7 surprising ways to reuse tea bags instead of throwing them away
Don't toss those used tea bags—here’s how they can help with sunburns, stains, and even gardening!
Many of us enjoy a good cup of tea, but did you know that used tea bags can be just as useful as the drink itself? Instead of throwing them away, you can repurpose them for skincare, cleaning, and even plant care. Here are seven clever ways to reuse your tea bags and save money in the process!
- Soothe sunburns
If you’ve spent too much time in the sun, a used black tea bag can help cool and heal your skin. Black tea contains tannic acid, which reduces redness and inflammation. Simply soak a used tea bag in cold water and apply it to the affected area for instant relief.
- Relieve minor burns
Burned yourself while cooking? Just like with sunburns, a tea bag can provide quick relief for minor burns. The tannins in black tea help soothe the pain and speed up healing. Press a damp, cooled tea bag against the burn to feel the difference.
- Get rid of warts
Green tea is packed with antioxidants that can fight stubborn warts. To use:
- Place a cooled, used green tea bag on the wart for 15 minutes
- Replace it with a fresh used tea bag and leave it on for another 15 minutes
- Repeat for a few days, and you may see the wart shrink and eventually fall off!
- Reduce puffy eyes
If you wake up with tired, puffy eyes, a couple of used tea bags can help. Black tea’s tannins and caffeine can tighten the skin and reduce swelling. Store your used tea bags in the fridge and place them over your eyes for a few minutes for a refreshing effect.
- Remove grease stains
Struggling with stubborn grease on your dishes? Tea’s natural compounds can help break down tough stains. Just soak your dirty dishes in warm water with a few used tea bags, and the grease will come off much more easily.
- Use as a natural weed killer
Forget chemical herbicides—tea can help keep weeds away! Black tea, when brewed and sprayed on unwanted plants, can act as a natural weed killer. You can also make a homemade weed spray by mixing:
- Brewed black tea
- Citrus peels (like orange or grapefruit)
- Vinegar
Spray this mixture on weeds to keep your garden looking neat.
- Enrich your garden with natural fertilizer
Did you know that tea bags make great plant food? Used tea leaves contain nutrients that plants love. You can:
- Compost them to enrich soil
- Bury them near plant roots to nourish your flowers and houseplants
- Use them for roses, ferns, and vegetables to promote healthy growth
Start reusing your tea bags today!
Who knew something as simple as a used tea bag could be so handy? Whether it’s for skincare, cleaning, or gardening, these small bags of goodness have plenty of benefits. Next time you make a cup of tea, think twice before tossing the bag—you might just find a creative way to put it to good use!
Have you tried any of these tricks? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to your tea-loving friends! ☕🌱
