What Can You Use Instead of Coffee Filters?

QM · 04-02-2009, 09:13 AM

We ran out of coffee filters today and I thought I remembered there is something else that some people use in lieu of "real" coffee filters. Is there something else that could be used?

**madhen** · 04-02-2009, 09:21 AM

I've been using permanent filters for years now, and I love them. No more running out!!

In a pinch, in the past, I've used paper towels. They don't drain through as fast, but they work. Any tight weave cloth that is not water tight and is flexible enough to stick in the basket would work, really.

**DJ1972** · 04-02-2009, 09:23 AM

we have a re-usable filter. My mom would use paper towels when she ran out of filters.

**Momto2Boyz** · 04-02-2009, 09:41 AM

I have been known to use the last remaining filter for a few pots. I just shake the old grounds out of the filter, then pop it back in. You can get quite a few pots out of one filter, if need be!

You can also use cheesecloth or a thin flour sack type dish towel, and make a "tea bag" type thing. Just put the normal amount of coffee for a pot, heat the water to just before it's boiling point, then dunk the towel in and let it steep for about 3 minutes. Not as good as brewed coffee, but it does serve it's purpose when you are desperate!

**Ceashels** · 04-02-2009, 09:58 AM

I was thinking cheesecloth as well. Or even an unbleached muslin.... hmmm, I wonder if I could make my own next time we run out? I could just make a stack and zigzag/serge the edges and just throw them in the wash with the kitchen towels. They could easily be rinsed off and reused for more than a single pot of luscious, deep, rich coff....ee. Sorry, I digressed.

**Debbie-cat** · 04-02-2009, 09:59 AM

Paper towels but now I have a permanent filter. It has saved me the cost of the filter 100 times over already.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 04-02-2009, 10:01 AM

I use paper towels instead.

QM · 04-02-2009, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by MomToTwoBoys

I use paper towels instead.

Doesn't paper towel disintegrate in the coffee maker and plug the machine? I've never tried it, but I'm thinking about it...

**Michelle** · 04-02-2009, 12:33 PM

I used paper towels or cheesecloth (one time when I had some on hand for a craft project--it's not something I use often) when we needed filters. Now we have a permanent filter

**zakity** · 04-02-2009, 01:26 PM

I know they have cloth coffee filters because a real life friend just bought one. She bought it to use it as a pattern to make more if she likes it.

**mombottoo** · 04-02-2009, 02:20 PM

I've used paper towels before and if you have a small piece of fine window screen you can cut it to fit your basket...that works well too. If you use the window screen idea, make sure you cut it to fit the bottom and sides of your basket...otherwise you will get grounds in your coffee.

**Thevail** · 04-02-2009, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by mombottoo

I've used paper towels before and if you have a small piece of fine window screen you can cut it to fit your basket...that works well too. If you use the window screen idea, make sure you cut it to fit the bottom and sides of your basket...otherwise you will get grounds in your coffee.

If you use the window screen, even if it's new you must dip it into boiling water and then scrub it with a toothbrush. The thinness of the wire means that it's easily gotten to by rust, so most manufacturer's put various chemical coatings on it that really aren't safe to ingest.

**heartofmine** · 04-02-2009, 03:08 PM

Cheesecloth is the best in a snap and you know you can sew a permanent one out of cheesecloth. Just cut out a round piece of cheesecloth and then a strip and sew it to the round into the shape of a coffee filter. You could even sew a few to switch out when one is dirty.

**MommaStumpf** · 04-02-2009, 09:07 PM

We also have a permanent coffee filter (but I have found when we want to make a full pot of 10-12 cups I need to use the paper filters I think its just our coffee maker)