
Tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and for good reason! Beyond being one of my favorite drinks, tea has many wonderful health benefits, and it can be used for so much more than just drinking.
Below, I’ll touch on some of the best uses for tea that you may not have heard of before. From using it as a natural beauty treatment to adding some extra flavor to your dinner recipes, we’ve got you covered!
Clean Wood Furniture with Tea
If you have wood furniture that is looking a bit dull, you can use tea to help clean and polish it. Just make a pot of strong tea and let it cool.
Then, using a soft cloth, wipe down your furniture with the tea. The tannins in the tea will help to clean and restore the wood’s natural shine.
Clean Mirrors with Tea
You can also use tea to clean your mirrors! Just brew a pot of very strong tea and let it cool. Then, using a clean cloth, wipe down your mirror with the tea.
The tannins in the tea will help to remove any dirt or fingerprints from the surface of the mirror (This works with glass too!).
Use Tea Bags on Razor Burn
Like most people, I’m sure you hate razor burn, if not, then I have to say I’m a little lost, but power to you! For us who do hate it, you can use tea bags to help soothe the irritation.
Just brew a pot of tea and let the tea bags cool before removing them. (You can enjoy a cup of tea while you wait!).
Then, apply the cooled tea bags to the affected areas for about 15 minutes. The tannic acid in the tea will help to reduce inflammation and red marks on your skin.
Use Tea for Foot Odor
If you have smelly feet, don’t worry, there’s a type of tea for that! Just brew a pot of black tea and let it cool. Then, soak your feet in the tea for about 15-20 minutes.
The tannic acid in the tea will help to kill bacteria causing the odor. I like to add a few drops of essential oil to the tea when I do this for an extra refreshing boost!
Use Tea for Bathing
Tea can also be used for bathing! Just add a few tea bags to your bathtub filled with warm water. The tannic acid in the tea will help to soothe and relax your muscles, while the caffeine can help to wake you up.
This is a great way to start or end your day (plenty of teas have low to no caffeine if you’re sensitive and worry about being able to sleep after an evening bath.
I like to add a few drops of lavender essential oil to my tea bath as well for that little extra kick!
Use Tea to Help with a Sunburn
I have to admit that sometimes I forget to use sunscreen on a particularly warm day and end up a bit pink. If you find yourself in a similar situation,
Tea may be able to offer some relief. Simply brew a pot of strong black tea and let it cool. Then, using a clean cloth, apply the tea gently to your sunburned skin.
The tannic acid in the tea will help to soothe the irritation and redness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What can leftover tea be used for?
There are many ways to use leftover tea, but some of our favorites include using it as a natural hair rinse or adding it to your gardening routine. Tea is a great way to add extra nutrients and moisture to your plants, so don’t forget to give them a little TLC with any leftovers you may have!
Can tea be used as an air freshener?
Yes! Tea can be used as a natural air freshener. Simply simmer a pot of water with some fresh herbs or citrus peels to infuse your home with a lovely scent. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to really boost the aroma.
Can you clean with tea?
Yes! Tea is a great natural cleaning agent. The tannins in tea can help to break down dirt and grime, making it perfect for cleaning surfaces like countertops and floors. Just be sure to test a small area first to make sure the tea doesn’t damage the surface.
Conclusion
This list is just a drop in the bucket (or Teapot!) when it comes to all the ways tea can be used around the house.
So, the next time you’re making a cup of your favorite tea, think before you throw your teabag out, there is almost definitely something it could be used for!