LifestyleThe natural method can be surprisingly effective during the summer months14:28, 11 Jul 2026Updated 14:30, 11 Jul 2026Combining coffee grounds with bicarbonate of soda is a surprisingly powerful technique for absorbing unpleasant smells and keeping pests away. Used coffee grounds, with their grainy texture, naturally soak up odours, while bicarbonate of soda is renowned for its neutralising properties.‌Households can blend the two ingredients in a bowl and put them to work in various spots around the home and garden; pop them in the fridge, bin or car to tackle unwanted smells, or place them on the patio or windowsills to deter pests. Gardening specialists at WWNursery have recommended this method as an effective way to repel insects, especially when placed by doors and windows during summer.‌Most insects, including spiders and mosquitoes, possess a highly developed sense of smell, and find the potent aroma of coffee grounds deeply unpleasant.‌The gardeners said: "As unlikely as it sounds, the solution is coffee grounds! Coffee grounds are a safe and effective way to keep pests away. Coffee grounds can help repel not only mosquitoes but also other annoying insects like wasps and bees."According to specialists at TheKitchn, coffee contains nitrogen, which helps neutralise odours instead of merely masking them, just "like baking soda, but with a much cosier scent". They explained: "The grounds naturally absorb all kinds of funky smells and leave behind a very light coffee aroma."Article continues belowThe experts suggested: "While I used this trick for my kitchen trash, you can easily use it all over your home, from the fridge or freezer to soak up food smells, to your car if it's starting to get musty, or even near litter boxes and pet areas."The US Department of Agriculture advised: "Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds or baking soda loosely in a large, shallow container in the bottom of the refrigerator and freezer."How to prepare the natural mixSimply place the used grounds on a plate or baking sheet to dry completely. This is important as wet coffee can get mouldy quicklyOnce dry, place the coffee into a bowl or small container or bag and add two or three spoons of bicarbonate of sodaPlace the bowl wherever you need a little help with odour or pestsChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌United States Department of Agriculture