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20 random uses for coffee besides drinking it
Shutterstock

20 random uses for coffee besides drinking it

Everyone’s favorite caffeinated beverage comes in many forms — espresso shots, milky lattes, cappuccinos, iced, and plain old drip. However, there are quite a few uses for coffee beyond drinking it, many of which don’t involve consumption at all. 

 
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Garden fertilizer

Garden fertilizer
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A great way to reuse coffee grounds is to add them to a houseplant or garden soil. The combination of nitrogen, calcium, potassium, zinc, and other nutrients make grounds an ideal fertilizer. Rake them directly into the dirt, but not too much, as it’s best to introduce coffee to the garden gradually. Additionally, only mix grounds that have already been used in brewing to ensure acidity won’t be a problem.

 
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Skin exfoliant

Skin exfoliant
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The course texture of coffee and the fact that it does not dissolve in water mean it is a great alternative exfoliant for your skin. It is also rich in antioxidants, which means your skin will be glowing after use! Mix coffee with some sugar (brown or white) and lemon juice for best results, and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.

 
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Insect repellent

Insect repellent
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Fun fact: mosquitos love blood but hate coffee! Thus, it is the perfect repellent for those pesky summer nuisances. Similarly to those candles that are used to get bugs to fly away, coffee has a strong smell that will keep them at bay. It’s best to use slightly burnt grounds, as the odor will be stronger. Then, add to your compost pile, sprinkle through the yard, make a spray bottle mixture with water, burn in a bowl, or do all the above!

 
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Meat tenderizer

Meat tenderizer
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Coffee can be great for tenderizing meat as grounds or as a liquid. Don’t throw out that cold coffee from the morning. Place it in a bowl with the meat, and let marinade in the fridge for a couple of hours. The result will be a tender and flavorful dinner! Alternatively, use the grounds from the AM as a meat rub. 

 
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Natural dye

Natural dye
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Coffee stains can be notoriously difficult to remove, but when done intentionally, it’s one of the easiest ingredients to dye fabric for all your creative endeavors. Just pour warm coffee (the stronger the pot, the darker the fabric will be) over the wet fabric in a bowl and stir. Let sit for 30 minutes to overnight, depending on the desired shade. Then wring out the fabric and place it in a new bowl with vinegar and hot water to set the color.

 
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Add to gravy

Add to gravy
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Your favorite holiday sauce is versatile and can be enhanced with various ingredients, including coffee. Add a bit of brewed coffee to your next pot of gravy for a new twist on this classic!

 
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In chocolate baked goods

In chocolate baked goods
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Mochas are popular for a reason. Who wouldn’t love the combination of chocolate and espresso? Well, you don’t need to head to a cafe to enjoy that taste. Just add a bit of instant coffee or grounds to your next dessert. Alternatively, use brewed coffee in place of water in some recipes.

 
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Get rid of odors

Get rid of odors
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The strong smell of coffee isn’t just ideal for ridding your garden of pests; it is also amazing to rid your house of unwanted odors. Place coffee grounds in mesh bags in closets, shoes, or the mudroom to absorb stinky smells. Or put grounds in an open container and leave them in an enclosed space like the fridge to soak up odor.

 
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Candles

Candles
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If you enjoy making homemade candles, add coffee grounds to the mixture. Then light and allow your home to turn into the local cafe via the unique scent!

 
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Ice cream

Ice cream
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If you’re a fan of making ice cream, coffee is a fun flavor to try out. When steeping the milk and other liquid ingredients, add some coffee beans to give the mixture that espresso flavor!

 
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Save for de-icing

Save for de-icing
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Everyone knows that when the temperatures drop, it’s time to stock up on salt and sand for driveways and roads. However, you can also put those old coffee grounds to use as a deicer, as the texture is perfect for chipping away at frozen roads. Additionally, nitrogen and other elements help melt build-up.

 
12 of 20

Hair growth

Hair growth
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Rich in nutrients and vitamins, drinking coffee might not help you grow taller, but grounds can be good for stimulating hair growth. A coffee ground scrub can help rid the scalp of buildup, a spritz of brewed coffee can act as a natural de-tangler, and a coffee rinse can aid blood circulation. 

 
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Repair furniture

Repair furniture
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No matter how careful you are, your favorite furniture will eventually begin to show some scratches and scuff marks. Luckily, your morning cup of joe can be used to help remedy that issue. Apply old coffee grounds to the spot needing fixing, leave for about ten minutes, then buff away with a rag.

