Do you also throw tea bags into the trash after pouring and steeping the tea? You might not want to be so quick, because even though they have already fulfilled their initial purpose, there are still a number of other effective uses.
1. USEFUL FERTILIZER
Even after use, the bags are still a valuable source of organic matter that is useful for your home compost or potted flowers. Since the bags themselves are mostly biodegradable, simply add them to the compost or bury them in the pots of your houseplants.
2. ADD FLAVOR TO PASTA
While the water for the pasta is boiling, you can put a used tea bag in it and remove it before adding the pasta itself. This will give the pasta an interesting, subtle flavor.
3. NEUTRALIZES ODORS
Tea has the ability to absorb odors. Tea bags placed in the refrigerator will absorb all unpleasant smells within a few days. They also work well when hung inside a trash can. Used bags can also help remove odors from your hands after working with garlic, onions, or fish.
4. DEGREASE DISHES
Fill dirty pots or pans with hot water overnight and drop in the used tea bags. Tea contains tannic acid, which helps dissolve fats, making the dishes easier to wash.
5. ANTIOXIDANT BATH
A warm bath is great for the whole body, but if you add tea bags to the bath, such a soak becomes regenerating and nourishing for your skin because tea contains antioxidants. You can use, for example, green tea with jasmine to relax the mind and tone the skin — it can relieve fatigue and reduce stress — or try a chamomile bath.
6. CLEAN MIRRORS AND GLASS SURFACES
A natural way to remove toothpaste marks or deposits from a mirror? Wipe the mirror with a damp black tea bag and dry it with a soft cloth. The acids it contains gently break down dirt and ensure the mirror will be crystal clear.
7. SOOTHES THE SKIN
Tea bags can be used for insect bites, minor wounds, or otherwise irritated skin. They have a soothing effect on the skin and also help support the healing and regeneration process. They are equally beneficial for tired eyes — leave them on for at least 10 minutes and you will notice the effect.
8. REPELS PESTS
Are you fighting a rodent invasion in your house or cottage? Repel them with tea — mice dislike the smell of tea, so spread tea bags wherever rodents enter the house. It is also effective to add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to the tea bag, which, besides rodents, will also drive ants, spiders, and other pests out of your home.
9. ELIMINATES BAD BREATH
Bothered by unpleasant mouth odor? Rinse your mouth with tea steeped twice, and you will see that it helps. The most effective are green or peppermint tea.
10. REVITALIZES AND NOURISHES HAIR
Tea also regenerates the scalp and the hair surface. For light hair, try using chamomile instead of conditioner; conversely, for dark hair choose black tea and pour the decoction over your hair preferably after washing. A tea treatment will give shine and necessary nutrients.
