Don’t make the mistake of throwing away the tea bags, so used they are worth their weight in gold.

Most of us enjoy a good cup of tea, especially during colder months. But what happens after we finish drinking it? Many people throw away tea bags without realizing they can be reused in surprisingly practical and beneficial ways. From skincare to household cleaning, tea bags are far more valuable than they seem.

Here are some of the best ways to recycle used tea bags instead of tossing them in the trash.

1. For Washing Dishes

Tea has natural disinfecting properties. Adding a few used tea bags to your rinse water can help clean and deodorize dishes and cutlery.

2. For Plants

Tea water is a natural plant booster. Simply steep a used tea bag in hot water, let it cool, and use it to water your plants. It helps protect them from fungi and mold.

3. For the Fireplace

Sprinkle damp tea bags over ashes to prevent them from spreading or igniting again while cleaning your fireplace.

4. In the Bath

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