7 Smart Ways To Repurpose Old Coffee Pods In The Home

Brewing a hot cup of coffee in the morning is convenient with a single-serve maker. However, it also means you're left with the pod, which doesn't always need to be tossed in the trash. These little cups can stack up fast in a household, especially if you have multiple people who drink coffee or if you are a real coffee lover. Instead of cleaning out the pods in the hopes of recycling them, why not go a step further and actually use them to your advantage? These mini cups are more than just a cute, convenient coffee holder; they can also be used around the home for organization, decoration, and even starting garden seeds.

The first thing you need to do is remove the lids and empty out the grounds. Then, pull out the filters and wash the pods, being careful not to dent them. For an added bonus, you can also hold onto the old coffee grounds, using them for scrubbing pots and pans, fertilizing plants, deterring annoying pests, and making body scrubs. Once you have a stack of empty, washed-out cups, you can upcycle them in brilliant ways.

Looking for another lighting trick to boost the ambience in your home? Make a subtle upgrade by transforming coffee pods into beautiful string light covers. Paint and decorate the cups, and consider poking holes in them for a more dramatic look. Cut a hole in the bottom of each pod, and place them over the bulbs like lampshades. You'll now have a unique light set to hang outside, across windows, or anywhere needing pizzazz. If you want the look without the lights, simply thread a string through the painted cups to create a hangable decoration.

Already sporting small drainage holes, your old coffee pods can be used as little pots to help get your seeds sprouting. Just be sure to label each one so you don't forget which seeds are inside! Add soil and a few seeds to a cup, and then top with additional soil. Use a spray bottle to water them, and make sure they get proper light. After your plants have grown enough, you can transfer them into larger containers.

There is no better time than the holiday season to do some crafting, thanks to all the creative Christmas decorations you can make with household items. Even used coffee pods are fantastic supplies to have, as they can be turned into cute little ornaments, gingerbread house decor, or a countdown calendar. You can also paint several of them black and one orange, and then press them into a snowman to act as his eyes, nose, and buttons. They can be turned into Halloween, Easter, and Thanksgiving decor as well!

There's something about teeny-tiny foods that are even more mouthwatering than if they were full-sized. Coffee pods can be filled with yummy desserts, like a parfait of smooth chocolate, whipped cream, sprinkles, and other fun, tasty toppings. Serve on a tray, and use various colors of cups for an added touch. Kids will love them — and guests will absolutely enjoy having a small dessert after a huge meal.

You'll never look at used coffee pods the same after turning them into precious flower pots. Simply add teeny flowers or succulents to your old pods, and line them up on a windowsill. Or, poke a hole in both sides of the K-cup, and thread a string or wire through to act as a hanger. Now, place a small plant in each one before hanging them on the wall using a nail or thumbtack. To make them even more gorgeous, decorate the pods prior to starting the project.

There are times when having itty-bitty containers can come in handy. Use your single-serve coffee pods for organizing sewing items like needles and buttons, or put them in a craft box for colored sequins. If you're taking on a home improvement project, they can help with separating nuts, bolts, and nails. You can also empty your change bowl and sort the coins into different cups. They're even a great size to add to a junk drawer or office desk to help keep things organized.

If you simply turn a coffee pod upside down, it's easy to see that it makes the cutest bell! This is especially true with the golden-colored pods. Decorate them with paint, sequins, washi tape, and other craft materials. Cut a hole in the bottom of each one and string a jingle bell through it. Hang them individually around the house or in a group for added festiveness.