How to Reuse Coffee Grounds from IKEA Nanjing

It’s a familiar scene: the weekend crowd queued up for free coffee at IKEA Nanjing’s third-floor cafeteria. But it wasn’t the brew that caught a reporter’s attention—it was a small sign above the machine. “Dear customers, if you’d like used coffee grounds, just ask our staff. Let’s practice sustainability together.” Below, the notice listed simple uses: absorbing odors, cutting grease, scrubbing stains, and even feeding acid-loving houseplants. That’s when the reporter decided to find out what else those spent grounds could do—and whether anyone else was asking for them.

The answer? Yes, you can get them—for free. And not only that, they have multiple everyday uses. One reporter walked away with a full bag after simply asking, and learned that the average customer rarely does. That small exchange opened up a bigger conversation about waste, reuse, and the overlooked potential of something most people toss without a second thought.

What Are Used Coffee Grounds Good For?

Coffee grounds aren’t just waste—they’re a versatile byproduct with practical applications around the home. At IKEA Nanjing, signs specifically recommend using them to deodorize, degrease, scrub tough stains, and provide nutrients for acid-loving plants. These uses aren’t just DIY hacks; they’re based on the natural properties of spent coffee: slightly abrasive texture, acidity, and absorbency.

How to Get Free Coffee Grounds at IKEA Nanjing

According to the report, all you have to do is ask. A staff member handed over a large bag of used grounds without hesitation—and noted that the curious reporter was the first person in years to ask for them. No forms, no fees. Just a polite request to the restaurant staff at the in-house coffee station is enough to take some home. This simple act of asking helps close the loop on what would otherwise become landfill waste.

Why Don’t More People Take Coffee Grounds?

The article reflects on a broader issue: despite clear signage and free access, almost no one asks for coffee grounds. The reporter suggests that small, everyday actions—like taking unused coffee grounds—are a form of low-effort sustainability. Compared to the complexity of municipal waste sorting, bringing home grounds is an easy habit that reduces waste. The reporter calls for more people to follow this example, imagining a future where as many people ask for grounds as line up for coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with used coffee grounds?

You can use them to deodorize fridges or closets, scrub away grease or stubborn stains, reduce soap scum in sinks, and amend soil for acid-loving plants like azaleas or ferns. They’re also known to help deter pests in gardens.

Where can I get free used coffee grounds in Nanjing?

At IKEA Nanjing, you can get them for free by asking the restaurant staff near the in-house coffee machines. The staff confirmed they give them out upon request, though few customers currently do.

Are coffee grounds good for all plants?

No. Coffee grounds are mildly acidic and best suited for acid-loving plants such as blueberries, azaleas, ferns, and some indoor plants. They are not ideal for alkaline-loving species or used alone as mulch in thick layers.

How do I use coffee grounds to remove odors?

Place dry used grounds in a small open container or sachet and leave them in areas with odors, like refrigerators, shoes, or gym bags. Their absorbent qualities help neutralize smells naturally.

Why don’t more people take coffee grounds from places like IKEA?

Most people simply don’t think of it. The reporter noted that in years of offering free grounds, almost no one asked—highlighting how small sustainable habits are often overlooked despite being easy to adopt.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Home Composting & Brewing

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for a bright, juicy profile with notes of red cherry and citrus—perfect for composting nitrogen-rich grounds. For a deeper option, their Yirgacheffe offers floral and lemony tones, while the Classic Blend provides balanced chocolate and nut notes ideal for everyday brewing. All three roast levels produce usable grounds for gardening or cleaning. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.