Water Your Plants
Split used teabags and put them into the pots with house-plants. They make great compost and the plants will grow strong and healthy. Water plants with cold tea. Ferns and roses love this.
Soothe Your Eyes
Let used teabags cool and then use as a compress to soothe tired eyes. They will reduce puffiness too.
Cure Warts
The tannin in tea is also said to help cure warts. Press a used teabag onto the area where the wart is, remove it and let the skin dry naturally. Do this for a few days.
Dye Fabric
Teabags can be used to stain white cotton, or muslin fabrics. Use very strong tea for a darker colour. It is a natural dye that won't run or wash out. It gives an older, light brown look to fabric.
Scent a Drawer
Take two, or three used teabags that have been dried and add a couple of drops of essential oil. Put this into a small bag, or cloth packet and use to scent drawers. This works well with lavender, or lemon oil.
Marinate Meat
Use cold tea to marinate meat. Remove the teabags and soak the meat in the cold tea as the tannic acid will tenderise the meat. For a change add some fresh lemon juice too.
Remove Old Polish
Soak a couple of teabags in boiling water. Allow the water to cool for a while and then soak a soft cloth in in it. This can be used to wipe away old polish and dirt from furniture.
Clean Mirrors
Cold tea will bring a great shine to mirrors and tiles. Wipe and then polish up with a soft cloth.
Soothe Insect Bites
Put a cold used teabag on insect bites. The tannin will neutralise them.
Make Ice for Iced Tea
Freeze leftover tea as cubes and use the next time you want to make iced tea. Pour the tea over them for instant chilling.
