The 1st of October marks International Coffee Day! Whether you prefer a cup of kopi-o, americano or cappuccino, Coffee Day is the day to savour and appreciate your beverage. It is a fact that Caffeine plays an important role in most Singaporeans daily routine, with a typical breakfast consisting of a cup of coffee, eggs and kaya toast to kick-start the day. According to data by euromonitor, Singapore was ranked 36th in the world for coffee consumption at 2.1kg per capita.
While coffee not only energises you in the morning, it also works as an inexpensive tool to complete a range of household tasks, from cleaning your pans to getting rid of the smell of onion from your hands. Unsure of how to make sure of coffee? Helpling, Singapore’s leading online marketplace for home services, are spilling the beans on how you can utilise the aromatic drink for a cleaner home:
Hand Washing
What’s that smell that is lingering throughout your dinner? Nobody likes to smell like an onion while serving their guests but no matter how much soap we use, the smell just won’t to go away. Washing your hands with coffee grounds help remove any nasty odour collected by chopping up strong smelling ingredients such as onion and garlic. That love of onion and garlic will from now on only be tasted in dishes and not when you’re eating dessert or breakfast the next day.
Fridge Deodoriser
There’s nothing quite as disturbing as getting ready to prepare a meal and opening a fridge to find bad odours without knowing the actual source! Getting rid of bad odors in a refrigerator can be a nightmare but it is not an impossible task. Here is a little tip to help clean out the smell of your refrigerator or any places that are not often aired. Simply place some coffee grounds in a cup and change it every 15 days.
Dish washing
Dish washing is one of the top 5 most dreaded household chores, reason being, scrubbing that stubborn piece of food stuck on your pots and pans can be a tedious (and boring) process. Did you know that coffee works as a natural de-greaser? Just mix 2/3 teaspoons of coffee grounds with warm water and scrub the surface with a sponge or a soft brush to give those dirty pots and pans a refreshing clean. Also works well on your stove top.
Wood Repairing
If you’ve had wooden furniture in your living space for a while, chances are you’ve accumulated at least a couple of scratches on the surface. Before you spend money on a professional service to restore the surface, try soaking a spoonful of coffee grounds with warm water for while and gently rub the mixture all over the scratches. Apply as often as needed.
Fertilising
Looking for ways to boost your garden and compost? Coffee grounds act as an excellent fertilizer. It can also be used as a natural repellent against ants, slugs and snails. Simply spread the grounds at the foot of the plants, or dilute in water and spray directly to control the insect situation.
Flea Repellent for your Dog
As well as in the garden, coffee grounds work well a repellent against fleas. If you’re looking for a natural and cost effective solution in your pet’s battle against fleas, there is a solution for dogs and cats. For dogs, grab a handful of coffee grounds with or without shampoo and apply on top of their fur coat. For best results, use this method in conjunction with your dog’s usual anti-flea medications to kill off eggs.
Next time, you are enjoying a cup of homemade espresso, don’t get rid of your coffee grounds too quickly!
