7 Handy Uses for Your Used Tea Bags

If you’re anything like me, you use so many tea bags that your kitchen sink looks like a little tub full of tiny wet pillows!

I have a habit of forgetting to put them in the bin after draining them.

But a tea bag can be used a number of times for dunking if you are making one or more cups of tea simultaneously; however they do lose their flavour and potency making for a pretty dull and flavourless cup of tea if you’re the last cab off the rank.

It is a shame to throw so many of these little guys out and there are actually many handy uses for them once they’ve been enjoyed in your tea cup. Let’s start with number 1!

1. Rodent Repellent

It’s a fact that mice and rats don’t particularly like the smell of tea so put your used tea bags in cupboards, the kitchen pantry and any other areas that you think they may sneak in and you are not likely to see them crossing the threshold.

Another little secret, is to soak the tea bags in peppermint oil to not only deter the mice, but also ants and spiders. In return, your home will be pest-free and smell amazingly minty!

2. Soothe Irritated Skin

Moist, cold tea bags are great for naturally soothing skin irritations. If you have tired, sore, puffy eyes, place a tea bag on each to ease discomfort.

Sunburnt? No worries!

(Except for Cancer!). Massage a wet, cool tea bag over the sunburnt areas to cool skin and reduce possible inflammation. You can also place a tea bag on a bruise for speedier healing and if you rub a tea bag over a sting or bite, it will assist in drawing out toxins and reduce pain and swelling.

3. Plant Food

Feed your garden well by brewing old tea bags in a bucket of water and showering the weakened brew over your garden to prevent fungal infections.

You can also tear open the used bags and sprinkle the wet leaves around the garden bed to prevent rodents and fertilize the soil. Adding them to your compost is also a great nutrient booster!