British households are being encouraged to place a bowl of coffee grounds mixed with bicarbonate of soda in their refrigerators as a natural solution for absorbing unpleasant smells and deterring pests. The combination leverages the absorbent properties of used coffee granules and the neutralising power of baking soda.
How the Mixture Works
According to experts at TheKitchn, coffee contains nitrogen, which helps neutralise odours rather than merely masking them. They stated: "The grounds naturally absorb all kinds of funky smells and leave behind a very light coffee aroma." The mixture can be placed in the fridge, rubbish bin, or car to eliminate odours, or on patios and windowsills to keep pests away.
The US Department of Agriculture recommends: "Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds or baking soda loosely in a large, shallow container in the bottom of the refrigerator and freezer."
Pest Repellent Benefits
Horticultural specialists at WWNursery endorse this technique for repelling insects. Most insects, such as spiders and mosquitoes, have a highly developed sense of smell and find the strong aroma of coffee grounds off-putting. The gardening experts said: "As unlikely as it sounds, the solution is coffee grounds! Coffee grounds are a safe and effective way to keep pests away. Coffee grounds can help repel not only mosquitoes but also other annoying insects like wasps and bees."
How to Prepare the Natural Mix
To prepare the mixture, simply place used coffee grounds on a plate or baking sheet to dry completely. This step is crucial because wet coffee can become mouldy quickly. Once dry, put the coffee grounds into a bowl, small container, or bag, and add two or three spoons of bicarbonate of soda. Place the bowl wherever odour or pest control is needed.
