, pour in hot water and leave to work.

#8 Coffee grounds as a hair treatment

Strong and shiny hair thanks to caffeine – just add some coffee grounds to your regular shampoo and lather the shampoo as usual. This trick is particularly recommended for dark hair types, since the coffee grounds are easier to see on very light hair.

#9 Reading the future with coffee grounds

The art of reading coffee grounds is said to originally go back to the Ottomans. A coffee with a lot of coffee grounds, for example a mocha, is ideal for this. Here you turn the coffee cup (preferably after drinking) on ​​the saucer. After a few minutes you can turn the cup over again and interpret the resulting patterns and lines accordingly. Depending on the interpretation, exciting messages of fate can be derived from this. Anyone who wants to take coffee grounds reading a bit more seriously should read something about it in a corresponding book.

#10 Clean the chimney with coffee grounds

Cozy winter evenings in front of the fireplace with a hot drink and a good book: the next day you usually just don’t feel like shoveling all the ashes out of the fireplace and cleaning everything. If you spread damp coffee grounds on the fireplace ash, the ash can be removed without any problems the next day.

Make household waste usable for the garden

A lot of food leftovers end up in the bio bin or on the compost. Some also contain valuable nutrients that can be ideally used as fodder for vegetable plants. In addition to water and light, nutrients are an important growth factor. Especially the heavy-consuming vegetables such as pumpkin, cucumber and courgettes are happy about additional feed in the form of fertilizer during the gardening season.

Fertilizer from your own kitchen is a simple, quick and particularly environmentally friendly way to support vegetable plants.

You should pay attention to the needs of your vegetable plant. Coffee grounds and egg shells complement each other very well and provide the nutrients for different plants.

Coffee as a fertilizer – miracle product for your vegetable garden

Repels pests and provides nutrients

Coffee is drunk a lot and with pleasure, and there is always coffee grounds, which you can collect and use as fertilizer. Coffee grounds fertilizer is high in potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen, which are substances your plants need for healthy growth.

Simply sprinkle the cooled coffee grounds next to your rows of vegetables, then work them into the soil so they can work their magic close to the roots.

Tip: Don’t you drink coffee yourself or don’t want to collect coffee grounds for several days? Ask at a coffee shop near you! Large quantities accumulate there every day and they will certainly fill something into a can you have brought with you.

Coffee grounds repel ants and snails

Ants and snails do not like the smell of coffee and avoid places where coffee grounds have been placed. Especially with snails it is very effective, at least until the next rain. Therefore, we recommend that you spread out coffee grounds rather than setting up a beer trap.

Fertilize with egg shells

Neutralize acidic soil again

Egg shells are the top lime supplier for the garden. A calcareous fertilizer allows your vegetable plant to easily absorb all other minerals from the soil. Your beetroot, carrots, beans and peas as well as numerous herbs will be happy about an additional addition of lime.

You should pulverize the shells so that the lime from the eggshells is quickly accessible to the plants. This can be done in a mortar, blender or with a blender. Leave the eggshell powder in the water for a few hours and use it to water your lime-loving plants.

Tip: Egg shells are also often used against snails in the garden. They don’t like the sharp edges of crumbled shells and avoid them. However, coarse egg shells cannot serve as a source of lime for the plant, since the shell takes too long to decompose to be used as fertilizer this season.

At a glance – fertilizing with eggshells

Nutrients contained: lime, access to other minerals
Ideal for: beans, peas, chard, carrots, beetroot, black salsify, onions, chives and many other herbs
Not suitable for: cucumber, tomato, spinach, pumpkin (These plants react sensitively to the direct addition of lime. These beds can be enriched with lime in the autumn.)
Amount: apply approx. 100 g to 1 m², twice a year

Make nettle manure yourself

Prepare nettle manure

Fill a barrel or barrel about two-thirds full with the coarsely chopped nettle plants and pour in rainwater to about a hand’s width below the rim. Cover the jar with wire mesh to prevent birds from falling in, or place a large branch or board in the bin to help birds find their way out. The addition of a handful of rock flour can bind the odor development somewhat. Stir the manure every 2-3 days. If the liquid has turned dark after about two weeks and no longer foams when stirred, your manure is ready.

