12 Clever Ways To Reuse Steeped Tea Bags Around Your Home

Steeped tea bags offer more than just a satisfying cup of tea—they can also be a handy and eco-friendly addition to your cleaning and household routine. Rather than throwing them away, used tea bags can serve a variety of purposes around the home, providing low-cost, sustainable solutions for everyday tasks.

Ken Doty, COO and Cleaning Expert at The Maids, encourages us to think outside the teapot: “Used tea bags shouldn’t just be tossed after you’ve enjoyed your tea. There are plenty of creative ways to reuse them in your home.”

Here are 12 clever ways to repurpose steeped tea bags:

1. Stovetop Potpourri
   Enhance your home’s fragrance without chemicals by simmering used tea bags with ingredients like orange slices, fresh ginger, or rosemary for a natural, customizable potpourri.

2. Degrease Dishes
   Tea bags can act as a natural degreaser. The tannic acid in tea helps break down grease and food residue, making cleaning pots and pans easier.

3. Freshen Up the Fridge
   Prevent unpleasant odors by placing dried, opened tea bags in your fridge. The tea leaves absorb the smells, leaving your fridge smelling fresh.

4. Composting and Gardening
   Some tea bags are compostable and their leaves enrich your soil. Use the tea leaves directly in your garden or compost bin for added nutrients.

5. Scrub Stuck-On Food
   Tea bags can help scrub off stuck-on food. Rub a used tea bag directly onto stubborn remnants like cheese or grease, and the tannic acid will break it down.

6. Give Glass and Mirrors a Streak-Free Shine
   Tea leaves help to remove grime and grease, making them perfect for cleaning mirrors and windows. Brew a simple tea infusion and use it as a natural glass cleaner.

7. Steep Yourself a Soothing Bath
   Infuse your bath water with tea by adding a few used tea bags. Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint provide a calming aroma for relaxation.

8. Create Craft and Fabric Dye
   Tea has long been used as a natural dye, giving fabrics earthy tones. Steep your used tea bags to create dyes for crafting, from clothing to paper.

9. DIY a Relaxing Eye Mask
   Keep used green tea bags in the freezer for a quick, soothing eye mask. They help reduce puffiness and dark circles after a long day.

10. Deodorize Rugs and Carpeting
    Cut open used tea bags and sprinkle the tea leaves onto rugs and carpets. Let them sit for 20 minutes before vacuuming them up to absorb odors.

11. Infuse Alcohol
    Elevate your cocktails by infusing alcohol with tea flavors. Add a used tea bag to vodka, gin, or rum and let it sit for a few hours to add complexity and flavor to your drinks.

12. Get Crafty
    Used tea leaves can also be used in various crafts. From paper-making to candle-making, tea can add texture and aroma to your DIY projects.

Repurposing tea bags around your home not only helps you make the most of your tea but also reduces waste, making it an eco-friendly and practical choice for a variety of household tasks.

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