 
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Add to baked beans

Add to baked beans
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Baked beans are a barbecue favorite that can be doctored in various ways — syrup, brown sugar, or even coffee. Add that cold coffee from breakfast, along with bacon, onion, or whatever you like in your beans, and turn the slow cooker on!

 
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Mocha/coffee-flavored milk

Mocha/coffee-flavored milk
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Actually quite simple to make: just pour cold coffee into milk and refrigerate. Add chocolate if you want the mocha flavor.

 
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Remove fleas from pets

Remove fleas from pets
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Similarly to using it as an exfoliant on your own body, coffee grounds are great as a pet scrub. Next time you give your furry BFF a bath, use leftover coffee to rid them of fleas.

 
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Coffee ice cubes

Coffee ice cubes
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Want to up your iced coffee game at home? Pour coffee into ice cube molds and pop it into your glass the next morning for added flavor!

 
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Infuse overnight oats

Infuse overnight oats
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Milk, honey, chia seeds, and fruit are all standard for overnight oats, but if you’re a coffee lover, you can also try adding a shot of espresso. The infusion will add a unique flavor, and depending on how much coffee you mix in, you might even be able to skip that morning cup!

 
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Cheesecake

Cheesecake
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Coffee doesn’t just make a good addition to chocolate desserts. It can also be wonderful in cheesecake. Add a bit of instant or brewed coffee to the mix next time you fancy a cold dessert!

 
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Natural cleaner

Natural cleaner
Shutterstock

Mix some old coffee grounds with water to create an all-natural cleaning scrub. It can be used to scrub greasy pots and pans and remove buildup. 

Sydney Baker

Sydney is a travel and lifestyle writer originally from Seattle. She’s also lived in Australia, Quebec, Luxembourg, and France and has visited 26 countries and counting. You can find her work in numerous publications such as Fodor's Travel, Good Housekeeping, Matador Network, Travel + Leisure, and more

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Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb sends strong message after tempers flare at training camp
NFL

Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb sends strong message after tempers flare at training camp

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb reminded teammates to keep their cool after the team had multiple skirmishes during the first two days of training camp. Rookie defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku and tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford got involved in a brief scuffle on Tuesday. At the following practice on Wednesday, a fight broke out between safety Markquese Bell and TE Tyler Neville. New head coach Brian Schottenheimer then stopped practice and pulled the whole team together. He said the next player who threw a punch would be kicked out of practice (via Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News). "We've got to be professional," Lamb said of the incident after practice, per ESPN's Todd Archer. "I get it that we have a lot of animosity and tension between us and understanding that we want to proclaim our dominance and show like aggressiveness on both sides of the ball, but then again, to what extent?" Fighting in training camp isn't uncommon. It's an intense environment. Many are trying to prove themselves before teams trim their rosters to 53 players. However, too much brawling can threaten to tear a locker room apart. A lack of discipline was also one reason the Cowboys replaced Mike McCarthy with Schottenheimer this offseason. According to NFLPenalties.com, Dallas drew the league's sixth-most flags (128) last season. Per Archer, there were no more fights after Schottenheimer pulled the team aside. Still, the incidents raise questions about his ability to maintain control. The coach spent Wednesday morning's meeting discussing two plays where DE Sam Williams was too physical and sent to the sideline. His players must not have received the message. It's good for Dallas that Lamb seems to be echoing Schottenheimer's sentiments, but the rookie HC still must get through to his team. Rebounding from a 7-10 season could already prove challenging for the Cowboys. As of Wednesday, ESPN's Football Power Index gives Dallas a 34.5% chance to make the playoffs. Infighting will make that even more difficult.

