10 surprising alternative uses for tea bags

From home improvements to relieving tired eyes, there’s a lot you can do with a British brew

Tea: its not just for drinking

Rex

Liz Connor24 March 2016

There’s nothing better than a warm cup of tea first thing in the morning, but there are plenty of hidden benefits to having a box of tea bags in your cupboard that go beyond perking you up on your commute.

Rather than throwing your tea bag in the bin next time you kick back with a cuppa, why not put it to good use in your home?

From natural household remedies to alternative skin solutions, here are some surprisingly brilliant uses for tea that go beyond the cup.

1. Carpet cleaner

Tea is a great way to spruce up carpets with a musty odour. Sprinkle pre-boiled tea leaves over a rug, and leave them to dry overnight. During this time, they’ll absorb any smells - simply vacuum them away in the morning.

2. Toilet stain remover

Those stubborn toilet stains that you dare not touch can be removed by leaving pre-boiled tea bags in the toilet overnight and flushing away in the morning.

Tea can be used to clean toilets (Image: Rex)

Rex

3. Washing up degreaser

Tea is also a great remedy in the kitchen. Greasy stains that haven’t been washed away in the dishwasher can be left in tea water overnight to dissolve.

4. Acne reducer

Having a bad skin week? Run a tea bag under hot water and then press it against a boil to reduce swelling and redness.

The best afternoon tea in London

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5. Relief for tired eyes

The anti-inflammatory properties in tea will also cure the signs of a late night. Relax with pre-boiled refrigerated tea bags over your eyes for 15 minutes to bring them back to life.

6. Flower feed

Add tea bags to your watering can next time you’re watering your flower beds. Your roses will blossom after you treat them to a nitrogen-rich feast.

Flower feed (Image: Rex)

7. Budget paint

Run a wet tea bag over a piece of white paper and leave it to dry overnight to give it an aged, stained look.

8. Pasta seasoning

Add your favourite blend of tea to any boiled food to infuse it with a unique flavour. Foodies recommend green tea for a herbaceous kick.

9. Window cleaner

Did you know that black tea can clean mirrors and windows? Rubbing it into cookware also reduces the risk of rusting.

10. Keep your compost heap healthy

It’s not just you that loves the taste of tea - worms do too. Used tea bags will attract wiggly friends, speeding up how quickly your compost heap decomposes.

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