After just a few days, the fermentation process begins, which, however, is accompanied by a significant odor development. If you have the opportunity, you should set the vessel a little apart.

Spread liquid manure

Dilute the manure with water in a ratio of 1:10. It is best to use the watering can without a watering attachment so that you can apply the liquid manure to the spot where the plant comes out of the ground. Plant manure should not be applied in sunshine, as it can otherwise burn the plants. Due to their high silica content, manure made from stinging nettle or horsetail is also suitable as a remedy against aphids if you spray your plants with it as a preventive measure or after the infestation has started in the appropriate places. But please remember to dilute the liquid manure.

Alternatives to preparing liquid manure yourself

If you prefer to take it easy, then use the ready-made extract without much effort and waiting. You can simply add the nettle pellets to the irrigation water.

At a glance – fertilizing with nettle manure

Nutrients included: nitrogen, calcium, iron, magnesium
Ideal for: tomatoes, pumpkins, zucchini, peppers, cauliflower, cucumbers, potatoes, many other types of cabbage
Not suitable for: peas, beans, lamb’s lettuce, all herbs
Quantity: like normal watering; about 2-3 times in the season

Cooking water from potatoes and other vegetables

High-quality irrigation water – but please without salt

When cooking vegetables and potatoes, the valuable nutrients are dissolved and remain in the cooking water. If this is not used in the kitchen, it is usually thrown away. Any nutrients in the vegetable can be used as nutrients by still growing vegetable plants.

It is important not to use salt when cooking, as it is poisonous for the garden and your plants. If you have cooked without salt, you can use the cooled cooking water to pour.

At a glance – potato water

Nutrients contained: magnesium, iron, phosphorus
Ideal for: all vegetable plants, especially rose plants and heavy feeders
Not suitable for: herbs
Amount: 3 – 4 times a year

The coffee grounds – a black, sticky residue left in the filter at the end of coffee making. Looks and feels unappetizing. Throwing away is the first instinct. But stop! The supposed waste from ground coffee beans is a real miracle cure! In the following we show you all the possible uses for which the coffee grounds can still be used. Believe us when we say there’s some of this that you didn’t know.

Coffee grounds and their uses

As early as the 19th century, people used their coffee grounds to clean their floors or wash dishes. Even driving away bad smells was no secret for them at the time. Unfortunately, most of us are no longer familiar with all of this. Reason enough to get all this knowledge (and more) out of the woods!

There are many possible uses, so coffee grounds rarely have to be disposed of with organic waste. Whether you make a peeling out of it or use it as fertilizer or coloring is up to you – we’ll show you here what you can do with coffee grounds.

Important tip: Allow the coffee grounds to cool and dry out before using them

Before you can use your coffee grounds, you should let them cool down and dry out. If it’s still wet, the coffee grounds will mold quite quickly and do more harm than good. Simply fill a flat container with the coffee residue and leave it open to dry where it won’t bother you. Once the coffee grounds have dried, they can be used. Another small tip: You can also dilute the coffee grounds with water and water your plants with it. As a rule, there is no risk of overdose, as the proportion of caffeine, phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium is relatively low.

Reading coffee grounds has a long tradition. Now the tradition is being revived on New Year’s Eve in order to look to the future in a cheap and environmentally friendly way.

Reading coffee grounds – the alternative to pouring lead

New Year’s Eve is the perfect moment to make plans for the new year and take a daring look at the future. What will next year bring? Many people still rely on lead casting, in which lead is melted and the newly created figures are interpreted. Unfortunately, lead casting is harmful to the environment and health, so more and more people are doing without it. But there is a healthy and environmentally friendly alternative that is at least as much fun – namely reading coffee grounds.

