6 top hacks using your used tea bag
Tea lovers, pay attention! You may have thought used tea bags had served their purpose after that one cup of tea, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, those bags are true multitaskers around the house. From neutralizing odors to cleaning pans—with these tips, you’ll give your tea bags a surprisingly useful second life. Now that’s sustainable sipping.
It’s incredibly annoying, those wet tea bags lying around in the sink. Except when they serve a purpose. Because they’re just lying there waiting for a comeback. And there’s little more fun than a tip or trick that also means less waste, so before you casually toss those little guys into the trash, read on to find out what else they’re surprisingly good for after that cup of tea.
Six tea bag top hacks
Neutralize odors
Tear open used tea bags and let the leaves dry thoroughly on a saucer. Sprinkle them in the litter box, or over your carpet before vacuuming. (I’d be careful with white carpets, but then again, who has those?). This absorbs odors for a fresher result.
Need a rinse?
Did you know tea is a great, completely natural way to remove the last traces of gel, mousse, wax, etc. from your hair? Steep three or four used tea bags in warm water, and rinse your hair with it after shampooing and conditioning. Bonus points if it was also a lovely-smelling tea.
After a good cry
You can simply eat that cucumber, because cooled tea bags can also be used for puffy eyes. The tannins are said to reduce swelling, so lie down with two of those cool bags on your eyelids—I already feel relaxed just thinking about it.
Take the sting out
Insect bite? Place a damp, cool tea bag on it to help soothe the pain. And if your cheekbones have gotten sunburned, those same bags will provide some cooling relief. And next time, just apply sunscreen, okay…
Cut through grease
Burnt-on pans? Fill them with hot water and let used tea bags steep in it to loosen food residue and grease. You can stand there watching in amazement—it works!
Green tea fingers
Are you the housemate under whose care every plant heads toward certain death? Surprise everyone with this kiss of life: steep a tea bag again and use the weak, cooled tea to water your plants. A top trick for fighting mold!
A glorious tea bag comeback
So from now on, don’t thoughtlessly throw those tea bags in the trash. Give them a glorious comeback in your cleaning routine, beauty ritual, or green-fingered project. Who would have thought that a simple tea bag had so much going for it? Cheers to less waste and more hacks!
Read also:
