Repurposing used tea bags is not only economical but also environmentally friendly. Here are 30 creative ways to reuse tea bags around your home and garden:
In the Home:
- Deodorize Shoes: Place dried tea bags inside shoes to absorb odors.
- Freshen Carpets: Sprinkle dried tea leaves (from used tea bags) on carpets before vacuuming to deodorize.
- Clean Mirrors and Windows: Use damp tea bags to wipe down mirrors and windows for streak-free shine.
- Neutralize Fridge Odors: Place dried tea bags in the fridge to absorb odors.
- Reduce Garbage Odor: Put dried tea bags at the bottom of trash cans to minimize smells.
- Tenderize Meat: Use brewed tea (cooled) as a marinade to tenderize and add flavor to meats.
- Flavor Rice and Grains: Steep used tea bags in boiling water before cooking rice or grains for added flavor.
- Repel Insects: Place dried citrus tea bags (with citronella or lemon) around doors and windows to deter insects.
- Soothe Sunburns: Apply cooled, used tea bags directly to sunburned skin for soothing relief.
- Treat Puffy Eyes: Chill used tea bags and place them over closed eyes to reduce puffiness.
- Natural Dye: Use brewed tea (different types for different shades) to dye paper, fabric, or Easter eggs.
- Scent Linens: Place dried tea bags in drawers or closets to impart a pleasant scent to linens.
- Clean Wood Furniture: Use damp tea bags to clean and shine wood furniture surfaces.
- Freshen Upholstery: Sprinkle dried tea leaves on upholstery, let sit, then vacuum to deodorize.
- Add to Compost: Add used tea bags to compost bins to enhance soil quality.
In the Garden:
- Fertilize Plants: Place used tea bags at the bottom of plant pots before adding soil to help retain moisture and provide nutrients.
- Repel Pests: Scatter dried citrus tea bags (with citronella or lemon) around garden plants to deter pests.
- Feed Roses: Bury used tea bags around rose bushes to fertilize the soil with tannic acid.
- Start Seedlings: Use tea bags as biodegradable seed starters by filling them with soil and seeds.
- Boost Compost: Add brewed tea (bags included) to compost to increase acidity and help break down organic matter.
- Water Retention: Place used tea bags in hanging baskets or planters to help retain moisture.
- Mulch: Spread dried tea leaves around plants as mulch to improve soil structure and retain moisture.
- Hydrate Indoor Plants: Place used tea bags at the bottom of pots to create a water reservoir for indoor plants.
- Protect Plants from Frost: Place used tea bags around the base of delicate plants to insulate them from frost.
- Fungus Prevention: Use brewed chamomile tea to water seedlings and prevent damping-off fungus.
- Revive Ferns: Water ferns with cooled, brewed tea (without milk or sugar) to rejuvenate them.
- Repel Cats: Scatter dried citrus tea bags (with orange or lemon) in areas where cats frequent to deter them from digging.
- Seed Germination: Place seeds in moistened, used tea bags to promote germination before planting.
- Enhance Vermicomposting: Add used tea bags to worm bins to attract worms and enrich vermicompost.
- Keep Cut Flowers Fresh: Add a used tea bag to a vase of cut flowers to extend their freshness.
