If you drink tea regularly, you probably go through a lot of tea bags! Wouldn’t it be great if there was something useful you could do with all those tea bags instead of throwing them away? Well, the good news is that there are tons of ways to put all those tea bags to good use! And today I will share 11 of the most surprising and useful things you can do with used tea bags.
I’m not even a tea drinker, but after learning about all these brilliant tips I just have to start! 😉 Who knew those little tea bags could be so useful?
11 practical ways to reuse old tea bags
1. Freshen your carpet
You can use the leaves from a tea bag to freshen up your carpet! Just let a tea bag dry, then remove the leaves. Stir the leaves into a large handful of baking soda, then sprinkle the mixture on dirty or smelly spots on your carpet. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then vacuum the area thoroughly. The tea and baking soda will work together to hold the dirt and absorb the odor. Your carpet will look and feel fresher!
2. Hydrate dry skin
Re-boil used tea bags to refresh dry skin. Let the tea cool, then pour it into a spray or squeeze bottle. Then spritz it on your skin or apply it with a cotton pad. Any tea will do, but the antioxidants in green tea are especially effective at rehydrating dry skin!
3. Reduce under eye circles
Your used tea bags can help reduce puffiness or dark circles around your eyes. Place it in your fridge to cool, then hold the bag in front of your eyes for a few minutes. It looks great, and the caffeine content will work its magic to constrict the blood vessels around your eyes. You’ll look more refreshed and awake!
4. Dissolve the sticky mess
Is there a sticky, sticky mess stuck to the bottom of the pan? Place the tea bag in the pan and fill it with hot water. Let it steep overnight, and the tannins in the tea will help loosen the mess overnight. Cleaning up in the morning will be easy!
5. Polish wood surfaces
Weak tea can be used to give your wooden floors and furniture a nice shine. Soak a few used tea bags in hot water to make weak tea. Then apply it to your wooden surface with or with a soft rag Microfiber cloth. Give it a good buff, and your wood will be shining in no time!
6. Take a relaxing bath
Add a tea bag or two to your bath water the next time you soak. Antioxidants in tea leaves leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated. The scent of tea can also help you relax, especially if you use calming teas like jasmine or chamomile!
7. Start a fire
You can use your old tea bags to make firestarters for your campfire! Squeeze the water out of your tea bag and let it dry thoroughly. Next, dip the dry tea bag in melted wax (such as soy candle wax). Arrange the wax-dipped bags on a piece of tin foil or parchment paper. Once the wax hardens, it’s ready to use! They light up quickly, burn brightly and will help you get the campfire going in time.
8. Absorbs unpleasant odors
Tea leaves can help absorb odors without leaving any overpowering aromas behind. Place dry, used tea bags in a drawer, closet, fridge, or even your shoes for extra fragrance.
9. Restore shine to your hair
You can use tea to make your hair shiny and smooth! Use a used tea bag to brew strong tea, then let the tea cool completely. Before showering, pour the tea into your hair until it is completely saturated. Let the tea sit for about 10 minutes, then get in the shower. Shampoo and condition your hair. Your hair will thank you for the tea treatment!
10. Steam your pores
You can use an old tea bag to do a facial steam treatment at home! Place the tea bag in a bowl of hot, steaming water. Lean over the bowl for 5-10 minutes and let the steam work its magic. The steam will open your pores, allowing the antioxidants from the tea to tone and hydrate your skin.
11. Feed your compost pile
Both brewed tea and tea bags can help break down your compost pile. So if you compost at home, make sure any leftover tea and tea bags go into your compost and not the garbage!
Do you reuse tea bags?
