7 Surprising Household Uses For Coffee

It's safe to say that coffee lovers keep a healthy supply of this must-have at home. We can even surmise that they have coffee grounds and extra coffee beans lying around inside cabinets and drawers, too. Aside from using these to prepare your favorite cup, you may want to work on a few hacks that can help improve your home! Yes, coffee can be used around the house—proving its versatility and importance. Check out these tips:

1. Get rid of funky odors

Deodorize your closets, fridge, microwave, and car interiors with coffee. Fill a cup with used coffee grounds and leave it overnight in smelly areas to remove the stale and musty odors.

2. Use it in the garden

Coffee grounds contain plant-supporting nutrients that may offer protection against several plant diseases. Sprinkling them on the topsoil around plants is as good as a fertilizer. A solution of coffee sprayed on the plants can also be used as a non-toxic repellant.

3. Give fabrics and wood a vintage look

If you love a cup or two a day, we're sure you're also familiar about this drink's staining powers. While we don't want coffee spills on our clothes, if you're going for an old-world look, a few drops of it can help you out. To give fabrics an "aging" look, steep the grounds in hot water for several minutes, then soak your cloth in it. Working on a few pieces of wood for your decor? Apply your solution using a brush. For detailed instructions, click here.

4. Clean your utensils

Place a few teaspoons of ground coffee on a cleaning rag and use it to scrub the caked-on stains, burned-on food, or grease from pots and pans. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.

5. Hide scratches on dark wooden furniture

Coffee ground extract can lessen and erase scratches after several forceful scrubs. Dip a cotton swab into a cup of strong black coffee, then apply it to small scratches on dark-tinged wood. When working with larger pieces, make a paste using the grounds and apply it over the affected area. Remove the excess paste and let it dry completely.

6. Use it to get rid of ants

No one wants to have ants at home—especially if they take over certain areas like the pantry and the kitchen. Put a mound of coffee grounds along the problematic areas and see how it can help you deal with these unwanted visitors.

7. Use it to craft home decor

Scour some scent shops and look for candles with a distinct coffee scent—you'll surely feel rejuvenated when you light one. Coffee grounds can also be used on different artworks—the possibilities are endless as long as you're ready to have fun and experiment. Do you love sewing and other related hobbies? Prevent rust by filling your pin cushion with coffee grounds. It has properties that can preserve your trusty tools.

PHOTOS: Casa e Jardim, Natalie Reddel, Pond 5, New England