Paper coffee filters are produced from long fibers, allowing them to capture the essential oils found in the coffee brewing process. Their construction and oil absorbing powers, which differ from that of paper towels, make them an unexpected, multi-function household tool. And when you take into consideration their affordability, you might find yourself thinking twice before tearing another paper towel off the roll. Here are several things you can use them for that you may never expect:
1. Decorate. Die them various colors and thread them together on a string to make garland for a wedding or party.
2. Filter cork particles from wine and port. The older the vintage, the more likely a cork will disintegrate while being removed from the bottle’s neck. Place a coffee filter in the mouth of your glass or in the neck of the decanter while pouring to remove cork tidbits.
3. Stop the soil from seeping from a potted plant. Place a coffee filter beneath potting soil to keep it from escaping through the drainage holes when you water.
4. Soak up the grease. Instead of paper towels, line a plate with coffee filters to absorb excess grease from bacon, french fries or your other high-fat favorites.
5. As a fabric backing. A coffee filter will function as an easy-to-tear backing for embroidering or appliqueing soft fabrics.
6. Strain homemade soup and stock. Pass stock or broth through a coffee filter before storing for later use. Also, whole herbs or bouquet garni can be tied in a coffee filter to flavor soups and stews, while allowing for easy removal.
7. Throw away the cotton balls. Infuse coffee filters into your usual nail polish removal routine.
8. Sprout seedlings. In order to start your garden from scratch, you have to begin somewhere: dampen a coffee filter, place seeds inside, fold your new seed pouch and place in plastic bag until they sprout.
9. Embrace your inner flower child. Use coffee filters as blotting paper for pressed flowers. Place picked flowers between two coffee filters before stashing them away to dry in the pages of a heavy bound book.
10. Clean windows, mirrors, glassware and chrome. Coffee filters are lint-free and will leave surfaces sparkling. When using to polish glassware, a dry coffee filter will work best to remove water spots.