Don’t Make the Mistake of Throwing Away Tea Bags — They’re Worth Their Weight in Gold Used This Way
Most people toss used tea bags straight into the trash, but that habit wastes a surprisingly useful household item. Even after brewing, tea bags still contain tannins and natural compounds that can deodorize, clean, soothe skin, and support plants.
Dried used tea bags work as natural deodorizers for shoes, drawers, refrigerators, and gym bags. They absorb odors instead of masking them and contain no harsh chemicals. Tea bags are also effective cleaners. A used black tea bag can help loosen grease in pans or reduce streaks on glass and mirrors.
For skincare, cooled green or black tea bags can reduce puffy eyes and soothe minor skin irritation, insect bites, and sun-exposed skin. In the garden, compostable tea bags enrich soil and can benefit plants like roses and tomatoes thanks to their mild acidity.
Used tea bags can even freshen your home when simmered with citrus peels or herbs, and they still have uses in the kitchen for light flavoring or removing odors from hands after chopping garlic or onions.
Reusing tea bags is a simple habit with big benefits. Instead of throwing them away, dry them and put them to work. What looks like waste is actually a versatile, eco-friendly resource hiding in plain sight.
