There's nothing better than a nice cup of tea. It's a great way to start your morning, end your meal, or settle in for the night.
And with all the different kinds of tea, there's a tea for everyone, any time of day.
But when you're done with your cup, you often have a soggy little tea bag hanging out at the bottom of your cup.
There's not quite enough oomph left in it for another cup, but there's actually more left than you might realize. A lot more.
Before you toss it, consider using it for something else. You'll be amazed at just how useful a used tea bag really is!
People have been drinking all sorts of tea to soothe all kinds of ailments, but even your most basic black tea is really good for you!
And not only is it good for you, it's good for lots of other things, too, if you unleash their hidden, unexpected potential.
Read on to see what you can do with used tea bags — besides make more tea! Although more tea is always a good idea, too.
Why Should You Drink Tea, Anyway?
Black tea is actually a great beverage choice. It has caffeine, but not nearly as much as coffee.
It's also full of antioxidants that prevent cell damage, and studies have shown that it is good for heart and digestive health, boosts the immune system, and can even prevent plaque buildup on your teeth.
But tea isn't just good for your health; it can actually help around your home, too!
Check out all the clever ways you can recycle your old, used tea bags once your cup is empty!
Tea Tip #1: Make Your Mirrors Sparkle
Tea is a great way to lift greasy fingerprints and streaks off glass.
You can give the mirror a once-over with the wet bag, or rebrew the bag and spray the weak tea on the glass.
Wipe off with a clean, soft cloth and admire the shine.
Tea Tip #2: Freshen Your Fridge
Place used tea bags in a bowl on the top shelf of your fridge, and they'll absorb bad, stale odors that can build up inside.
Think of it as an even cheaper alternative to baking soda.
Tea Tip #3: Wake Up Your Eyes
Cool used tea bags in the fridge. When cool, place them on your eyes to reduce puffiness.
The caffeine in the tea, as well as the coolness, will calm down the swelling and make you look bright-eyed and awake.
Tea Tip #4: Soothe Bites And Burns
Minor cuts, burns, and bug bites can all be soothed with a cool, damp, already used tea bag.
The tannins in tea are great for helping repair damaged skin.
Tea Tip #5: Boost Your Bathwater
Tannins are good for your skin, so why not get their benefits all over?
Drop used tea bags into the bathwater to create a bath that's both calming, nice-smelling, and nourishing.
This works great with herbal teas like jasmine and chamomile, too!
Tea Tip #6: Enrich Your Hair
Soak used tea bags in warm water for about 20 minutes, and then use the liquid as a rinse after shampooing.
Black tea is especially good if you have dark hair, as it will boost its rich, warm colors.
Let it soak in for a few minutes, then rinse out.
Tea Tip #7: Add Flavor To Your Grains
Instead of using plain water when cooking rice, pasta, or other grains, hang some used tea bags into the water while it's heating and remove when it's boiling. Then put in your grains and enjoy the added flavor.
Try chai or cinnamon spice tea bags with oatmeal, green tea with pasta, or jasmine tea bags with rice.
Tea Tip #8: Degrease Your Dishes
Just like with the glass, tea is great for breaking up oils.
If you have greasy dishes, let them soak in hot water in the sink, and throw in some used tea bags.
The tea will loosen the grease and make washing them easier. It'll also cut down on any odors.
Tea Tip #9: Customize Your Stationery
Tea makes a great dye. If you like sending letters, scrapbooking, or anything else involving pretty paper, tea is your friend.
Steep some used tea bags to create a pale, weak tea. Dip plain paper into it to give it an antiqued, sepia hue. A slightly stronger brew will also dye cloth.
Use different teas and see what colors you can come up with!
Tea Tip #10: Feed Your Garden
If you really can't find anymore use for a tea bag, don't worry. Your garden will!
You can rebrew a bunch of bags and use the weak tea to water your garden, or you can open up the bags and sprinkle the tea leaves right into the soil.
The leaves will serve as a nutrient-rich fertilizer, and tea is also great for keeping harmful fungi away from plants.
Tea bags can go into compost piles whole, paper and all. Just be careful to remove the metal staple first.
SHARE these unexpected tea tips with your tea-drinking friends, and let us know if you have any secret uses for tea bags that we missed!
