Genius Ways to Reuse Your Old Teabags
Before you throw away your used teabags, think again. Those little pouches of leaves have plenty of life left in them. From cleaning and deodorizing to nourishing your plants and soothing your skin, used teabags can be surprisingly useful around the home. Here are some of the best ways to reuse your old teabags and get the most out of their hidden potential.
1. Freshen Up Your Home Naturally
Used teabags can help absorb unwanted odors in your kitchen, refrigerator, or even your shoes.
How to do it:
Let the teabags dry completely, then place them in small bowls or breathable sachets around odor-prone areas. Green tea and black tea work particularly well for neutralizing smells.
2. Give Your Plants a Natural Boost
Teabags are rich in nutrients that can benefit your plants and garden. The organic matter from tea leaves improves soil quality and attracts helpful microorganisms.
How to use:
Open the used teabag and sprinkle the contents around your plants, or mix them into the soil. You can also compost the entire teabag — it will decompose quickly and add nitrogen to your compost pile.
3. Soothe Tired Eyes and Puffy Skin
Tea contains tannins and antioxidants that can calm swelling and refresh tired eyes.
How to use:
Chill two used teabags in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes, then place them over your closed eyelids for 10 minutes. Green tea and chamomile tea work especially well to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
4. Clean and Shine Household Surfaces
Old teabags can act as a natural cleaning agent thanks to their mild acidity and antibacterial properties.
Try this:
Use damp teabags to wipe down mirrors, glass, or wooden furniture for a streak-free shine. You can also brew used teabags again, let the liquid cool, and use it as a gentle cleaner for countertops and floors.
5. Deodorize Your Hands After Cooking
Garlic, onion, and fish odors can be tough to remove from your hands, but tea helps neutralize them.
How to use:
Rub a damp used teabag between your hands for a few seconds, then rinse with water. The tannins in tea naturally eliminate lingering smells.