USED TEA BAGS

There are a lot of great uses for brewed tea bags, however they need to be refrigerated to prevent mold and bacteria growth if not used the same day.  Use as soon as possible because even when chilled they will go bad over time.

RE-USING TEA BAGS FOR Personal NEEDS

• Hand Scrub – scrub hands to remove scents like garlic, onion and fish
• Foot Soak – add to warm water and soak feet to soften calluses, nourish skin & neutralize odors
• Bath Tea – hang over faucet when filling bath or drop directly in water to rehydrate skin, plus add relaxing aromatherapy by using fragrant tea like Jasmine or Chamomile.
• Skin Soother – massage over sunburn, place against bruises, press onto razor nicks or rub over bee stings or mosquito bites to reduce inflammation and speed healing
• Eye Tea – place cool, moist tea bags over tired eyes to ease discomfort and diminish puffy eyes and dark circles
• Bad Breath – re-brew to make all-natural breath-freshening mouthwash by especially with mint and green teas 
• Hair Conditioner – re-brew and use after shampoo to nourish hair and scalp plus make hair shiny

RE-USING TEA BAGS IN THE KITCHEN

• Degrease Dishes – add a couple used tea bags to warm water and soak dishes to break down grease and food stains
• Rust Preventative – wipe cast-iron pots and pans with brewed black tea bag after every use to prevent oxidation and rust
• Odor Remover – place a couple tea bags in fridge to soak up unwanted odors
• Natural Tenderizer – add a brewed tea bag and cup of water to pan when cooking turkey to produce a moist and delicious bird

RE-USING TEA BAGS AROUND THE HOME

• Clean Carpets – open moist used tea bags, sprinkle leaves over carpets until totally dry and then vacuum to deodorize
• Household Odors – drop into trash bins, dry and mix leaves into cat litter, add favorite essential oil and hang with string or place under the car seat plus re-brew, add lemon juice and use in a spray bottle in stuffy rooms
• Deter Pests – add peppermint oil and tuck into cupboards and pantries to deter pests like mice, spiders and ants
• Renew Wood Surfaces – re-brew and use to clean hardwood floors and polish wood furniture – tables, chairs and more
• Fireplace Ashes – sprinkle damp tea leaves over ashes to keep dust from rising and making a mess
• Glass Cleaner – re-brew tea and spray on windows & mirrors to loosen dirt, fingerprints, etc then wipe away with lint-free cloth or wipe with used tea bags and buff with cloth
• Toilet Stains – leave used bags in toilet bowl for several hours, remove and brush to remove stubborn stains

RE-USING TEA BAGS IN GARDEN

• Feed Garden – re-brew and use to water plants especially those that like rich, acidic soil like roses or open bags and work leaves into the dirt around plants to release nutrients and protect from pests and fungal infections
• Potted Plants – place over drainage hole in bottom to help retain water and add nutrients
• Compost – re-brew and add to compost along with opened used tea bags (minus staples) to hasten decomposition, boost nutrients and encourage friendly bacteria to grow
• Mosquito Repellant – burn dried tea leaves to repel mosquitoes with no side effects

RE-USING TEA BAGS FOR OTHER THINGS

• Dye – re-brew and use on fabric or paper to create a faux-antique look
• Leather Cleaner – clean dark leather shoes and purses by wiping damp used tea bags in a circular motion
• Paint – re-brew and use to paint backgrounds or accents on black-and-white sketches
• Art – use tea bags and papers as canvas for artistic endeavors 

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning.”
Lamentations 3:22-23