27 Clever Ways To Repurpose Coffee Filters Around The House

If you're a coffee lover, you know how crucial it is to have filters for your coffee pot, helping the overall brewing process by keeping unwanted particles out, deterring clogs, and slowing flavor and aroma extraction. But what happens if you decide to cut back or upgrade to a machine that doesn't need liners? While you may now find them unnecessary, don't toss them out just yet! From making door wreaths to cleaning reflective surfaces, here are 27 clever ways to repurpose coffee filters around your house.

Made from paper, cloth, metal, and plastic, you have your pick of the litter when it comes to deciding on coffee filtration essentials. Each one comes with its own features that affect the oil, flavor, and aroma of your brew. You'll also notice that some types, like paper, may come unbleached or bleached or in different sizes like conical and basket. The sizes are for the type of brewing system you have while the color is based on the chemicals used in the product. For most of these projects, we'll be focusing on the traditional, paper liners. But that doesn't mean your other material options can't be repurposed. It's important to know that all these DIYs utilize clean, unused bleached or unbleached coffee filters. All used, disposable ones should be properly thrown away. If you have dirty biodegradable or unbleached versions, feel free to toss them in your compost.

Elevate any door in your home by using coffee filters to create a wreath. With your creativity and imagination, you can generate just about any look. Some people produce pom pom-looking wreaths while others just wrap it around. You can even add color from dyes or markers before attaching it. Don't forget to stick on other decorations like ribbons and fake flowers to take it to new heights. Since it is paper, be mindful that it may deteriorate over time, especially if exposed to constant sunlight and moisture.

Save those paper towels and napkins! You don't have to worry about sauce and food popping and splashing all over the inside of your microwave when you set a coffee filter as a cover over a plate or bowl. The paper fabric is thick enough that liquid won't easily seep through it like a paper towel or tissue might. You also can wet the liner, positioning it on top of bread or rice to bring it back to life. Once you finish heating your food up, toss the filter out.

Here's a crafty DIY home décor idea that turns coffee filters into beautiful roses that you can display. This is an ideal project for anyone who wants the beauty of flowers without the care and maintenance that comes with it. First, set up your water color supplies and dye your liners. Then, cut your pieces, creating petals, leaves, and stem bases. Grab small twigs or green wire, twisting it together until it makes a flower-looking stem. Attach the two pieces together with clay, painting it until it blends in. Display your "blooms" in a vase.

Keep your food baskets clean by lining them with coffee filters. They fit best in hotdog or roll baskets, easily holding your lunch or family sides. Then, all you have to do is toss the paper and rinse the container, making it an easy dishwashing day. This is a clever trick to try out during your next summer barbecue or pool party, especially when you have a larger gathering.

Did you know that you can use coffee filters as disposable lunch bags and packages? They may even be cheaper than plastic baggies. This is best used for finger foods like sandwiches and chips, but all you need to do is wrap the food in the liner, using a tie for smaller items like pretzels, chips, fruits, and veggies. Situate all the wrapped items inside a lunchbox, making it easy to dispose of after eating. 

Never let your stacked plates get scratched again as you store them away by putting a coffee filter between each one. The paper material will prevent the rougher bottoms from scraping a glazed top. What's great is that since you are using it on clean plates, you can reuse the liners, saving you even more money. This is also a clever hack to implement while moving, especially when it comes to those small, thin delicate tea plates or fine China. As you unpack, keep them on your plates to prevent future scratches.

Creating holiday and seasonal décor is one of the easiest ways to repurpose these liners you have sitting around your home. With enough craft supplies and imagination, you can create just about anything, including easy paper snowflakes. You can even reuse coffee filters to make stunning fall window decorations by coloring and cutting them to fit your seasonal theme. This is an ideal project if you want to decorate your home on a budget as well as get the little ones involved in the festivities.

If you enjoy loose leaf tea or instant coffee, skip the pricey infuser by making a holder out of your paper filter. All you need to do is pour your grounds or leaves into the liner. Bunch it up into a ball and tie it with a rubber band or wire so it doesn't come loose. In a mug with hot water, dunk the liner in. Let it brew and remove after a few minutes. Keep a week's worth of tea bags made at a time, optimizing and organizing your morning routine.

Never worry about cleaning your counter or a spoon rest again when your extra coffee filters can work as a disposable utensil plate. Just set the paper on your counter and stick your cooking utensil on top of it while you are cooking. If you want something more durable, grab a small plate and place the liner above it. Then stick the spoon on top, giving it stable backing so it isn't flimsy. Plus, you can use it to wipe up any spills after you're done cooking.

Never worry about a messy muffin or cupcake tin when your coffee filters can work in a pinch. Just like regular liners, you'll stick the paper in the tin and pour your batter inside. Cook on a low setting, letting your baked goods rise. Once done, you can remove the filters or keep them on. These liners also work exceptionally well if you are trying to bake jumbo cupcakes or muffins as well.

Fabric may not clean your reflective surfaces like mirrors, windows, and televisions as well as the gentle material of a coffee filter. It's pretty simple, wiping it on the surface in gentle circular movements removing fingerprints, smudges, and dust. You can spray a little bit of glass or multi-purpose cleaner for harder-to-clean spots. These liners will ensure your reflective appliances and surfaces won't be scratched or damaged as you clean them. Plus, it saves you money and a wash when you skip paper towels or rags.

Coffee filters are the handy tool you need for a spotless house when cleaning up spills. While they may not be your first or the most obvious cleaning choice, they can work in a pinch when you run out of paper towels or you don't want to create dirty laundry. The paper material is thick and absorbent enough to sop up the mess without ruining the integrity of the liner. You also can spray cleaner for more caked on messes. Just toss it after you clean up the mess.

