​​Why You Should Reconsider Using Coffee Grounds As A De-Icer

No one wants to deal with ice, but if you're looking to be more environmentally friendly, the tried and true method of rock salt isn't all that great for the environment. It causes a lot of damage to water systems, including lakes and groundwater. Those with pets also need to be wary of rock salt, as it can dry out paw pads and make dogs and cats sick if ingested. People looking for alternatives may have come across more natural solutions, including coffee grounds. Unfortunately, they may not be the perfect solution people hoped for, as the grounds can't melt the ice as much as one might hope.

There was a rumor going around for a while saying that coffee grounds melted ice, but it has been debunked over the years. If you want a de-icer to make at home that actually does a decent job, a mixture of vinegar, alcohol, and table salt all work fairly well – much better than your leftover cup of Joe would. 

All that being said, leftover coffee grounds do have some use in the winter. Like sand, it adds traction to make surfaces less slippery. It also melts the ice and snow a little quicker if it's sunny out, as the dark color helps it absorb sunlight and warm up faster. If you don't enjoy spending more money on products to stop you from slipping, or you want to do your part for the environment, coffee grounds are a decent option to stop slipping — just don't expect the ice to go away.

While it's not the best idea to use coffee grounds as a de-icer, that doesn't mean you have to throw them away when you're done with them. There are so many other ways to use grounds while you're out adventuring, or even in your yard. For example, did you know that coffee grounds can help ensure you have a successful fishing trip when you use them in dirt for your worm bait? Meanwhile, in your yard, certain plants, such as strawberries, enjoy a little more acidity than others. Utilizing coffee grounds can help you achieve thriving strawberry plants.

Used beans from your morning cup also do an amazing job of keeping away insects. If you let the grounds dry first, you can burn them to repel pests like mosquitoes and ants. Have a particularly stinky area of your yard? If you are struggling with odors inside or outside of your house that you just can't get rid of, dried coffee grounds can do the trick. Put them in a bag or sock to act as an air freshener, or sprinkle them on the ground to help stop the soil from smelling bad. This is incredibly effective for people who have farm animals. A 2021 study published in Agronomy found that sprinkling coffee grounds on a floor can help to reduce odors. However, the research focused specifically on a fermented version, so you'll have to let your used beans sit for about two weeks before you use them as a deodorizer.

Finally, coffee grounds can be used as an exfoliant. Use the grounds to scrub your camping pots and pans that got a little messy while on your travels. Or, if you're tired of feeling dirty, you can use them to exfoliate your skin, scraping off all the grime you acquired while camping.