Mums on a budget in need of a few extra money saving tips and tricks around the house may want to try using coffee grounds in new ways.

Once that pot of caffeinated goodness is finished brewing most people toss out the used coffee grounds. Why not save those grounds and use them to keep yourself looking beautiful, the house maintained and the garden the envy of the block.

1. Odour remover

Coffee grounds tend to absorb odours and also mask them. Any busy household will have a myriad of unpleasant odours you may want to be rid of right now. Sprinkle some used grounds inside a stinky garbage disposal. Or rub your hands with grounds after cutting onions or working with a strong smelling food.

2. Scented candles and soaps

Coffee roasters give beans such a wonderful rich scent that remains even in used grounds. Crafty ladies can create coffee flavoured soaps and candles to use or give as gifts. Plus, that coffee scented soap will help you wake up in the morning shower.

3. Fireplace cleaning aid

When it is time to clean the ashes out of the fireplace, keep them from flying up into the air with grounds. Just sprinkle the grounds right on top of the ashes before sweeping to help weight them down.

4. Furniture stain

The dark colour of coffee also makes for an excellent wood stain. Mix grounds, warm water and vinegar together in a 1:1:1 ratio. Allow it to sit for an hour to darken. Moisten a cloth with the stain and apply to wood surfaces or scratched spots. Let it sit for up to an hour and remove the excess with a clean cloth.

5. Start seeds

Coffee grounds make an excellent seed starter because they release nutrients, like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, into the soil as they decay. Plant seedlings in a mix of grounds and good soil and keep moist. Once transplanted outside the grounds strong odour help keep insects away.

6. Garden Fertiliser

For the same reason as the previous tip, used coffee grounds also make a good fertiliser. They add plenty of nutrients, keep insects away and they are acidic, which many plants love. You will grow great tomatoes, blueberries, roses and hydrangeas. Worms also like to eat grounds which will ensure that the soil remains soft and loose as they move around.

7. Hair cleanser

Remove built up residue and improve shine with an equal mixture of coffee grounds and coconut oil treatment. The grounds act as a cleanser while the coconut oil moisturises. The cleanser may also help to darken blond hair. Massage it into the hair and skin, and then remove with an apple cider vinegar rinse.

Coffee provides a nice start to the day. It can also help you throughout the rest of the day as these garden and house cleaning tips show. Experiment with some of these ideas to see how they work.

Do you have any other uses for coffee grounds? Please share in the comments below.

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