5 Commanders oozing superstar swagger on strong Day 1 of camp
NFL

5 Commanders oozing superstar swagger on strong Day 1 of camp

Football is back, and the Washington Commanders are embarking on their most crucial part of preparations for the 2025 campaign at training camp. Excitement hasn't been higher where the Commanders are concerned, at least for the last two decades if not more. Dan Quinn led his team on a truly remarkable run to the NFC Championship game last time around. But for this incredible early success to be sustained, everyone must turn the page accordingly. Looking at the mentality in the locker room, there's nothing for fans to worry about on that front. There is a strong will to win and go one better. Every player, whether they're an established franchise cornerstone or an undrafted rookie looking to make their way, is on the same page. And they will have no problem calling out their teammates if standards are slipping. Terry McLaurin's absence as he awaits a new contract was the only lingering cloud hanging over the franchise. The wide receiver is taking a stand, and the Commanders haven't budged as yet. But given the player's professionalism and team-first mindset, he'll be ready to hit the ground running upon rejoining his teammates. Until then, others will be tasked with picking up the slack. With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who oozed superstar swagger on Day 1 of training camp. Commanders players who oozed superstar swagger on strong Day 1 of camp Von Miller - Commanders DE/OLB Fans were pleading for general manager Adam Peters to sign another edge rusher before the season. They were starting to panic, but those in power always had one primary option in mind. The Washington Commanders signed future Pro Football Hall of Fame pass-rusher Von Miller on a one-year deal. He's firmly in the tail-end of his career, and the former No. 2 pick out of Texas A M is far from the force of old, but there's a growing sense he can make an impact for Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive front, albeit in the short term. Miller, who is wearing No. 24 in Washington to honor close friend Champ Bailey and the late Kobe Bryant, left a positive impression on Day 1. There is a natural aura about the player that others naturally gravitate towards. And given the accomplishments he's accumulated throughout a glittering career, the respect he commanded was instant. The Commanders won't task Miller with too much. Dan Quinn and his staff know he'll be ready when the time comes, so they can take things slowly and keep complications to a minimum. However, there was enough to suggest he can impact proceedings in some capacity. Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR All eyes were on wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. to begin training camp. There is no Terry McLaurin around as yet, so the recent trade acquisition from the San Francisco 49ers moved into the No. 1 spot until further notice. Samuel's heard all the criticism coming his way this offseason. Accusations of being overweight and out of shape were rife from analysts and former pros. The former second-round pick stayed grinding, working hard away from the team in pursuit of hitting the ground running at training camp. The dedication is already reaping rewards. Samuel looked lean and sharp to kick off camp. And it didn't take long for his developing chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels to turn heads. On Daniels' first pass of scrimmages, he made a statement. Tyler Owens, who was getting first-team reps in the nickel, had pretty good coverage on Samuel. The throw was good, the route was good, and the catch was clinical. This represents a small glimpse of what Samuel can bring to the Washington Commanders. The Niners might have given up on the wideout, but general manager Adam Peters was confident that there was still a lot of good football left. And the South Carolina product is doing everything possible to repay this faith. So far, so good. Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders CB The Commanders' cornerback room is expected to become an area of strength if everyone meets expectations and, more importantly, stays healthy. One player has gotten lost in the shuffle somewhat, but Noah Igbinoghene was quick to remind people why general manager Adam Peters gave him another one-year deal this offseason. Igbinoghene is coming off the best campaign of his professional career in 2024. It wasn't perfect, but there were glimpses of why the Miami Dolphins took him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. And it's also worth remembering that he's still just 25 years old entering his sixth season. Washington drafted Trey Amos in the second round. They signed free-agent Jonathan Jones. Mike Sainristil is a superstar in waiting, and Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore looks explosive after finally getting over his frustrating hamstring issue. That will make it more difficult for Igbinoghene, but his impressive start on Day 1 of training camp indicates he won't be going down without a fight. The former Auburn standout looked assured, forcing an outstanding incompletion with tight coverage on rookie wideout Jaylin Lane. There's no way Igbinoghene isn't going to make the squad, but stronger efforts like this could see him retain his place as a key part of the rotation, too. Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB There is an enormous sense of intrigue around Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The seventh-round running back made an impressive start to the Washington Commanders' offseason program. He wasted no time in making a similar impact when training camp commenced. Croskey-Merritt plays with a chip on his shoulder. The NCAA revoked his eligibility one game into his transfer to Arizona, which saw his draft stock plummet. He had to wait until the No. 245 pick before the Commanders came calling, but the rookie isn't carrying himself like a roster bubble candidate. One cannot help but be impressed by the way Croskey-Merritt goes about his business. There is urgency to everything he does, and this came across once again on Day 1. The backfield threat set the tone early by exploding for a touchdown. Croskey-Merritt also displayed his athletic elusiveness by juking away from safety Ben Nikkel for another big gain later on. This is a positive start from Croskey-Merritt. In all honesty, nobody should have expected anything less. Croskey-Merritt is not coming to settle for a secondary role. He aims to make an immediate impact on the offensive rotation and make a lasting contribution in whatever role is assigned by the coaching staff. Preseason and joint practices will provide more insight, but the trajectory is pointing upward. Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR Terry McLaurin is officially holding out on the reserve/did not report list until his new contract extension gets resolved. The wide receiver is in the area and will be ready to go immediately after some middle ground is reached. Until then, other wide receivers are getting a chance to stake their respective claims. Not many are anticipating a long holdout. McLaurin is too pivotal to the team's plans for that, so those further down the pecking order must take advantage of increased role until the alpha dog gets back into the fold. The significance wasn't lost on Ja'Corey Brooks. He's looking to surge into roster consideration after going undrafted out of Louisville. A poor 40-yard dash time hurt his stock enough for teams to look the other way. However, the Commanders believe he can become a rough diamond with the correct coaching throughout the summer. Brooks was among the standout performers on Day 1 of training camp. He was an extremely difficult cover for opposing defensive backs during scrimmages, displaying his solid blend of athleticism, body control, and ball skills to full effect. The first-year pro was rewarded with two touchdowns — one from Jayden Daniels and another from Marcus Mariota. If Brooks keeps this up, he's got a fighting chance. More Commanders news and analysis

