by Angie Barron

Created on: January 29, 2009   Last Updated: June 16, 2011

Ironically, it seems that the only thing you can't do with used coffee grounds is make coffee! Trying to get two pots out of the same batch of grounds will only be disappointing, sure we're all counting pennies these days but I personally refuse to compromise my morning jolt. But not to worry there are plenty of ways to get your money's worth by recycling the remnants of your last caffeine fix.

Having a problem with creepy crawly house guests? Why not invite them into the den for a cup of Joe. Coffee grounds are great for repelling ants. Just sprinkle the grounds anywhere you want to keep free of pests. I suggest sprinkling some in all the unseen corners of your home and even outside the front and back doors to keep ants at bay. Some even recommend going out and shoveling the grounds on top of the ant hills, but I personally think that's a bit harsh. I like to leave the ant villages alone until their village spills over in to mine, then they deserve a little defensive action.

In addition to repelling pests, this method also works on cats. Domestic cats tend to kinda take over a little, if it's yours then it's their's. Coffee grounds will help keep your kitties away from anything you don't want to share.

Another useful use for this versatile waste product is fabric dye. Just steep the grounds in hot water and use them for your craft projects, works great on fabric and paper. The rich, natural color of steeped grounds is also great for furniture touch ups. Just dab the liquid on any nicks and scratches on wood or any dark finished furniture and voila! Good as new.

Your kitty may not enjoy your new coffee kick, but man's best friend may feel a bit differently. Is Rusty suffering from some creepy crawly pests of his own? Time for a french roast flea dip. Working the grounds into your dog's skin thoroughly has been known to get rid of any unwanted stowaways. Now that the pets are all taken care of, let's not neglect those plants. Coffee grounds are a great plant food for roses, azaleas, evergreen, rhododendrons and camellias. The grounds can also be a great addition to any compost operation.

Last but certainly not least, that little paper filter may just hold the secret to a life without cellulite. Sounds crazy but definitely worth a try. Just mix the grounds with a little olive oil and work the mixture into those unsightly little dimples. Wrap the area in some plastic wrap and let it work its magic for about ten minutes. Rinse with warm water and repeat process twice a week. I thought this was just wishful thinking until I read the ingredients of some other cellulite methods on the market, and guess what ingredient many of them have in common? CAFFEINE! Doesn't sound so crazy now does it? So before you  clean out your peculator, you may want to think about treating yourself to an ant free home and a little tender loving care for those bumpy thighs.

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