My partner drinks four cups of green tea a day. That is four tea bags in the trash, every single day, for years. One afternoon I stared at the pile in the compost bin and thought — there has to be something better to do with these.

Turns out there is. Quite a few things, actually. Tea leaves are full of tannins, antioxidants, and mild acids that make them useful long after the drink is gone. Here is what I have tested and what actually works.

Soothe Puffy Eyes in Five Minutes

This is the one my grandmother taught me and the one I still use. Put two used tea bags in the fridge for ten minutes, then lay them over closed eyes. The caffeine constricts blood vessels and the cold reduces swelling. Works better than any eye cream I have tried, and costs nothing.

Green or black tea both work. Herbal teas do not — no caffeine. I keep a little bowl in the fridge specifically for this.

Deodorize Your Fridge and Trash Can

Dry out used tea bags completely — I spread them on a plate and leave them overnight — then toss one in the back of the fridge or at the bottom of the trash can. The dried leaves absorb odors like baking soda. Replace every two weeks.

I used to buy those little fridge deodorizer packs. Have not bought one in three years.

Feed Your Plants

Tea leaves are slightly acidic and add nitrogen to soil as they break down. I tear open the bags and mix the wet leaves into potting soil for my houseplants. Roses and ferns especially love it. Do not overdo it — a sprinkle per pot, once a month.

You can also steep used bags in a watering can overnight for a mild liquid fertilizer. My peace lily perked up noticeably the first time I tried this.

Clean Glass and Mirrors Streak-Free

Rub a damp, used tea bag over mirrors and windows, then wipe dry with a microfiber cloth. The tannic acid cuts through grease and film. I tested this against Windex on my bathroom mirror and honestly could not tell the difference.

Tenderize Tough Meat

Green tea in particular works as a natural meat tenderizer. Steep two used bags in a cup of warm water, let it cool, and use it as a marinade base for tougher cuts. The tannins break down proteins. I marinated a flank steak in this once on a whim and it came out noticeably less chewy.

Soothe Minor Skin Irritation

A cooled, damp tea bag pressed against bug bites, sunburn, or razor burn reduces inflammation. The tannins are astringent and anti-inflammatory. It is not a miracle cure, but it takes the edge off while you wait for the real healing to happen. I keep a bag in the fridge during mosquito season for this exact reason.