Table of Contents
Introduction
For making a perfect cup of coffee, it is essential to maintain all the parts of the appliance that are used in coffee making and coffee filters are one of them. Mostly coffee lovers are worried about the proper cleaning of coffee filters because they know that an unclean filter can cause a negative impact on the aroma and overall quality of coffee.
So, just to clean their coffee filters perfectly, people are searching for cleaning methods and due to that, a common query is searching by the coffee lovers that is, how to clean coffee filters. So, let’s explore it…
Types of coffee filters and their cleaning needs
Different types of coffee profiles required different types of coffee filters and every kind of coffee filter required a specific cleaning agent and cleaning method. It is necessary to follow their specific method of cleaning to maintain performance and longevity.
Understanding the types of coffee filters with their cleaning needs is the first essential factor that you must acknowledge to understand how to clean coffee filters.
Paper coffee filter
Are they really useable?
Before going towards cleaning a paper coffee filter, a very common question is raised in everyone’s mind, are they really usable…? Actually, NO, but sometimes people think about reusing it after cleaning. So before reusing, remember that it can lead to weaker filtration.
Why they should be disposed of after use?
Disposing of the paper filter is the best practice because a second time using it can cause clogging of the pores and the resultant taste will be bitter or muddy. So, for the best result, it is necessary to dispose of it.
Metal coffee filter
Required frequent cleaning but why?
Because of long term use, these metal coffee filters are designed. Mostly these filters are found in French presses or pour overs and because of this long term usage, fine coffee grounds and oils tend to accumulate in the mesh.
Common problem metal coffee filter
If this metal coffee filter is not properly washed or maintained, then common problems like clogging and rancidity can be generated. These clogs or rancidity can restrict the water flow from the filter and cause under extraction and over extraction. Hence, the resultant taste will be altered and also increase the chances of bacterial growth.
Cloth coffee filter
Need deep cleaning but why?
As compared to metal coffee filters and paper coffee filters, cloth coffee filters require extra care and deep cleaning. Due to being made up of fabrics, it easily absorbs coffee oils and moisture, which can lead to mold and also cause unpleasant odors. Chances of bacterial growth in this cloth coffee filter are also high.
Best cleaning products for coffee filters
Now, before going towards how to clean coffee filters, let’s discuss the cleaning materials and products that are usually required for the best cleaning. So, the best products for cleaning filters are as follows
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Filter cleaning tablets
How to clean coffee filters (cleaning methods according to their types)
All pre-necessary information was explored and now we are going to find out how to clean coffee filters.
How to clean paper coffee filter
It is better to dispose of the paper coffee filter, but if you want to reuse it, then follow the below mentioned steps for proper cleaning.
- Firstly, you have to remove the excess coffee grounds if present in it and then just rinse it with warm water.
- After rinsing, let it dry in the air and don’t reuse it until it is completely dry.
- After complete dryness, you can reuse it, but ensure its limited use, like one or two times after the first use.
How to clean metal coffee filter
How to clean coffee filters If we have metal type, we divide the metal filter cleaning method into three categories…
Normal cleaning method
The normal cleaning method is the same as the above mentioned method, all you have to do is…
- In the first step, you have to tap out all the coffee grounds from it.
- Then rinse the filter with warm water, it will remove loose particles from the filter.
- Then use a soft brush, sponge or scrub and clean the filter properly from both sides.
- Lastly, dry it perfectly and ensure no residue will be left.
Deep cleaning method
Deep cleaning is also required once a week or twice a week to remove stubborn oil and residue. It required some extra material and methods for cleaning, which are given as follows
- Vinegar method
First you have to make a paste of white vinegar and warm water with a ratio of 50:50 and soak the metal filter in it for around 20 to 30 minutes and follow the normal cleaning methods that are mentioned above.
- Baking soda method
First you have to make a filter of baking soda with water and then wash the metal filter with this paste. Once you ensure proper washing then rinse it with warm water.
- Dish soap method
Like ordinary cleaning, just drop a few drops of dish soap over the filter and wash it with a brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly at last.
Extreme cleaning method
Some stubborn stains are extremely difficult to clean by normal or deep cleaning methods. So, for these types of clogging and rancidity, special types of materials and methods are required.
- Denture cleaning tablets
Firstly, put one denture cleaning tablet into warm water. Once fully dissolved, then soak your metal coffee filter in it for around one hour and then rinse it properly at last.
- Fine-bristle brush
During normal cleaning or deep cleaning, if you find that stubborn areas are extremely hard, then use a toothbrush or bottle brush to clean them will also help to reach the fine mesh area and ensure proper cleaning.
- Coffee machine cleaner
You can also use special cleaners like coffee machine cleaner. These are specially designed to break down rancid and stubborn coffee oils.
How to clean cloth coffee filter
Now that you understand how to clean coffee filters, let’s explore the methods of cleaning for cloth coffee filters. This is the last part of our article regarding how to clean coffee filters and it is also necessary to understand it for complete awareness of how to clean coffee filters. Like metal filters, we also divided cloth filters into categories.
Normal cleaning method
- Firstly, you have to dump out the filter and ensure all the grounds are removed.
- Then rinse it properly with warm water.
- Because it is made up of cloth, you have to squeeze it properly to remove excess water.
- Let it dry properly.
Deep cleaning method
- Soak in vinegar
Make a solution of vinegar and water with a ratio of 40% vinegar and 60% water, and then soak the filter in it for approximately 5 to 8 hours, and rinse it properly.
- Soak in baking soda
Same as above, first make a solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a bowl of warm water and soak the filter in it for a few hours and then rinse it.
- Boiling soda
The last method of deep cleaning is to boil your cloth coffee filter for approximately 10 minutes.