Twelve Fun and Unexpected Ways to Use Tea Bags
Tea is a delightful beverage, and tea bags are versatile household items with many surprising uses beyond teacups.
Tea bags can be your secret weapon for various creative and unexpected purposes, from enhancing your beauty routine to tackling household chores. Let’s explore twelve fun and innovative ways to maximize your tea bags.
![A cup of tea with a mint leaf, surrounded by scattered colorful flowers, fruits, and pine cones on a wooden surface.](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Twelve-Fun-and-Unexpected-Ways-to-Use-Tea-Bags-11-1024x1024.jpg)
![](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2024-Blog-Banner-1-1024x228.jpg)
![What's Cooking?](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Screen-Shot-2021-12-29-at-3.30.52-PM-1024x163.png)
Brewing Creativity: Fun and Unexpected Ways to Use Tea Bags
![Three glass jars containing different shades of iced tea, with tea bags visible, set on a wooden surface with two mugs, dlowers, and a cake in front of a window with garden view.](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Twelve-Unexpected-Ways-to-Use-Tea-Bags.--768x1024.jpg)
Tea Lovers?
But before we discuss the unexpected uses, I wanted to ask how many of you are tea drinkers.
We have four tea lovers in our home, and we love to make tea. Last summer, I wrote a blog post about my Five Best Iced Tea Recipes.
There is much more to plopping a tea bag in a cup. It’s an experience in our home!
On this blog, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.
***Devon – add tea pots with infusers, types of tea including bulk teas, and anything else you can find!
Twelve Unexpected Ways to Use Tea Bags
![Three glass jars containing different shades of iced tea, with tea bags visible, set on a wooden surface in front of a window with garden view.](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Twelve-Unexpected-Ways-to-Use-Tea-Bags-3-768x1024.jpg)
Tea bags are a versatile and budget-friendly addition to your household arsenal, from pampering your skin to enhancing your cooking.
With these twelve fun and unexpected ways to use tea bags, you can unleash your creativity and discover the endless possibilities within each humble tea bag.
![](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/61v168oiffL._AC_SL1200_-1024x957.jpg)
#1 – Soothe Tired Eyes with Tea Bag Compresses
![A glass cup of tea with a tea bag inside, surrounded by various tea bags on a wooden table.](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Twelve-Fun-and-Unexpected-Ways-to-Use-Tea-Bags-12-683x1024.jpg)
After a long day, treat yourself to a spa-like experience by placing chilled tea bags over your eyes. The antioxidants and tannins in tea help reduce puffiness and soothe tired eyes, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
#2 – Infuse Flavor into Cooking and Baking
![A stainless steel pot on a gas stove burner with a tea bag hanging from the handle.](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Twelve-Fun-and-Unexpected-Ways-to-Use-Tea-Bags-16-768x1024.jpg)
Don’t let those used tea bags go to waste! Repurpose them by adding them to soups, stews, or rice dishes for a subtle infusion of flavor. You can incorporate tea bags into baking recipes for unique and unexpected flavor combinations.
#3 – Create Natural Dyes for Crafting Projects
![A desk with craft supplies including yellow scissors, floral fabric, and a jar of tea, with a blank paper sheet in the background.](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Twelve-Fun-and-Unexpected-Ways-to-Use-Tea-Bags-20-768x1024.jpg)
Transform plain fabrics or paper into works of art by using tea bags to create natural dyes. Steep the tea bags in hot water, then dip your materials into the brewed tea to achieve beautiful earthy tones. Experiment with different tea varieties for various colors, from pale yellows to deep browns.
#4 – Freshen Up Your Home with DIY Air Fresheners
![A close-up of a aromatic tea bags in a white ceramic bowl with two green glass bottles in the background, near a window.](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Twelve-Fun-and-Unexpected-Ways-to-Use-Tea-Bags-15-768x1024.jpg)
Say goodbye to artificial air fresheners and opt for a natural alternative using tea bags. Place dried tea bags in small bowls or sachets and scatter them around your home to absorb odors and release a subtle fragrance. You can also hang tea bags in closets or drawers to keep clothes smelling fresh.
