1. Ward off an unsightly bruise Ouch! You banged your knee on the coffee table, and you just know it’ll result in a nasty bruise. To minimize the mark, soak a black tea bag in water and hold it against the area for 5 minutes. The tannins in tea constrict blood vessels, which reduces swelling and inflammation. If you do end up with a bruise, it will be smaller and will heal faster.
  2. Soothe a minor sunburn for pennies The sun was more intense than you realized, and now you have splotches of pink skin. What can help: dip black tea bags in cold water and place on burned spots. Tea’s polyphenols and tannic acid will relieve the burn and speed healing. (For widespread sunburn, place 10 tea bags under the faucet while filling the tub, then slip in for a soothing soak.) MORE: 10 Brilliant Uses For Witch Hazel
  3. Get pans sparkling—without scrubbing Rather than spending precious time scrubbing off thoese stubborn casserole bits, fill the pan with hot water, toss in two black tea bags, and let sit overnight. The hot water works with the tea’s tannic acid to soften and lift stubborn food particles. The next morning, a quick rinse will be all it takes to get your pan gleaming. MORE: 10 Brilliant Uses For Club Soda
  4. Enrich a sluggish compost pile During the heat of midsummer, it’s easy to assure decomposition in a compost pile. But as temperatures start to dip in September, the bacteria that create compost become less active. As a result, your pile may need a helping hand. To do: toss a few used black tea bags into the heap. Tea is rich in nitrogen, which supplies bacteria with the energy they need to dial up decomposition.
  5. Heal dry, chapped lips Keep your pucker kissably soft by pressing a moistened black tea bag to your lips for 30 seconds. Tea’s antioxidant polyphenols will help repair damaged skin cells and speed cell renewal. Repeat three to five times a week, or as needed.
  6. Rustproof a cast-iron skillet Guarantee your trusty skillet stays rust-free by wiping it with a damp, used black tea bag after every cooking session. The tea’s tannins will coat the pan with an invisible protective layer that prevents rust-causing oxidation.
  7. Fast fix for mirror spots For a chemical-free way to rid your bathroom mirror of toothpaste splatters and the like, simply save the damp black tea bag from your morning brew and rub it over the spots, then dry with a soft cloth. The tea’s tannic acids will gently break down the grime, ensuring that your glass is crystal clear. .
  8. Freshen up an area rug in no time Do your rugs smell a little funky even after you’ve vacuumed them? Grab a dry, used black tea bag, split it open, and sprinkle the leaves over the rugs. Let sit for 10 minutes before vacuuming the tea away. The leaves will absorb smells and odor-causing moisture, so when you vacuum them up, the rugs will look and smell refreshed.
  9. Relieve bleeding gums instantly If you’ve ever had damage to your gums, especially after having a tooth extracted, you can relieve the tender area by placing a dampened black tea bag over the area and gently biting down. The tea’s healing tannins have astringent qualities that will dull the ache and stop any bleeding fast. The tea will also form a protective layer over the exposed tissue, which will help keep infections out.
  10. Soothe your pup’s salt-cracked paws Salt sprinkled on the sidewalk after a snowstorm irritated poor Sparky’s paws, and now he’s chewing on the red spots in an effort to get relief. What can help: press a damp black tea bag against his footpads for 1 minute twice a day. Tea’s plant polyphenols ease irritation and speed cell renewal, so he’ll be feeling better within a week. MORE: 10 Brilliant Uses For Baby Powder