Doing everything right and your coffee still taste strange? It could be possible you don’t clean your coffee filters well. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure your coffee filters are properly cleaned, and I will tell you how in an instant.
Why do you need to clean coffee filters?
Coffee filters must be cleaned regularly (often after use) to prevent bacteria and molds from thriving. Besides, cleaning helps remove a film that tends to alter the taste of your brew.
It is safe to toss coffee filters in a dishwasher. However, I recommend cleaning by hand to ensure every cranny and nook is clean. Also, washing by hand helps prolong the life of your coffee filter.
How to clean metal coffee filters
It is effortless to clean these filters as you can spot where the stains are. However, make sure not to use cleansers that can ruin your filters. I prefer vinegar and baking soda.
Please note that I am talking about stainless steel when referring to “metal.”
Using vinegar
What you need:
- Soft bristle dishwashing brush
- Vinegar
- Water
- Washcloth,
- Baking soda
Steps:
- Mix equal parts of warm water and vinegar and allow the filter to soak for a few minutes.
- Lightly scrub the filter with a soft bristle dishwashing brush to remove stains and brighten the metal.
- You can add a little baking soda into the vinegar solution for a foaming action that is great at removing the filter’s lingering film.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth
Using baking soda
What you need:
- Washcloth
- Water
- Soft bristle dishwashing brush
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
Steps:
- Soak your filter for a few minutes in hot soapy water to loosen the film.
- Lightly scrub your filter with a soft bristle dishwashing brush to remove any stains.
- Allow it to air dry.
- If it has been a while since you last cleaned your filter, use a small bit of baking soda mixed with water on a washcloth to remove any visible stains. Scrub lightly and in different directions. Rinse, and dry carefully with a soft cloth.
Tip! It is not advisable to use baking soda on aluminum.
Cleaning a metal pour-over filter
Follow any of the above methods to clean your pour-over filters. Both methods are effective and prolong the lifespan of your filters.
Are metal coffee filters safe?
Metal filters are not fine enough to filter everything that is poured into them. That means they allow some coffee elements to pass through, including micro-fines (which leave sediment at the bottom of the cup) and oils, which are linked to increased cholesterol in our bodies.
Specifically, they raise LDL (bad cholesterol). “the harmful type of cholesterol,” says NBC News’ Merritt McKinney. However, the oils that slip through metal filters are really to blame. These oils hold a lot of flavors which can alter the taste of the cup, but they also oxidize quite quickly, meaning the taste can change dramatically throughout drinking it.
Conclusion
That is all for today. I hope this guide has enlightened you on how to clean your metal coffee filters well. Have a question? Let me know in the comment!
Editorial Staff
The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.
