Mix coffee with baking soda: 4 surprising household uses of this simple homemade hack

As people increasingly look for affordable, practical and eco-friendly alternatives to everyday household products, simple homemade solutions are finding their way back into daily routines. What was once dismissed as kitchen waste is now being repurposed in surprisingly useful ways. One such easy-to-make combination has recently caught attention online for its versatility around the home. Requiring just 2 inexpensive ingredients- coffee and baking soda-, the mixture is being explored as a handy alternative to several conventional products, as per experts. Here are 4 surprising ways people are putting this simple household hack to use.

4 uses of coffee-baking soda mixture

Odor eliminator: Baking soda can help absorb unpleasant smells, while coffee grounds contribute a mild, fresh scent. The mixture can be kept in places such as refrigerators, bins and shoes to tackle lingering odours.

Natural cleaner: The slightly coarse texture of coffee grounds can provide gentle scrubbing action. Combined with baking soda, they can help loosen grime and residue from household surfaces, including sinks, pots and pans.


Body exfoliant: When used as a homemade scrub, coffee grounds and baking soda can help buff away dead skin cells. The mixture may leave the skin feeling smoother, although it should be used gently to avoid irritation.

Insect repellent: The coffee-baking soda blend is also sometimes used around outdoor areas to discourage ants and certain insects. However, this is a traditional household use, and its effectiveness as an insect repellent can vary.

How to prepare coffee-baking soda mixture

Making this homemade blend requires only a couple of basic ingredients and takes very little time. Start by collecting used coffee grounds and allowing them to dry completely so that no excess moisture remains. Transfer the dry grounds to a bowl and add one to two tablespoons of baking soda. Mix the two ingredients thoroughly until the baking soda is evenly distributed and the mixture reaches a consistent texture.

The coffee-baking soda blend can be used in different ways depending on its intended purpose. For applications where a dry mixture is suitable, it can be used directly without adding anything else. If a thicker consistency is needed for cleaning or scrubbing, gradually add a few drops of water and stir until it forms a spreadable paste.

Before applying the coffee-baking soda mixture to any surface, test a small, inconspicuous area first. This can help prevent unexpected staining or damage, particularly when dealing with delicate materials.