Uses of Used Tea Bags | Home Cleaning & Skin Care Hacks

by Samridhi Baid September 1, 2021

If you’re a tea lover, chances are you have plenty of used tea bags and tea leaves at home. While drinking tea keeps you warm and supports immunity, its usefulness goes far beyond the cup. Tea is packed with natural compounds that make it an excellent, sustainable solution for home cleaning, odor control, and skincare.

Think of tea as your multi-purpose wellness ally this season—and leverage these simple, effective tea hacks around your home.

Neutralize Odors Naturally

Dry used tea bags or tea leaves and place them in an open container.

Best places to use:

Refrigerator or freezer
Shoe cabinets
Wardrobes
Trash areas

Leave overnight and let the tea naturally absorb unpleasant odors.

Freshen Indoor Air with Tea

DIY Tea-Based Room Freshener

Ingredients:

1 litre brewed tea (light strength)
4 tablespoons lemon juice
Essential oil of your choice

Method:
Mix all ingredients and pour into a spray bottle. Spray lightly to refresh rooms with a natural, chemical-free aroma.

Remove Grease & Stubborn Stains

Struggling with greasy kitchen pans or stained surfaces?

How it works:

Fill the pan with hot water.
Add used tea bags or tea leaves.
Leave overnight.

The tannins in tea help break down grease, making it easy to scrub clean the next morning. Tea bags can also be used to wipe mirrors, window panes, and glass surfaces.

Polish Wooden Furniture & Floors

Tea naturally restores the shine of wood.

How to use:

Clean wooden furniture with damp tea bags or tea water.
Wipe with a clean cloth afterward.
For floors, add tea bags or leaves to your mop bucket, let steep briefly, and mop as usual.

Clean Carpets & Rugs

Method:

Dry used tea leaves completely.
Mix with a generous amount of baking soda.
Sprinkle over carpets or rugs.
Leave for 20 minutes or until dry.
Vacuum thoroughly.

This method deodorizes and refreshes furnishings naturally.

Reduce Puffy Eyes & Dark Circles

Chamomile and green tea are excellent for eye care.

Steps:

Rinse used tea bags.
Refrigerate until cool.
Place over closed eyes for a few minutes.

This helps reduce puffiness, dark circles, and eye fatigue.

Tea Foot Soak for Relaxation

Create a spa-like foot soak at home.

How to prepare:

Add used tea bags or leaves to hot water.
Add a few drops of essential oil.
Soak feet for 15–20 minutes.

Benefits include reduced foot odor, relief from aches, and softer skin—almost like a mini pedicure.

Tea-Infused Bath for Muscle Relaxation

Tea has therapeutic properties that help calm the body.

Add herbal teas such as chamomile or rose to warm bath water to relax muscles and unwind after a long day.

Green Tea Steam for Glowing Skin

Green tea is rich in antioxidants that help hydrate and rejuvenate skin.