We are all about reducing as much waste as possible, and we have rounded up a few ways to ensure you are using your teabags to their full potential. There is no reason to chuck them away right after you have finished brewing your cuppa, especially since a used teabag contains a host of antioxidants and tannins.

By Roxy Greeff

1. FLAVOUR PASTA AND GRAINS

Bring a pot of water to the boil and pop in a few used teabags. Allow to boil for a few minutes before removing the bag and adding your pasta and grains. This is especially delicious with camomile and jasmine tea.

2. FEED YOUR GARDEN

Brew some weak tea and allow to cool. Use this to water your plants for a nutrient boost and to deter fungal infections. Alternatively sprinkle the damp tea leaves around the base of your plants to compost them and keep pests like mice away.

3. GET RID OF HOUSEHOLD SMELLS

Brewed teabags can be popped in a corner of the fridge and in the bottom of your dustbin to keep them smelling fresh. Just remember to change them regularly. You can also mix the damp leaves into your new batch of kitty litter to banish bad odours.

4. DIY AIR FRESHENER

Set your used teabags out in the sun to dry out. Then add a few drops of your favourite essential oil. The leaves are super absorbent and most bags already have a string attached. Secret them in all the rooms in your home.

5. SCOUR DIRTY DISHES

Pop your greasy pots, pans and grids in a sink of hot water with a few used teabags. The tea will help to loosen grease, saving you the trouble of scrubbing.

6. TAKE A BATH

As we all know, tea is full of antioxidants, and so taking a bath with a few of them will do wonders for your skin. You can either just drop them into the warm water or hang one from the tap and let the water run through it as you fill your bath.

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