Though you may have used coffee grounds to “antique” paper in school or heard about its use in gardens to ward off pests and strengthen plants, did you realize that coffee grounds may also be used for cleaning? It may come as a surprise to learn that coffee grounds, which we typically associate with untidy trash, have a second life as a cleaning and restoration material.
There are a few clever cleaning tips that offer coffee grounds a second life, even if they may not have as many applications as other kitchen essentials like baking soda or lemon.
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Things You Can With Coffee Grounds
Gently Scour and Degrease Pans
Coffee grinds have two functions that aid in clearing buildup from pots and pans, including greasy and oily residue. Coffee’s mildly abrasive characteristic, derived from its coarse texture, can be used to remove burnt food residue from pan surfaces.
Like baking soda, coffee grounds are safe to use even on fragile non-stick cooking surfaces like Teflon or cast iron because they fall into the “mild abrasive” category. Coffee’s inherent degreasing qualities allow it to dissolve greasy deposits while loosening food particles that have become lodged.
When using coffee grounds to wash pots and pans, add one tablespoon of the grounds to the pan after adding warm, soapy water to the pan up to one third of the way.
Next, use the soapy grounds to gently scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge. Thoroughly rinse and pat dry as normal.
Soak Oven and Grill Grates
Coffee grinds’ scouring and degreasing qualities also make cleaning grill and oven grates simple by removing grease buildup and food residue. To clean oven racks and grill grates without getting your hands dirty, mix one to two tablespoons of coffee grounds with warm water in a sink or a big plastic bag. Scrub away any accumulation with a sponge or give the racks or grates a quick rinse under running water after soaking them for 45 minutes.
Absorb Foul Fridge Odors
Occasionally, old food may go undiscovered or accidents may occur, even in the cleanest, most well-maintained refrigerators. Place a small bowl or cup of dry coffee grounds in the refrigerator to absorb any residual smells after eliminating the source of the smell. The scents are neutralized and eliminated by a reaction between the nitrogen and carbon in the grounds.
Eliminate Smells from Hands
Similar to bad odors coming from the refrigerator, strong hand odors from foods like onions and garlic can be subdued using coffee grounds. To get rid of smells, just massage a tiny tablespoon of ground coffee between your palms. Additionally, your hands will feel and look softer once the coffee grounds gently exfoliate them, removing dead skin.
Remove Scuffs from Wooden Furniture and Floors
Coffee grounds can be used to repair scratches and nicks in wooden flooring or furniture. Blend the coffee grounds with a tiny bit of water or cooking oil to get a thick paste, then dab it on the scuffs. After applying it gently to the affected regions, let it sit for ten to fifteen minutes. Once the extra ground has been removed, polish the wood dry. If needed, repeat the procedure to completely hide the damage.
Tamp Down Ashes for Easier Fireplace Cleanup
Even with the slowest and most careful shoveling, ash and dust can fly everywhere during the unpleasant and frustrating task of cleaning the fireplace. Before you shovel, scatter coffee grounds on top of the ash to help prevent clouds of ash and other small particles from collecting. The ash will be weighed down by the grounds, making it simpler to remove and dispose of.
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