The origins of reading coffee grounds

Reading the coffee grounds is an old tradition. Like the coffee itself, the tradition comes from the Orient. No wonder that not only the enjoyment of coffee conquered the world, but also the mystical reading of coffee grounds. It is a popular pastime, especially in Southeastern Europe and Turkey. Looking into the future works best with a poured mocha or Turkish coffee. This leaves a large amount of coffee grounds at the bottom of the cup. But even with simple filter coffee, the necessary coffee grounds can be produced quickly and easily.

Reading coffee grounds on New Year’s Eve

Reading coffee grounds is great fun for the whole family. It is best for everyone to get their own coffee, after all, everyone has an individual future ahead of them. Depending on their age, children can take part in the spectacle with decaffeinated coffee substitutes or the adults drink an additional cup of coffee and provide it. Together, looking into the future is twice as much fun:
Put finely ground coffee in a pot and then fill it up with hot water. Stir a little
When the ground coffee has settled, you can pour the coffee into the cups
Now it gets exciting, because according to the real Turkish ritual, they now have to swirl the cup three times and breathe into it three times
Enjoy your coffee now
Put a saucer over the empty cup. Now the moment has come to ask a specific question about the future
Just wait a moment and then turn the cup and saucer over so the coffee grounds are on top of the saucer
Then you have to breathe on the saucer three more times and let the resulting patterns work on you

Interpret the coffee grounds

Now the exciting part of the evening begins: reading the coffee grounds. They recognize a variety of shapes, patterns, and sometimes figures that look like animals, plants, or objects. Each form can be interpreted in a certain way. This creates fun discussions. Other divination systems such as symbol books or tarot cards are suitable as templates for the interpretation of the patterns. The list of symbols and their meaning is endless. But you can also not take the whole thing too seriously and let your imagination run wild with the interpretation. Together, while reading coffee grounds, the most exciting future prophecies emerge.

There are numerous myths and legends surrounding coffee grounds. Who would have thought that you could easily grow mushrooms at home using coffee grounds.

Coffee grounds for mushroom cultivation

Many coffee drinkers pay no attention to it, while others do not see it as a waste product, but as a versatile household remedy: coffee grounds. Coffee grounds are the rest of the coffee powder that remains in the filter after brewing. In fact, the by-product of enjoying a coffee is far too valuable to just throw away in the trash. Whether as an effective cleaning agent in the household, a gentle peeling for body care or a natural fertilizer in the garden, coffee grounds can be used in many different ways. He finds particular attention in mushroom cultivation. But how exactly do you use the coffee grounds to grow mushrooms and why are they suitable for this in the first place?

Why is coffee grounds suitable for mushroom cultivation?

Discarded coffee grounds are an excellent breeding ground for edible mushrooms. Filter coffee that has been brewed for a long time is particularly suitable, because there are hardly any substances left that inhibit fungal growth. These bitter substances are flushed out during long brewing. In contrast, the coffee grounds from the espresso machine are not suitable for mushroom cultivation. It still contains too many antifungal components and tends to prevent growth. The coffee grounds from filter coffee, on the other hand, are rich in nitrogen and therefore an excellent fertilizer, not only for mushrooms.

This is how mushroom cultivation works

For mushroom cultivation of edible mushrooms you do not need much. Only some mushroom spawn, a flower pot and coffee grounds as a substrate are required to grow mushrooms at home. Incidentally, the coffee grounds should not be older than 2-3 days, otherwise unwanted mold can form. First, the coffee waste is mixed with mushroom mycelium, which now serves as a substrate for the production of the mushrooms. This is placed in the flower pot and slightly moved. Finally, another layer of coffee grounds is added. If there is not enough coffee grounds, the pot can be filled up in layers over several days. Incidentally, it is even easier with a transparent plastic bag, which is then lightly knotted so that the air circulation is given. Thanks to the transparent plastic, the development of the mushroom culture is clearly visible.

