The Cleaning Trick I Accidentally Found Thanks to My Morning Brew
If you’re anything like me, you probably brew coffee before your brain fully wakes up.
The aroma, the ritual, the first sip, pure magic. But what happens to all those used coffee grounds afterward?
If your answer is “I dump them,” I get it. That’s what I used to do too, until one Saturday morning when I accidentally discovered one of the most effective, natural cleaning hacks I’ve ever tried.
It started with my kitchen sink.
The accidental discovery (or: how I stopped fearing my garbage disposal)
A couple of months ago, I was doing my weekend reset, cleaning, brewing, vibing to an old soul playlist. I’d just finished testing a new Win Win Coffee blend (a toasty, nutty medium roast we’re excited to release soon), and I had a French press full of used grounds sitting on the counter.
Now, my sink had been smelling a little…off. You know that faint but unmistakable funk that makes you question your life choices?
In a spontaneous burst of curiosity, I remembered something an old farmer once told me at a sustainability fair: “Coffee grounds and vinegar cleaner than most sprays.” I shrugged, scooped the grounds into the drain, and poured a splash of white vinegar over them.
Fizz. Bubble. Earthy aroma.
I left it for five minutes, rinsed it down with hot water, and just like that, no more odor. The sink sparkled. And it smelled good, like clean earth and roasted hope.
Why it works: The science behind the magic
Turns out, there’s actual chemistry behind this humble combo.
Coffee grounds are naturally abrasive. That gritty texture helps scrub away buildup and grime, without scratching surfaces. They also absorb odors, kind of like baking soda, but with a way better scent.
White vinegar is acidic (about 5% acetic acid), which breaks down mineral deposits, grease, and gunk. When it hits the coffee grounds, it creates a light fizz that lifts off residue. Think of it like a natural, chemical-free foam party for your pipes.
How to use it: The simple ritual
Here’s how I now clean my sink (and sometimes my stovetop and fridge seal) every Saturday morning:
What you need:
About 1/4 to 1/2 cup of used coffee grounds
1/2 cup white vinegar
Hot water
Optional: a few drops of lemon or essential oil
Steps:
Sprinkle the grounds directly into the drain or over the surface you want to scrub.
Pour the vinegar slowly over the grounds. Let it fizz and sit for 5–10 minutes.
Rinse with hot water. Done.
Pro tip: You can also keep a small container of used coffee grounds in the fridge throughout the week and use them all in one go. Just don’t let them mold, either refrigerate or use within a few days.
Real stories from our community
I shared this trick in our last newsletter, and the replies were so fun I had to share a few (names changed, but stories real):
Mara from Austin wrote: “My teenage son finally noticed the kitchen smelled nice. That’s a win.”
George in Ohio said: “I used to dump my grounds. Now they go into the disposal. Feels good not to waste them.”
And Lina, a barista friend in Brooklyn, told me: “We started using it on the cafe sink and even the drain gurgles less now. Customers ask what we’re using.”
It’s small things like this, simple rituals, shared tips, that make the coffee community feel like a real family.
Beyond the sink: More ways to use your grounds
Once you fall in love with the vinegar trick, don’t stop there. Used coffee grounds are little powerhouses when it comes to household hacks.
Here are a few other places they shine:
Scrubbing cutting boards (rinse well afterward)
Cleaning cast iron pans (before reseasoning)
Deodorizing the fridge (put dry grounds in an open container)
Natural hand scrub (great for garlic or onion smell removal)
Basically, your coffee has one more job to do after it fuels your morning. And it does it well.
From bean to clean: the Win Win way
At Win Win Coffee, we believe in using every part of the coffee experience, from sourcing ethically grown beans to finding creative, sustainable ways to use what’s left behind.
We’re proud of how our beans taste. But we’re just as proud of what they can do after your last sip.
So next time you’re about to toss those grounds, pause for a moment. Grab some vinegar. And let your coffee keep working for you, cleaning your kitchen, saving your pipes, and making your home smell subtly amazing.
P.S. Got a favorite cleaning trick involving coffee? We’d love to hear it, even if we can’t have comments. Tag us on Instagram @winwincoffee and use #WinWinCoffee and #FromBeanToClean. We might just feature your story next.
