Coffee filters aren’t just for making your favorite drink. They are also very useful in many situations you never imagined. Here are 5 original and practical uses of coffee filters that will surely change the way you perceive them.
1. A D system to protect your plants from pests
If you have a garden or even a few houseplants, you may have already encountered problems with pests like aphids or mealybugs. The coffee filter can be a simple and ecological solution to protect your plants against these parasites:
- Place a coffee filter around the base of your young plants or more fragile stems – this will prevent crawling insects from climbing on the plant and thus limit damage.
- With a rubber band, attach a coffee filter to the top of the plant pot – this will create a physical barrier preventing flying insects from accessing the leaves of the plant. Don’t forget to cut a small hole in the center of the filter to allow watering the plant.
Additionally, the coffee filter is biodegradable and non-toxic to your plants.
2. A great ally for survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts
Have you ever thought about slipping a few coffee filters into your backpack when you go out into nature? Whether you are a survivalist, hiker or camper, here are some tips that might interest you:
- Filter your non-potable water with coffee filters – If you need to purify water during your outdoor adventures, pass it through a coffee filter first to retain large waste (leaves, branches, etc.). Of course, this will not replace real chemical purification or with a portable filter, but it is still better than nothing!
- Effective firelighting papers – Coffee filters burn slowly and long enough to make it easy to start a fire without the need for chemicals like gasoline.
- Against excessive sweating – When hiking in summer or in the sun, put a coffee filter between your cap or hat and your forehead to absorb sweat and prevent it from running into your eyes.
3. Clean and polish objects gently
The fine and soft texture of the coffee filters allows them to be used to clean and polish various objects without scratching them:
- Cleaning glasses – The coffee filter, when slightly damp, effectively cleans spectacle lenses gently and without leaving streaks.
- Polish leather shoes or other sensitive items – Ideal for polishing delicate surfaces such as leather, silverware or phone and tablet screens. Simply apply your usual cleaning product to the filter and scrub using small circular motions.
4. A solution to perfume and purify the ambient air
To create a pleasant atmosphere in your home, you can use coffee filters in different ways:
- Perfume your drawers and cupboards – Simply put a few drops of essential oil (lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus, etc.) on a dry coffee filter and place it in the cupboard or drawer you want to scent.
- Homemade air freshener – Fill a small bowl or cup with baking soda and cover it with a coffee filter secured with a rubber band. Then pour 10 to 15 drops of essential oil of your choice onto the filter. You will thus obtain a natural and economical air freshener.
Do not hesitate to change the coffee filter regularly for better efficiency.
5. Various and varied uses in the kitchen
Coffee filters can be very useful in the kitchen:
- Filter used cooking oil – After frying food, let the oil cool and then pass it through a coffee filter to retain any deposits accumulated during cooking. This will allow you to reuse the oil one or two more times before throwing it away.
- Packaging for fatty foods – If you must take or store sandwiches or pastries containing butter or oil, wrap them with a coffee filter which will absorb excess fat.
- Collect waste in the sink – Place a coffee filter in the bottom of your sink before rinsing your dirty plates or dishes. The filter will retain food residues which could clog your pipes.
The possibilities are numerous and are not limited to these tips. Don’t hesitate to be ingenious to take advantage of the properties of coffee filters on a daily basis!