Incidentally, the coffee grounds should not be older than 2-3 days, otherwise unwanted mold can form.

Best conditions for mushroom cultivation

Mushrooms like it dark and damp and need adequate air circulation. The environment should be clean, otherwise undesirable types of fungi will quickly settle. After about 14-28 days, the substrate is intergrown with the mushroom mycelium. The coffee grounds in the bag have turned white. Now the plastic bag can be opened to water the mushrooms. After a few days, the first fruiting bodies will sprout. As soon as these are large enough, the mushrooms can be harvested. Incidentally, as long as nutrients are available, more fungi will grow when watered.

Filter coffee from the machine: 8 tips on what you can do with coffee grounds

Whether from the filter coffee machine or from the fully automatic coffee machine – for many, coffee is part of everyday enjoyment and a “must” to start the day successfully! Every German alone drinks a total of 165 liters of coffee per year and the caffeinated hot drink is also very popular worldwide as a pick-me-up. If the filter coffee is brewed with the machine, in most cases the filter and coffee grounds are thrown into the bin. Because what should the black, sticky residue that remains in the filter be good for? What many do not know is that the coffee grounds that are produced when brewing the coffee powder in filter coffee machines and fully automatic coffee machines are more than supposed waste, but a real miracle cure. There are numerous ways to reuse the precious coffee grounds and even replace expensive, man-made products. Because the black flour from the remains of the coffee beans is a valuable natural product that can also be used for the home, garden and cosmetics. We did some research and compiled the best and most effective tips for reusing coffee grounds from filter coffee machines.

Coffee grounds in the home

Tip 1: Coffee grounds neutralize odors
We all know the wonderful smell of freshly ground coffee. A positive side effect: coffee itself has the property of absorbing foreign odors and thus neutralizing them. Cheese can be delicious, but you don’t necessarily need the smell of Camembert in the fridge. Our tip: Simply put a bowl of freshly ground coffee or coffee grounds in the fridge overnight – or for several days if necessary – and the musty smell of cheese will be gone.

Tip 2: Remove scratches in wooden furniture
Scratches in wooden furniture are very annoying, but unfortunately they happen very quickly. Here, too, the miracle cure coffee grounds is at hand: Due to the coloring properties of coffee, blemishes in dark wooden furniture can be easily repaired. To do this, slightly moisten the coffee grounds from the filter coffee machine and spread them over the scraper with a Q-tip. The remaining ground coffee settles in the joint and the coffee oil then closes it. Scratch? No one to see! By the way: Due to the coloring properties of coffee, even handicraft paper, fabrics or eggs can be colored with the residue from the pulp container of the coffee machine.

Tip 3: Clean the grill and glass vases
It’s finally barbecue season again, but the grate also needs to be looked after so that steaks and sausages continue to taste good. Where others use aggressive cleaning agents, the coffee grounds from the filter coffee machine can also be used here. Simply apply the black powder to a sponge and scrub the rust like you would with scouring milk and the dirt is gone. Two spoons of coffee grounds will help with deposits in flower vases. Pour hot water over it and let it stand for about an hour. Rinse and the glass vase will shine like new.

Using coffee grounds in the garden

Coffee grounds for plants works wonders: Before you dispose of the coffee grounds from the filter coffee machine, think about your green plants, because coffee is an excellent fertilizer and help against annoying visitors in the garden. Coffee grounds as a fertilizer are often underestimated, but it doesn’t always have to be the expensive, chemically produced fertilizers from the garden center. For a purely plant-based starting product, coffee contains a lot of nitrogen, sulfur and a protein content rich in phosphorus.

Although this is destroyed by the heat when brewing in the coffee machine, the coffee grounds have a slightly acidic pH value, which improves the condition of the soil for garden and potted plants and enriches them with plant nutrients. Fertilizing with coffee grounds is very effective: the nitrogen underneath the soil ensures that leaf growth is stimulated; Phosphorus stimulates flowering and fruit ripening. Try it out and use the coffee grounds for your plants.

