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3 Best Ways To Use Tea In Laundry

3 Best Ways To Use Tea In Laundry

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What comes to mind when you hear the word “tea”? The majority of us envision a comforting cup that gets our day started right or allows us to unwind. But what you might not know is that tea, particularly black tea, can do magic for your laundry as well! From revitalizing dark garments to odor elimination and natural dyeing, tea has some surprisingly good laundry uses, and it’s sustainable too!

In this blog, we’ll explore three best ways to use tea in laundry, along with tips to make the most of this natural laundry hack.

1. Use Black Tea to Restore Faded Dark Clothes

Among the most frequent laundry issues is fading of dark-colored apparel over time. Washing dark-colored clothes too often, exposure to sunlight, and detergent residue can make black or deep-colored clothing appear pale. Thankfully, black tea works as a natural dye booster for dark clothing.

How It Works:

Black tea contains tannins, natural plant compounds that can lightly tint fabric and enhance the richness of dark colors, especially black or navy clothes.

How to Use:

  • Brew 3 to 4 strong black tea bags in about 2 cups of boiling water.
  • Let the tea steep for 10-15 minutes.
  • Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly.
  • Add the tea to a bucket or tub of cold water and soak your dark clothes for 15–30 minutes.
  • Rinse gently and air dry away from direct sunlight.

This method can be used once every few washes to maintain the deep hue of dark garments without resorting to chemical dyes.

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2. Deodorize Clothes Naturally with Green Tea

Odors in laundry can be caused by sweat, mildew, or lingering food smells. If you prefer a chemical-free solution for odor removal, green tea can come to your rescue. Green tea contains antioxidants and natural deodorizing properties that help neutralize unpleasant smells from clothing.

How to Use:

  • Brew 2–3 green tea bags in hot water and let it cool.

  • Pour the tea into your rinse cycle during the final wash.

  • Alternatively, mix the green tea with water in a spray bottle and mist your clothes before washing.

This works particularly well for gym wear, undergarments, and clothes stored in damp areas. Not only does it reduce odor, but it also imparts a mild fresh scent without any artificial fragrances.

3. Use Tea for Natural Fabric Dyeing

If you’re looking for a DIY natural dye for fabrics, tea is a safe, accessible, and creative choice. Both black and herbal teas can be used to give fabrics a vintage or earthy tone, making them ideal for craft projects, upcycling old clothes, or giving a new look to plain fabrics.

What You’ll Need:

  • 5–10 tea bags (black, green, or herbal depending on the shade you want)

  • Large pot or container for dyeing

  • Natural fiber fabric (cotton, linen, silk work best)

  • Salt or vinegar to help set the dye

How to Dye:

Step 1: Boil water and steep the tea bags to create a concentrated dye bath.

Stepp 2: Submerge the fabric into the tea solution and let it sit for 30 minutes or longer depending on the desired color depth.

Step 3: Soak your fabric in warm water first for 5 minutes (to help it absorb color evenly).

Step 4: Rinse with cool water and set the dye using a vinegar or salt rinse.

Step 5: Dry the fabric in shade to retain the color.

This method is perfect for getting warm, earthy tones like sepia, beige, or soft pink (if using hibiscus or rose tea). Plus, it’s a fun way to experiment with natural art in your laundry room.

4. Tips for Using Tea in Laundry

  • Always test first: Before applying tea solutions to your clothes, do a patch test on a hidden part of the garment to ensure it doesn’t stain or react badly.

  • Use natural fibers: Tea works best on cotton, linen, silk, and wool. It may not adhere well to synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon.

  • Don’t overuse: Especially for black tea treatment on dark clothes — once every few washes is enough.

Skip on whites: Tea can stain white or light-colored clothes, so avoid accidental spills during laundry.

5. Conclusion

Who would’ve thought your kitchen staple could double as a laundry superhero? From reviving your blacks to deodorizing fabrics and even coloring your garments naturally, tea is a powerful, affordable, and eco-friendly laundry companion. It’s time to brew more than just a cup, use tea to bring new life to your laundry.

So next time you’re brewing a pot of tea, don’t throw away those extra bags. Let your clothes sip some too!

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily purport to reflect the values or views of Tumbledry.

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