Universal Drying Dish

Was looking for a better solution to dry used coffee grounds for future storage and upcycling (Tips for usage below). Later I realized that this can be used as a rack for drying other items but I leave that up to you.

My old way was to dump the coffee grounds on a paper towel lined plate and wait for them to air dry. Every so often they need to be stirred around as the bottom/centre of the heap will stay damp due to the lack of air flow and potential to develop mold growth.

Had the bright idea to remix a contained soap dish (Thanks 3DArtZip). Knowing that I would be increasing the size significantly and by extension the spacing of the grid insert holes, I wanted to use a finer grid mesh to support the paper towel (yup still need to use one) and the wet coffee grounds from falling through.

Goal was to have something a little more visually appealing and expediate the drying process.

Some cool uses for used coffee grounds:

• Face and Body Scrub
  Those tiny grains of coffee are the perfect no-fuss, low-cost scrub for your body and face. You can make a DIY coffee scrub using ingredients in your kitchen. Some people claim the caffeine in the old grounds can help with cellulite, but one thing is certain. The abrasive, exfoliating nature of a homemade coffee scrub will leave you feeling brew-tiful, and like a work of art.

   

• Garden Pest Control
  Slugs and snails can wreak havoc in your garden, but your old coffee grounds can bring them to a grinding halt. The pests hate fresh coffee grounds, and the higher the caffeine content, the more the slimy creatures stay away.

   

• Compost
  Your old coffee grounds are a no-brainer for the compost bin. They provide nitrogen to your compost content. Use coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable leftovers and lawn clippings along with dry twigs, paper or hay. Over time, this recipe creates a rich soil amendment that will feed your Southern California native flowers or veggie gardens.

   

• Food for Hydrangeas and Azaleas
  Coffee grounds are pretty acidic, and while you don't want to spread them indiscriminately around your garden, if you have acid-loving plants like hydrangeas and azaleas, coffee grounds are a good soil amendment. The leftovers from your morning cup of joe can give you healthy, thriving plants — if they're the right kind of plants. Plants that hate acidic soil? Geraniums, and some varieties of lilies and irises.

   

• Fix Furniture Scratches
  If your furniture is stained a dark espresso or cherry wood color, coffee grounds will touch up any nicks or scratches that come with normal wear and tear. Don't grind it into the surface of the wood. Instead, take a cotton swab and spread some of the rich, dark grounds onto the damage. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it off. Repeat the process, if necessary.

   

• Pot Scrubber
  Why waste money on scouring pads? Take a fistful of coffee grounds and scrub your pots and pans hard. Use the abrasive action to grind off stains and burned or dried food off your metal pots, pans and other kitchen gadgets. The grounds can also help remove any lingering smells, and cut down on the number of kitchen chemicals you use. It's just one of many ways you can use ingredients that are already in your kitchen to clean your pans.

   

• Scent Freshener/Deodorizer
  Keep some of your used coffee grounds handy for when you're chopping garlic or onions, or any other strong-scented ingredient. Scrubbing with coffee grounds afterward will eliminate lingering cooking odors and leave your hands smelling a latte better! You can also keep used coffee grounds in the refrigerator instead of a box of baking soda, to soak up food smells.