5 WAYS TO REUSE TEA LEAVES

Tea can be steeped anywhere from 3 to 12 times, depending on the type and flavor profile of the leaves. Once used, we often wonder how else we could maximize it. We searched up five user-friendly ways to solve that headache of not knowing what to do with tea leaves… we hope it helps!


FRESHEN UP YOUR SPACE

Reused tea leaves are the best candidates for natural deodorants. Place your leaves on some kitchen roll and dry them on low heat or under the sun. Then, leave an uncovered bowl of soaked tea leaves in the fridge. Do so maximally for three days, and it will absorb any unwanted smells from seafood, stale food to strong-flavored food like durian.

Another suggestion would be to sprinkle damp leaves onto chopping boards or surfaces that have absorbed strong odors. Scrub them clean as per normal and you have your wares all cleaned!

Finally, you could pack them into small sachet bags and place it in every corner of the house for a fresher smell around the house. Stuff the leaves into old socks and tie up the openings. All corners are welcomed, including the dustbins.


CLEANING CONSCIOUSLY

Good-to-know: the tannic acid found in tea serves as a polishing agent that gives a new shine to wooden furniture and flooring. It is recommended to use weaker tea solutions, and on multiple times, to create a non-sticky and desirable effect. You could first steep the tea at room temperature and soak a cloth in that mixture. Then, use this cloth to clean various furniture. Use green or white tea for lighter wood, and red or black tea for darker wood.

On this note, you could also place the tea leaves into bags and leave it in the toilet bowls. After two hours, remove them and clean the toilet as per normal. It should leave the bowl slightly brighter.

Last hack for cleaning well: rub your hands directly with the leaves. Or, soak the leaves in a bowl of water and place your hands inside. Hard-to-rid smells such as garlic and durian will be eliminated!

Have fun experimenting with what reused tea leaves can do! 
 

GIVE SOME EXTRA LOVE

Apart from tannic acid, leaves are also high in nitrogen. Give your plants some love by creating a very rich soil for them. Place a handful of dried leaves in the bottom layer of your potted plants. The leaves will then absorb the extra water and slowly release it back to the plant. The high acidity and absorbency of tea leaves help boost its water-feeding properties.


BEAUTY HACKS

This is an oldie but a goodie. Lightly dampen the leaves, place them in a paper towel and you have it! Instant eye treatment. The tannins in the tea leaves help to reduce inflammation, relieving the puffiness in our tired eyes. Refrigerate black, green or white tea in a muslin bag for about 15 minutes before placing the bags on your eyes for another 15 minutes.

For quick pain relief, use tea leaves for its soothing properties. The tannin doesn’t contain tannic acid and is beneficial for your skin!

Finally, be nice and smell nice. Soak your feet in the basin of water with strong tea leaves. Chances are, your foot odor problem will be gone.


FOOD RECYCLING

Lastly, tea leaves can be reused by consuming them. Tannin, what gives tea that bitter, astute taste, is a common ingredient found in tea. Other nutritious food such as whole nuts with skin, dark chocolate and cinnamon also contain high traces of tannin.

Incorporate used tea leaves into your meals such as salad or noodle soup. That extra portion of greens is nutritious and herbal at the same time, adding a unique touch to the dish!

Have fun experimenting with what reused tea leaves can do!