Penn State QB Drew Allar gets candid about team's struggles against top opponents
College Football

Penn State QB Drew Allar gets candid about team's struggles against top opponents

It is no secret that Penn State has struggled to win big games under head coach James Franklin. While the Nittany Lions have finished with double-digit wins in six of the past nine seasons, including a 13-3 season in 2024 that culminated with a loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinals, they have struggled to beat quality opponents. Quarterback Drew Allar, who enters the 2025 season with the fifth-shortest odds (+1600) to win the Heisman Trophy, per FanDuel, was honest about Penn State's lack of success during his appearance at Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday. "We definitely need to get over the hump," Allar said, per ESPN's Jake Trotter. "There's no question about it." Penn State is only 4-20 against top-10 opponents under Franklin, although the three losses last season were all by one score. Allar is 23-6 as a starter, but threw a costly interception against Notre Dame that ultimately led to the game-winning field goal from the Fighting Irish. With experience on its side and lofty expectations entering the season as the No. 1-ranked team in ESPN's offseason poll, Allar pointed to better execution as a key to Penn State's success. "We definitely need to find different ways to come out with different results in those games," Allar said. "We haven't really been blown out of the water by any team. ... it's just about execution. ... finding those areas to make one or two more plays throughout those games. ... That's going to be our focus." One key for Penn State is the return of its two leading rushers from last season, Kaytron Allen (1,108 yards) and Nicholas Singleton (1,099 yards), who combined for 20 TDs. That experience, along with Allar's improved accuracy (66.5%) and career-high 3,327 passing yards from 2024, gives the Nittany Lions a lot of upside going into 2025. Allar did have an uptick in interceptions (eight) and was sacked 19 times last season, which are two concerning areas, especially against top-ranked opponents. That must improve for Penn State to reverse course and finally win meaningful games. For now, the focus is on its lack of success in those games under Franklin. If Penn State can execute and not beat itself, perhaps one of those games will eventually go its way. Until then, it will face the same questions as it looks to put its past struggles in big games behind it.

Aaron Boone ejection signals struggles are pushing him to breaking point
MLB

Aaron Boone ejection signals struggles are pushing him to breaking point

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone keeps losing his grip. After defending Yankee players for not showing enough emotion during losses in a recent podcast interview, the manager had another outburst in Wednesday's road game against the Toronto Blue Jays. At the top of the seventh inning, Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe was called out on a strike, despite the ball looking well above the zone. Home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez subsequently ejected Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake for arguing the call. After that, Boone stepped in. Boone walked out of the dugout and let Gonzalez have a piece of his mind even after being ejected. Frustration had been mounting for Boone. Gonzalez had already missed a strike three call in the top of the third inning but apologized for it. The Yankees were also trailing, 6-4, when he was ejected. They didn't come back from that deficit as Toronto won, 8-4, capturing the second game of the three-game series against New York. Attribute the loss to an atrocious defensive performance from the Yankees. They committed four errors, two of which allowed the Blue Jays to score runs. With the loss, the Yankees' chances of winning the American League East are slipping. Toronto (60-42) is first in the division ahead of New York (56-46). If the playoffs started Wednesday night, the Bronx Bombers would have the first AL wild-card spot. Even more concerning for the Yankees, they haven't looked like a World Series contender over their past 10 games, going 5-5. With 60 regular-season games remaining, the Yankees still have plenty of time to get their act together. Still, they should do it soon for Boone's sake. He seems like he's reaching his breaking point.