Many people brew coffee worldwide and throw the spent grounds straight into the garbage. However, some folks may wonder, “How many times can you use coffee grounds?” Are there other ways to use spent coffee grounds?
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How Many Times Can You Use Coffee Grounds?
Brewing coffee more than once using the same coffee grounds is not recommended. The first extraction process removes some of the main components of grounds (oils and flavors), and reusing them produces an entirely different flavor from the original.
Re-brewing used grounds a second time won’t result in any caffeine being extracted since the first brewing process extracts roughly 50% of the caffeine. It will also induce the extraction of slow-dissolving compounds that provide no benefit to a cup of coffee.
How Can You Make Your Coffee Grounds Work for You?
The global coffee market consumes more than 2 billion cups every single day. The grounds from coffee cups are thrown away in large quantities, with six million tonnes going to landfills yearly.
But don’t throw those grounds away just yet! There are plenty of ways to put those used grounds to work around your home. Coffee grounds are rich in nutrients and used for several different things.
Landscape Fertilizer
Grounds make an excellent natural fertilizer for your garden. For better drainage and nutrients, add a ground to your garden soil.
Grounds add nitrogen and potassium to garden soil and help with water retention because of their high cation exchange capacity (CEC).
Pest Control
Grounds effectively deter slugs and snails because they give off an unpleasant smell when disturbed by these pests’ slimy bodies. Sprinkle the grounds around plants that slugs love to snack on, like lettuce and cabbage.
If you have pets that may eat your plants, keep them away from the grounds until they’ve dried completely, so they don’t ingest any toxins in the coffee while chewing on the plants.
Exfoliant
Make your all-natural facial scrub by mixing equal parts grounds and brown sugar and adding just enough water to make a paste. Use this scrub on your face once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
You can also use it on other body parts that need exfoliating, like your elbows and heels.
How Do You Extend the Life of Used Coffee Grounds?
Reused grounds are an excellent natural fertilizer for your garden, though they do have to be used within a certain number of days. The good news is that you can extend the life of your used grounds so they last longer.
- Keep Them Dry: Don’t store them in direct sunlight, as heat will cause them to dry out faster than if stored in the shade or in an air-conditioned environment.
- Avoid Moisture if Possible: Store your grounds in a dry and cool area (between 65 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). If you have a humidifier or dehumidifier in your home, keep its temperature at 65 degrees Fahrenheit or below. This prevents mold growth on your grounds when stored there for extended periods (more than three weeks).
What Are Additional Uses of Repurposed Coffee Grounds?
You can use the grounds for composting or as an ingredient in your homemade facial mask, pesticide, and fertilizer. However, there are still some other uses for repurposed grounds that you may not know about.
Furniture Polish
The grounds make excellent furniture polish. The fine powder is abrasive, helping remove scuffs and scratches from wood furniture. Mix a few tablespoons of ground with olive oil and rub onto the surface of your wooden furniture, then wipe off with a clean cloth.
Cat Litter
Cats need a place to do their business, and using the grounds as litter is an excellent way to keep your cat’s box smelling fresh. Grounds absorb odors naturally, which means no more stinky litter boxes!
You can use them as compost in your garden if you’re tired of scooping out stinky cat waste.
Related Questions
Can You Use Coffee Grounds Twice for Cold Brew?
In the absence of fresh grounds, you can reuse the grounds for cold brew. On the other hand, it is essential to note that the greatest benefits are already obtained the first time. Only a few good flavors remain, along with several off-flavors.
Can You Get Sick From Using Old Coffee Grounds?
You will not get sick from consuming coffee made from old grounds unless it becomes moldy. It does not matter how long it has been since the expiration date. However, just because you can consume coffee past its expiry date doesn’t suggest it’s a good idea.
Conclusion
Making coffee more than once with the same coffee grounds is not recommended as it changes the flavor of the coffee. However, these grounds can be reused for several purposes, such as composting, pest control, or skin exfoliation. Proper storage will keep your grounds fresh longer.
