After you enjoy a comforting cup of tea, what do you do with the tea bag? If your first instinct is to toss it in the trash, you might want to reconsider! Used tea bags have plenty of surprising benefits—from soothing your skin to freshening up your home. Instead of wasting them, try these clever ways to give your old tea bags a second life.

1. Soothe Sunburned Skin

Spent too much time in the sun? If you don’t have aloe vera on hand, reach for a used tea bag. Tea contains tannic acid, which helps reduce redness and calm the burning sensation. Simply press a cool, damp tea bag onto the affected area for quick relief.

2. Reduce Puffy, Tired Eyes

Struggling with dark circles or under-eye puffiness? Chilled tea bags can work wonders! The tannins in black tea help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. After brewing your tea, store the used bags in a sealed container in the fridge. The next morning, place them over your eyes for a refreshing pick-me-up.

3. Ease Minor Burns

Accidentally touched a hot pan? Tea can help soothe minor burns. The natural anti-inflammatory properties in tea leaves reduce pain and swelling. Hold a cool, damp tea bag against the burn for instant comfort.

4. Give Your Hair a Healthy Shine

Tea rinses can work wonders for your hair! The antioxidants in tea help strengthen strands and soothe an irritated scalp. It can even combat dandruff. To make a tea rinse, boil a few used tea bags in water, let it cool, and then use it as a final rinse after shampooing. Just be sure to dry your hair with a dark towel to avoid staining!

5. Stop Warts Naturally

Green tea is packed with antioxidants that may help shrink warts over time. Simply place a used, warm tea bag on the affected area for a few minutes each day. The natural compounds in tea can slow wart growth and promote healing.

6. Banish Shoe Odors

Nobody likes smelly shoes! Used tea bags can absorb excess moisture and neutralize unpleasant odors. Just pop a dry tea bag into each shoe overnight, and by morning, they’ll smell much fresher.

7. Boost Your Garden’s Health

Your plants can benefit from tea bags, too! Tea leaves naturally lower the soil’s pH, which helps prevent fungal growth and promotes beautiful blossoms. Just bury used tea bags in the soil around your plants for a natural fertilizer boost.

8. Make Dishwashing Easier

Got stubborn, stuck-on food on your dishes? Let old tea bags do the hard work for you. Fill the sink with warm water and toss in a couple of used tea bags. Soak your dishes overnight, and the tannins will help loosen grease and grime, making cleanup a breeze.

9. Remove Water Stains from Mirrors

Tea bags can help you clean glass and mirrors without streaks. The tannins in tea break down water stains and fingerprints. Just wipe your mirror with a damp tea bag, then buff it with a clean cloth for a sparkling finish.

10. Eliminate Food Odors from Hands

Chopping garlic or onions can leave your hands smelling strong for hours. Instead of scrubbing with soap multiple times, rub a damp tea bag over your hands. It will neutralize the odor and leave your hands fresh.

11. Soothe Sore Gums

If you have sensitive or irritated gums, tea bags can provide relief. The anti-inflammatory properties in tea help reduce swelling and ease pain. Just press a cool, damp tea bag onto the sore area like you would a gauze pad.

12. Share the Knowledge!

If you love these creative ways to reuse tea bags, don’t keep them to yourself! Share these tips with your friends and family so they can start making the most of their old tea bags, too.