Tip 4: Fertilize with coffee grounds

To use coffee grounds as fertilizer, sprinkle a handful onto the soil around the plant’s root area, then work the coffee grounds into the soil. For potted plants, you can alternatively mix a handful of coffee grounds into the potting soil when repotting to enrich the soil with additional nutrients. For indoor plants, you can use cold, leftover liquid coffee from the pot. However, first dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio, otherwise you will have the opposite effect and your plant will acidify.

Tip 5: Keep ants, snails, wasps and cats away
We cherish and care for our garden, including the flowers and vegetable patch, and we want them to stay beautiful for a long time and not be attacked by snails, ants and the like. Coffee grounds from filter coffee machines serve as effective protection against voracious snails. Simply sprinkle the black powder around the plants you want to protect and the snails will stay away, because the caffeine in the coffee grounds is poisonous to them. Not only snails run away, coffee grounds also act against ants and drive them away, because the smell of coffee neutralizes the scent traces that ants lay for orientation. If you are annoyed that the neighbor’s cat prefers your garden to the litter box, then coffee grounds can also help here. In the places where coffee grounds have been scattered, the cat is guaranteed not to want to dig and do its business. Last but not least, our tip against annoying wasps, which can be extremely unpleasant in summer. In contrast to us humans, the stinging insects cannot stand the smell of coffee and coffee grounds at all. Are you planning a barbecue evening without uninvited guests? Then take precautions: Put some dry coffee grounds in a fireproof bowl and light it. The rising smoke chases away the wasps and is hardly perceptible to humans, but is actually perceived as a pleasant aroma.

Nicer with coffee grounds

Tip 6: Coffee peeling for the skin
In combination with oil, coffee grounds result in a natural and beneficial peeling for the skin. The coffee grounds peeling is spread over the skin and gently massaged in. The small particles act like mini whetstones and replace the plastic particles in conventional peelings. The result: velvety soft, well-groomed skin. So brew your next coffee with your filter coffee machine and then use the coffee grounds for an extensive beauty experience.

Tip 7: Bye, orange peel skin! Coffee grounds also help against cellulite
Yet another reason to love coffee! Instead of buying expensive creams, try coffee. Simply mix 2 tablespoons of dried coffee grounds with a teaspoon of cane sugar and a tablespoon of coconut or olive oil. You can now gently massage this peeling in for at least 5 minutes or, alternatively, wrap it in kitchen foil, wrap it around your thighs and let it take effect for 10 to 15 minutes. Caffeine has been shown to improve blood circulation and dilate blood vessels, reducing cellulite.

Tip 8: Hair treatment
In addition to the skin, our hair also benefits from the coffee grounds. Next time, simply massage the brown powder gently into your hair and scalp and leave on for ten minutes. Then rinse well again and enjoy the newly gained, voluminous hair!

Coffee cups made from coffee grounds

We would like to give you an unusual tip: How about coffee from coffee cups? And by that we don’t mean grandma’s good china from the living room cupboard, but coffee cups made from coffee grounds. The Kaffeeform project has set itself the task of counteracting the waste of coffee. Therefore, together with the coffee grounds of smaller restaurants, you offer the production of coffee cups from coffee grounds and now deliver worldwide – even cappuccino and espresso cups due to the high demand.

Store coffee grounds properly

All that remains to be said is: drink coffee and use the coffee grounds wisely. There are always enough options. In order to get the best out of the coffee grounds, they should first be dried and never stored damp, otherwise they will become mouldy. To do this, simply spread the coffee grounds out on a baking sheet, for example, and let them dry for a few hours. After that, the brown powder can be kept very well and stored with foresight for the implementation of our tips. So every cup of filter coffee from the machine fulfills another purpose in addition to enjoyment!