COFFEE GROUNDS, PUT THEM IN YOUR CLOTHES: AMAZING WHAT HAPPENS IN THE WASHING MACHINE

2. Add to the Wash Cycle:

Once the coffee grounds are safely contained, add the bag of grounds to your washing machine drum along with your clothes. Start the wash cycle as usual, and let the grounds work their magic. The agitation from the washing machine helps distribute the coffee grounds evenly throughout your clothes, neutralizing odors and lifting stains.

3. Dry as Usual:

After the wash cycle is complete, remove the mesh bag or sock with the coffee grounds inside. You can then proceed to dry your clothes as you normally would—whether it’s air drying or using your dryer. The grounds may leave a slight coffee scent, which will dissipate as your clothes dry.

4. Reusable Grounds:

If you’re using your coffee grounds for multiple washes, you can reuse them several times before they lose their effectiveness. Just make sure to check that the grounds haven’t clumped together in the bag. If they have, simply rinse them out, dry them, and reuse for another laundry load.

Tips and Tricks for Using Coffee Grounds in Laundry

1. Use Used, Dry Coffee Grounds: Fresh coffee grounds can be too wet and messy for laundry use. Always use used, dried grounds—these are more absorbent and easier to work with. You can spread them out on a baking sheet to dry overnight if you need to.
2. Don’t Overdo It: A little goes a long way. Too many coffee grounds can be difficult to remove from your clothes and washing machine, so use just enough to neutralize odors and freshen your laundry. About 1/4 to 1/2 cup of grounds should suffice for a standard load of laundry.
3. Test on Fabrics First: While coffee grounds are safe for most fabrics, it’s always a good idea to test on a small, inconspicuous area first, especially if you’re dealing with delicate or light-colored fabrics. Though the grounds shouldn’t stain, it’s better to be cautious, especially with items that are more prone to color changes.
4. Combine with Other Natural Cleaning Agents: For an extra cleaning boost, consider combining coffee grounds with other natural odor-fighting ingredients like baking soda or white vinegar. These ingredients can enhance each other’s effects and give your clothes an extra fresh scent.

When NOT to Use Coffee Grounds in Laundry

While coffee grounds can be a helpful addition to your laundry routine, there are a few cases where you might want to skip them:

• Delicate Fabrics: Coffee grounds can be abrasive, which may not be ideal for delicate fabrics like silk or lace. Always check the care labels on your clothes and use coffee grounds sparingly.
• Light-Colored Fabrics: While coffee grounds generally don’t stain, it’s best to avoid using them on very light-colored fabrics (such as white or pastels) to avoid any risk of discoloration.
• New Clothes: If you’re washing new clothes for the first time, it’s better to skip the coffee grounds. New clothes often have residual chemicals from the manufacturing process, and the addition of coffee grounds could interfere with the cleaning process or cause uneven cleaning.

Other Uses for Coffee Grounds Around the House

If you’re sold on using coffee grounds in your laundry, why stop there? Here are some other ways to use coffee grounds around the house:

• Natural Carpet Deodorizer: Sprinkle used coffee grounds on your carpets before vacuuming to eliminate odors and freshen up the room.
• Scrub for Pots and Pans: The coarse texture of coffee grounds can help scrub away stuck-on food and grease from pots and pans. Simply use a damp cloth and coffee grounds to scrub.
• Exfoliate Skin: Mix coffee grounds with a little coconut oil or olive oil for a DIY exfoliating scrub that helps remove dead skin cells and boosts circulation.
• Fertilizer for Your Garden: Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen and can be added to your compost pile or garden to enrich the soil and boost plant growth.
• Repel Pests: Coffee grounds can act as a natural pest repellent. Place them around your plants or in areas prone to ants or other bugs.

Conclusion

Who knew that your morning coffee could be such a powerful laundry aid? Coffee grounds offer a simple, natural way to enhance your laundry routine by neutralizing odors, lifting stains, softening fabrics, and making your clothes smell fresh. With just a few tablespoons of used coffee grounds, you can elevate your laundry game while also reducing waste.

So, the next time you brew a pot of coffee, save those grounds for your laundry! Whether you’re tackling stubborn odors, boosting your detergent’s power, or simply softening your clothes, coffee grounds are a surprisingly effective and eco-friendly addition to your laundry routine.