Don’t worry—these clever coffee filter hacks can come to the rescue when you face tricky situations around the house.
Coffee Filter Hack: Dusting
When it’s time to clean your computer monitor or TV screen, grab a coffee filter from your kitchen cupboard. These thin, cloth-like papers are perfect for gently lifting away fine dust without scratching. One filter can cover a surprisingly large area. They’re also handy for dusting delicate knickknacks and other household items. For an extra cleaning boost, lightly spray the filter with a cleaning solution—it’ll trap more dust and help disinfect surfaces as well. Plus, here’s a simple tip for using coffee filters to strain water.
Coffee Filter Hack: Dirt Stopper
Every spring, I devote a lot of time decorating my deck with flowers. I cherish every step—from potting the seedlings to watering them daily and finally unwinding in my lounge chair to admire their beauty. However, one thing used to drive me crazy: dirt leaking out from the bottom of my pots whenever I watered them. I tried placing larger stones at the base, but it never fully fixed the issue.
The breakthrough came when I started lining the bottom of each pot with a coffee filter before adding soil. The filter keeps the dirt contained while still letting water drain freely, preventing my plants from becoming waterlogged. With this small fix, one of my minor frustrations is finally resolved, and I can get back to enjoying my garden! — Kevin Daniel, reader
Coffee Filter Hack: Empty Coffee Grounds Into Your Garden
Rinse your used coffee grounds to wash away excess acids—using the old coffee filter can make this step easier. Then, mix the rinsed grounds into your garden soil or flowerbed. These grounds provide a rich source of nitrogen, enriching the soil without significantly changing its pH or causing rot. They’re one of the most beneficial waste products you can add to your garden.
Coffee Filter Hack: Filtering Water
Before purifying water, strain out solids using a coffee filter. This simple step can make a big difference, helping you stay hydrated when a storm knocks out your water supply.
Coffee Filter Hack: They Use Everyday Items to Keep Things Clean
Don’t delay cleaning just because you lack the usual supplies. “Coffee filters are great for streak-free window cleaning,” says Larry Patterson, a Glass Doctor franchisee in Dallas. “They, along with old cotton T-shirts, are also excellent for removing lint left behind by dry cloths.” Here’s a handy tip: if you wipe the outside of the window vertically, clean the inside horizontally. This way, you can easily spot whether any streaks or spots are inside or outside.
Coffee Filter Hack: Tea Bags
If you’re a frequent tea drinker looking to save some cash, turning coffee filters into DIY tea bags might be worth a try. It takes a bit of effort, but in a pinch, it works like a charm—just like these 100 clever home hacks designed to make your life easier.
Coffee Filter Hack: Face Oil Blotting Sheets
Coffee filters make excellent alternatives to blotting papers for removing oil from your face. Since they’re made from almost the same material, they’re just as effective but much more affordable. For added convenience, you can cut coffee filters into small squares and keep them in a tin, so you always have some handy wherever you are.
Coffee Filter Hack: Prevent Microwave Food Splatter
Many people rely on paper towels to cover their food in the microwave and avoid messy splatters, but this can get tricky with cheesy dishes since the towel might break down and stick to your food. Coffee filters offer a great alternative—they won’t fall apart and ruin your meal. Plus, here’s a simple way to clean your microwave using just three common pantry items.
Coffee Filter Hack: Dryer Sheets
It’s frustrating to toss your laundry in the dryer only to realize you forgot the dryer sheets. While you can skip them, if static cling bothers you, you can create a DIY dryer sheet using a coffee filter soaked in white vinegar and a few drops of essential oil. Of course, having actual dryer sheets around is handy—check out these 22 clever ways to put them to work throughout your home.
Coffee Filter Hack: Clean Cast Iron
There are plenty of methods to clean cast iron skillets, such as scrubbing with coarse salt. After washing, you can use a coffee filter to absorb any leftover moisture. This helps keep your skillet dry and reduces the risk of rust forming.
