Tea Day #1!

Before you throw out your used tea bags and tea leaves, check these alternative uses for them.

Soothe tired eyes

Warm, wet tea bags can reduce puffiness and soothe pain around tired eyes.

Soothe sunburn

Tea can soothe sunburns and other minor burns. Sponge sunburned skin with cooled chamomile tea for its anti-inflammatory effect. Do not try this if skin is broken.

Clean toilet stains

Used tea leaves can remove stubborn stains in the bottom of the toilet bowl. Just leave them in the toilet for several hours, then flush the toilet and brush the bowl.

Clean mirros and windows

Tea can remove stubborn, greasy fingerprints from glass. Simply rub a damp teabag on the glass or fill a spray bottle with brewed tea.

Polish furniture

The tannins in tea can re-color light spots and scratches in wood surfaces. Dip a soft cloth in a small amount of strongly-brewed tea, and use it to wipe down scratched furniture.

Shine wood floors

The tannins in black tea can help shine and color hardwood flooring. Follow your regular floor cleaning routine by carefully rubbing some brewed tea into the floor and letting it air dry.

Cleaning carpets

Sprinkle dry, used green tea leaves on the carpet and let them work for about 10 minutes, then vacuum them up. Delicate Persian and Oriental rugs can also benefit from a sprinkling of tea leaves. In this case, sprinkle nearly dry, used whole tea leaves on the rugs, and gently sweep them away.