You may have seen viral posts claiming every woman in France mixes coffee and vinegar for beauty or cleaning secrets. While that’s an exaggeration, this unusual combo actually has a few practical, time-tested uses you’ll want to try at home!
Why Coffee Grounds + Vinegar?
✅ Powerful Deodorizer
Both coffee and vinegar are excellent at absorbing or neutralizing odors. Together, they can freshen up your garbage disposal, fridge, or musty areas in your home.
✅ Natural Cleaner
Vinegar is a classic all-purpose cleaner, and adding coffee grounds can provide gentle scrubbing power for stubborn stains on pots, pans, or even outdoor grills.
✅ Garden Fertilizer Boost
Coffee grounds add organic matter to your soil, while diluted vinegar can acidify soil slightly for acid-loving plants. But use carefully: too much vinegar can harm plants — only use diluted mixtures and avoid direct contact with delicate roots.
How to Use Coffee and Vinegar at Home
1️⃣ Scrubbing Paste for Pans
- Mix used coffee grounds with enough white vinegar to form a paste.
- Apply to greasy or burnt pans, scrub with a sponge, then rinse thoroughly.
2️⃣ Deodorize the Garbage Disposal
- Pour ½ cup of used coffee grounds down the drain.
- Follow with ½ cup of white vinegar.
- Let sit for 5 minutes, then flush with hot water.
3️⃣ Garden Soil Boost (Use Carefully)
- Mix 1 tablespoon of coffee grounds with 1 cup of water + 1 teaspoon of vinegar.
- Lightly water the soil around acid-loving plants like hydrangeas or blueberries — only once a month.
A Gentle Reminder
While coffee and vinegar are natural, always rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning, and test a small area first. Avoid overusing vinegar on plants, as it can alter soil pH too much.
So no, not everyone in France does it — but you can use this unexpected combo to clean, freshen, and even give your garden a little love!
