Don’t toss out used tea bags. Here are 10 brilliant hacks most don’t know

Many of us enjoy a soothing cup of tea, but once the tea is brewed, the bags often end up in the trash. However, used tea bags have a variety of surprising uses that can benefit your home, garden, and even your personal care routine. Instead of tossing them out, consider these innovative hacks that make the most of every tea bag. From revitalizing your skin to enhancing your garden, used tea bags are a versatile tool you didn’t know you needed.

If you’ve had a long day or a sleepless night, used tea bags can help reduce puffiness and dark circles under your eyes. The tannins and caffeine in tea can constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Simply chill the used tea bags in the refrigerator for a few minutes, then place them over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. This simple compress can leave your eyes feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Tea bags can be an excellent addition to your compost pile or garden soil. The organic matter in tea bags breaks down and enriches the soil with nutrients. Simply remove the tea leaves from the bags and sprinkle them around your plants or mix them into the soil. The tea leaves can improve soil structure, increase nutrient content, and promote healthy plant growth.

Used tea bags can be repurposed to clean and polish wooden surfaces. The tannins in tea can enhance the natural shine of wood. To make a cleaning solution, steep several used tea bags in warm water, then use a soft cloth to apply the solution to wooden furniture or floors. This natural polish can help restore the luster of your wood without the use of harsh chemicals.

Tea bags can absorb odors, making them perfect for deodorizing your refrigerator. After drying out used tea bags, place them in a small bowl or hang them in the fridge. The tea bags will help neutralize unpleasant smells, leaving your refrigerator smelling fresh and clean.

The anti-inflammatory properties of tea can help soothe sunburns and minor skin irritations. After brewing, allow the tea bags to cool, then gently apply them to the affected areas. The coolness of the bags combined with the natural compounds in tea can provide relief and promote healing.

Tea bags can be used to create a natural, earthy dye for fabrics and crafts. The tannins in tea produce a warm, sepia tone that can add a vintage look to paper, fabric, or Easter eggs. Simply re-steep used tea bags in hot water, then soak your materials in the tea solution until the desired color is achieved.