Coffee Filters Aren’t Just for Coffee

Whether you enjoy a fresh cup of Joe every morning or aren’t much of a coffee drinker, everyone can enjoy the wide-ranging benefits of coffee filters. These inexpensive and absorbent paper strainers can be used for various uses beyond the coffee maker, coming in handy in the living room, bathroom, and even the garden. Here are a few places where you can use coffee filters to your advantage.

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Absorb Oil

French fries, bacon, and other fried foods are often covered in an unappealing oil, but coffee filters can fix that. Cover a plate with a single layer of coffee filters, then place the greasy food — whether from a restaurant or straight from the fryer — on top. The filters absorb the oil, making the food healthier and better tasting.

Prevent Microwave Splatter

Paper coffee filters are microwave-safe, so place one over a bowl of soup or other wet dishes to prevent the food from splattering inside your appliance.

Hold Snacks

Sometimes, you just don’t have it in you to dirty a dish. Luckily, coffee filters make an excellent bowl in a pinch. Use them as disposable containers when snacking.

Protect Plates

If you’re worried about nice dinnerware getting scratched or chipped in storage, place a coffee filter between each plate when you stack them. This thin layer of paper will help protect ceramics from rubbing against each other.

Dust Screens

If you notice built-up dust or fingerprints on a television or computer screen, lightly run a coffee filter over it to clean it. The coffee filter will remove any dust without leaving behind any streaks.

Freshen Shoes

It can be challenging to deodorize shoes, but coffee filters offer a cheap solution. Fill a coffee filter with 1/4 cup of baking soda before bringing the edges of the filter together at the top to create a pouch. Tie with a rubber band and place the pouch inside your smelly shoes to neutralize unpleasant odors. Replace the pouch every month or as long as odors persist.

Grease a Baking Dish

Rather than get your hands greasy while baking, dip a coffee filter into shortening, butter, or oil to make your baking dish nonstick. Rub the filter along the pan until fully coated. 

Line Planters

Coffee filters are designed to slowly let water pass through during brewing, naturally making them great plant filtration tools. When potting a new plant, place a filter at the bottom of the pot before adding rocks and soil. Doing this encourages proper filtration by facilitating water drainage, helping prevent harmful root rot.

Make a Spice Bouquet

Bouquet garni is a French cooking technique that bundles herbs and spices together to be infused into soups, beverages, and more. Coffee filters are an excellent way to create a makeshift bouquet garni. Place herbs and spices into the filter and tie the top with string or twine before adding to any dish for added flavor.

Sprout Seeds

If you want a headstart on your garden, simply dampen a coffee filter and place seeds on top. Fold the filter before putting it inside a sandwich bag. This sealed environment acts like a greenhouse, encouraging the seeds to germinate quickly. You can then remove the sprouts and plant them in your garden.

_{Featured Image Credit: Dane Deaner/ Unsplash}