Don’t Toss Your Tea Leaves: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips

We all love a good cup of tea, but did you know your used tea leaves have a secret superpower? 

Only about 20–30% of tea nutrients dissolve in hot water, leaving many non-water-soluble compounds in the leaves. Eating tea leaves allows you to access all of their nutrients. We recommend high-quality soft teas such as Uji Hon Gyokuro, Shisen, and/or Shincha.

Be sure to check out our section on cooking with tea leaves for more ideas!

In this article, however, we will focus on another practical use: cleaning with tea leaves.

A little science:

Tea contains a range of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols like catechins, which have antibacterial effects. These substances can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, particularly those linked to dental plaque and bad breath. Beyond health benefits, tea also has natural deodorising properties. The porous structure of dried leaves allows them to absorb and neutralise odours, making used tea leaves an effective, eco-friendly alternative to chemical deodorisers.

How to use tea leaves for cleaning:

Loose leaf tea: Wrap the leaves in gauze and gently scrub surfaces to remove debris.

Tea bags: Apply light pressure onto surfaces to clean and polish.

Tea leaves are especially useful on cutting boards and sinks. Since they have contact with raw materials, they may help inhibit bacteria: making this a simple and effective cleaning hack.

Because tea is entirely natural, using it this way won’t dry out your hands. You can also enjoy the faint aroma of tea while cleaning. Afterwards, simply toss the leaves into the trash. Simple!

Storing used tea leaves:

Since used leaves contain moisture, proper storage is important to prevent mould.

Method 1:

1. Lightly squeeze the tea leaves to remove moisture.
2. Store in the refrigerator and use the same day.

Method 2:

1. Squeeze out excess moisture.
2. Place leaves on a kitchen towel or plate.
3. Microwave at 500W for 2 minutes, checking to ensure they don’t burn.
4. Use within one week.

Used tea leaves are more than just leftovers, they’re tiny bundles of natural goodness waiting to be reused. Try one of these hacks in your kitchen this week and see the difference for yourself. And if you’ve discovered your own creative way to reuse tea leaves, we’d love to hear it! Share your ideas with us in the comments or drop us an email!