Used Coffee Grounds with Sodium Bicarbonate for Household Cleaning

Among the many homemade household-cleaning solutions, combining used coffee grounds with sodium bicarbonate has become a popular low-cost option for tackling unpleasant smells and built-up grime. It reuses an everyday waste product while reducing reliance on conventional chemical cleaners.

What is a mixture of used coffee grounds and sodium bicarbonate used for in cleaning?

Used coffee grounds and sodium bicarbonate are often combined to neutralise strong odours and make heavy-duty cleaning of pans and kitchen utensils easier. Coffee grounds have a granular texture that provides mild abrasion on robust surfaces, while sodium bicarbonate helps to reduce unwanted smells.

Together, they create a paste that is easy to spread over greasy areas or surfaces with lingering odours, including pans with stuck-on grease, baking trays with burnt residue and darkened outer surfaces of utensils. Used sparingly, the mixture may also help to reduce odours in sinks and bins.

How do you prepare and use used coffee grounds with sodium bicarbonate?

To try this mixture, it is best to use coffee grounds that have been thoroughly drained or partly dried, as too much moisture can make cleaning less effective. Use a smaller amount of sodium bicarbonate to complement the deodorising action and support the removal of grime.

A straightforward way to make and use it is as follows:

1. Set aside around two tablespoons of used coffee grounds, ideally already dry or spread on a plate to allow moisture to evaporate.
2. Add roughly two teaspoons of sodium bicarbonate.
3. Combine them into a thick paste, adding just a few drops of water only if needed.
4. Spread the paste over the dirty or odorous area, then scrub with a suitable sponge or cloth.
5. Rinse thoroughly under running water, ensuring that all coffee and sodium bicarbonate residue is removed.

When cleaning pans, applying the paste directly to the inside or outside can help loosen stubborn grease. For glass lids, use the soft side of a sponge to reduce the likelihood of scratching.

Watch a video from the YouTube channel Dicas de Mãe explaining how to reuse coffee grounds mixed with sodium bicarbonate to make a powerful homemade exfoliating cleaner and degreaser:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_09zT1hC7E

What precautions matter when using used coffee grounds with sodium bicarbonate?

Although it is a simple alternative, this mixture requires care on delicate surfaces, including certain non-stick coatings, which may wear down through friction from the grounds. It is therefore better suited to stainless steel, iron or aluminium, provided excessive force is avoided and the mixture is first tested on a small, inconspicuous area.

It is also important to prevent blocked sinks and drains, as an accumulation of coffee grounds can damage pipework over time. Dispose of surplus coffee grounds in organic waste, use only small amounts in the sink and, when the aim is to treat the plumbing directly, choose dry powdered sodium bicarbonate alone in a moderate quantity.

How can you make better use of used coffee grounds with sodium bicarbonate in your household routine?

At a time when greater attention is being paid to waste and environmental impact, reusing used coffee grounds with sodium bicarbonate fits well into more sustainable habits. However, it works best as a supplement to normal cleaning rather than as the only method. Results will vary according to the type of grime, the pan material and how often it is used.

To make the routine even easier, pair this mixture with other simple practices: preheat pans before cooking, use the right amount of oil, avoid excessively high heat and soak utensils if they cannot be washed immediately.