#5 – Tenderize Meat with Tea Marinades
![A glass container holding homebrewed tea, with a jar of additional tea nearby on a marble surface.](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Twelve-Fun-and-Unexpected-Ways-to-Use-Tea-Bags-21-768x1024.jpg)
Marinating tough cuts in brewed tea can give your favorite meat dishes a flavor boost and tenderize them. The acidity and tannins in tea help break down proteins, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Experiment with different tea varieties, such as black tea for bold flavors or green tea for a lighter touch.
#6 – Treat Minor Burns and Sunburns
![A cozy morning scene with a steaming cup of tea, an open book, and glasses on a sunlit bed, evoking a peaceful ambiance.](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Twelve-Fun-and-Unexpected-Ways-to-Use-Tea-Bags-10-1024x683.jpg)
Ease the pain and discomfort of minor burns and sunburns with the soothing properties of tea. Allow used tea bags to cool, then gently apply them to the affected area for instant relief. Tea’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness and inflammation, promoting faster healing.
#7 – Add Shine to Your Hair with Tea Rinse
![Three containers—a glass jar of tea and two bottles with pumps—sit on a marble shelf in a tiled niche of a shower.](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Twelve-Fun-and-Unexpected-Ways-to-Use-Tea-Bags-22-768x1024.jpg)
Revitalize dull and lackluster hair with a tea rinse that adds shine and luster. Brew a strong teapot, allow it to cool, then pour it over clean, damp hair as a final rinse. The antioxidants in tea help remove buildup and restore vibrancy to your locks, leaving them looking healthy and glossy.
#8 – Repel Pests in the Garden
![A close-up of a white rose with buds and lush green leaves, under bright sunlight, with a tea bang tied to it, near a white wooden structure.](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Twelve-Fun-and-Unexpected-Ways-to-Use-Tea-Bags-17-768x1024.jpg)
Place used tea bags around your plants to keep unwanted pests at bay. The pungent aroma of certain teas, such as peppermint or citrus, is a natural deterrent for insects like ants, aphids, and mosquitoes. You can also bury the tea bags in the soil or hang them from branches to protect your plants.
#9 – Create Artistic Tea-Stained Stationery
Add a touch of vintage charm to your correspondence by tea-staining paper for homemade stationery or greeting cards. Dip tea bags in hot water, then lightly dab them onto paper to create unique patterns and aged effects. Let the paper dry completely before using it for writing or crafting.
#10 – Relieve Pain and Inflammation with Tea Bag Compresses
Ease sore muscles and joints with warm tea bag compresses infused with soothing herbal blends like chamomile or lavender. Steep the tea bags in hot water, then place them on the affected area for natural pain relief and relaxation.
#11 – Enhance Your Skincare Routine with Tea Infused Products
Harness the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of tea for radiant and healthy skin. Look for skincare products infused with tea extracts, or brew your homemade facial toner using brewed tea. Spritz the tea onto your skin or apply it with a cotton pad for a refreshing and revitalizing effect.
#12 – Add Moisture to Dry Hands and Feet
Say goodbye to dry, rough skin on your hands and feet with a luxurious tea-infused soak. Brew a pot of strong tea, cool slightly, and soak your hands or feet for 10-15 minutes. The tea’s hydrating properties will help soften and moisturize your skin, leaving it feeling silky smooth and pampered.
If you enjoy my blog, you can sign up to receive my updates here. .
![A stack of elegant floral-patterned teacups with gold handles, positioned against a soft-focus green background.](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Twelve-Fun-and-Unexpected-Ways-to-Use-Tea-Bags-13-683x1024.jpg)
Gorgeous Gifts for Mothers Who Love Pink!
![](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mothers-Who-Love-Pink-819x1024.jpg)
You can pin the image below to your boards on Pinterest (click the Pin button in the top left corner) or follow me on Pinterest!
![A cup of tea with a mint leaf, surrounded by flowers and a piece of chocolate, on a wooden surface.](https://my100yearoldhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Twelve-Fun-and-Unexpected-Ways-to-Use-Tea-Bags-683x1024.jpg)
For more real-time updates, follow me on Instagram @My100YearOldHome
No way to forward the email as you requested so I am posting this as a comment. Please UNSUBSCRIBE
Hi Patricia! You’ll have to scroll to the bottom of the email and click unsubscribe, sad to see you go!