In summer, many people enjoy drinking strong tea to reduce fat and lose weight. However, the used tea leaves after each brew don't need to be thrown away immediately. They can be repurposed for cleaning furniture, deodorizing, or nurturing plants and animals, making them a versatile household resource.

Cleaning

Wet tea leaves can remove fishy and onion odors from containers. Boiling used tea leaves in the container for a few minutes can eliminate these smells.

Using leftover tea leaves to scrub greasy pots, bowls, and wooden or bamboo furniture can make them shinier. For greasy kitchen utensils, soaking dry tea residue in hot water and then scrubbing can remove the grease.

Drying used tea leaves and spreading them in damp areas can help absorb moisture.

Deodorizing

Drying used tea leaves and burning them in toilets or drains can eliminate foul odors and repel mosquitoes.

Placing dried used tea leaves in nylon socks and then inserting them into smelly shoes can absorb moisture and neutralize odors. For adult shoes, about one cup of tea leaves is needed.

Planting

Soaking used tea leaves in water for a few days and then watering plants with it can promote their growth.

Used tea leaves can also be fed to newly hatched silkworms, which is a classic example of "tea-based" nourishment.