Successfully get rid of water streaks on your glass cups by drying them off with coffee filters. After washing or before putting away, take your paper, spray with a glass cleaner, and rub it on the outside and inside of the glass, letting it soak up any lingering water droplets. With its soft, thin material, it won't leave any water streaks or fingerprints, making them look pristine on a shelf.

To give your space a refresh, start using a coffee filter to deodorize. For this project, open your liner. In the middle, there are a couple of ways you can go about it. First, you can insert laundry scent boosters for slow diffusion, or you can place some baking soda inside. Tie up the pack with a rubber band and set in an inconspicuous place like a drawer or cabinet. It will last you up to a few months, and then you just need to replace it. 

If you take a coffee filter and drop some essential oil on it, you have just created yourself an affordable dryer sheet. First, grab your filter and set a couple of drops of the essential oil of your choice on it. Toss in the dryer with your clothes like you would with a dryer sheet. Once dried, your clothes will have a scent of the oil. Then, throw away the sheet. For optimal fragrance transfer, assemble it right before you dry it with your load of clothes.

Did you know that coffee filters make seed starting incredibly easy? For this to work, you need to get biodegradable or unbleached versions. Get the filter wet, situating your seeds on it. Fold the damp paper and secure in a plastic baggie with plant labels. Eventually, the coffee liner will help your seeds begin to grow. With whatever seeds you choose, remember to follow all of its care and maintenance requirements.

This thicker, tissue-like paper does wonders when you are storing breakable items like fine China. Save some money on your next move by skipping the bubble wrap and newspaper and utilize your extra liners instead. All you need to do is lay the paper down, covering the piece. Then, situate it next to another covered item, so you don't have to worry about it breaking or scratching while moving from one destination to the next. However, this isn't just for your next move. You can also conveniently store and organize ornaments with a coffee filter trick.

Have your shoes shining like new when you use a coffee filter to help polish it. First, grab the shoe polish of your choosing, then dab some product on your paper, following the product's instructions. Then, follow the directions listed on the shoe shining substance. The filter is gentle enough not to damage the leather and will instead take away scuff marks and fill in scratches. After you're done, toss the filter away, being mindful not to drop it. These liners also do wonders on buffing your shoes.

Paper coffee filters are made from a biodegradable material that can help with your planting. They work great as liners especially for plants that need slow draining and porous soil or if you want to slow your loam loss. Just cover the bottom of the planter and fill it with soil on top. Then follow all of the care and maintenance instructions of the plants you pick. Since they do decompose, you may need to replace the paper when it's time to replant, especially if you notice a decrease of soil and water retention.

Surprisingly, coffee filters do wonders at collecting dust, potentially saving you loads of money by skipping those expensive duster head replacements. Just grab a few liners and start picking up those debris particles and dust bunnies that are throughout the house. If you want to reach higher areas, attach filters to a broom, mop, or even tongs and watch as they collect it all. Just remember to replace the filters out once they are completely covered.

Use a coffee filter on your cast iron pan to help it shine again. As a cooking item that needs specific cleaning, your liner will do wonders on this bad boy. First, utilize the paper to soak up any lingering or pooling oil and food messes. Cover the pan in salt and grab a cut potato, scrubbing at the rough spots. Use your liner to help clean up the mess and then rinse. Heat up your stove and pour oil in the pan, spreading it around with your filter. Remember to do this after every use.

Easily press flowers or herbs for your next home décor or crafting project with coffee filters. For this project, you'll need two. Situate one down on a table and position the flowers or herbs. Set another one on top. Then grab a heavy, hard-covered book and place on the paper and flowers, pressing it all down. After a few minutes, your flowers or herbs should be preserved to use in different crafting and décor DIYs.

Are you out of products for spreading oil on a cooking pan or wood surface? Not anymore when you have a coffee filter on hand. All you have to do is pour your oil on the flat surface and use your coffee filter as a rag, evenly spreading it all over. Since the paper liner is a little bit thicker than a paper towel or tissue, the oil won't drench it, sparing your fingers from the messy oily fingers it can generate. Once done, immediately toss it and enjoy the fresh shine.

You can have prepackaged seasoning bags ready at all times when you use your coffee filters. Take your paper and add the dried herbs and seasonings you would use for specific meals. Label them and tie them up to create a ball. Prepare a week's worth at a time, putting them in a sealed container. Then once it is time to cook, you just have to pop open the bag and pour the seasoning, making meal and kitchen organization a breeze. You can also keep the seasoning in the mess-free bag if you want to make a broth.

When you don't want to make dirty dishes, coffee filters work in a clutch, turning into disposable plates and bowls. All you need to do is pour the item into the paper and start eating from it. It's definitely best left for solid snack foods that won't seep through the material or leave huge messes. It also does wonders at separating foods, especially when you want them all on one piece of dishware without touching.

The coffee filters you have lying around can be transformed into home decoration pieces. With enough imagination and the right tools, you can build just about anything with these liners. Cut up the paper to produce lace-looking pieces to decorate a table. You can even transform coffee filters into unique hanging home décor by suspending a designed artwork on a string from the ceiling. Don't forget to get even more creative by adding color, glitter, stickers, and other ornamental elements to match your home's aesthetic.

Enjoy a relaxing bath without the costs that come with bath bombs when you can create your own with coffee filters. Grab a paper liner and drop in some essential oils and Epsom salt. Roll it up in a ball and tie it off with a rubber band. As your tub is filling with hot water, throw your DIY bath bomb in. After a few minutes, fish out the filter and dunk your body in, enjoying your relaxing bath. Prepare enough to last you a couple of months and store them in an air-tight container.