Coffee filters are very diverse items. In fact, do a search on the internet for alternative uses for them and you get literally dozens of suggestions.

Here is a list of our favorite uses!

Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, you might want to consider picking up a package of coffee FILTERS the next time you go shopping. They are extremely economical to buy and there are SO many uses for this coffee-making essential that have nothing to do with coffee!

Saturday was flower-planting day at my house ! I wanted to have all my flower beds and pots planted before my daughter’s graduation party on Sunday and it turned out to be the perfect weather for working in the garden! As I was putting potting soil into my flower pots I was dismayed over the fact that a good amount of dirt was falling through the holes in the bottom. I remembered reading something about using coffee filters to line the bottom of your pots to avoid this problem.

• Accordion fold a few coffee filters, cut into strips, and use as shipping material for fragile items.

• A coffee filter is perfect for spreading oil or butter on a cooking pan since a coffee filter’s fibers won’t break off in your oils like a napkin’s would

• Use a coffee filter to prevent splatter when heating something in the microwave, simply place over the top of your food and cook as normal.

• Use a coffee filter as a makeshift rag. Unlike paper towels, coffee filters are lint free and take up very little space.

• Put under bacon, fries, fried chicken etc. to soak up excess grease.

• Place a few tablespoons of baking soda in a filter and twist the top together with a rubber band. Place in shoes, gym bag, closet, refrigerator, or anywhere else that may have developed some less-than-pleasant odors.

• You can also use them safely to clean computer monitors, television screens, and windows. They Strain bacon drippings by pouring them through a coffee filter into a ceramic bowl or mug. The brown bits, grains, etc will stay in the filter. Also works well for recycling frying oil.

• Kids food holders for Tacos, Hot Dogs, Pita Sandwiches, etc.

• Clean without leaving residue.

• A disposable “snack bowl” for popcorn, chips, etc.

• Use as a portable doggy food bowl.

• Use as a sandwich wrap (inside the baggy or plastic container) so your sandwich doesn’t get soggy in your lunchbox.

• A coffee filter can hold small parts when working on vehicles, cleaning guns, or most any other project!

• Coffee filters are fantastic for polishing leather shoes. Simply apply a dab of your favorite shoe polish and use the filter as an applicator.

• A coffee filter will work well to desilk an ear of corn. Dampen a filter and wipe it in one stroke from the top to the bottom of the shucked ear of corn.

• After you are done washing your cast-iron cookware, place a coffee filter in the bottom of the pan and it will absorb moisture and prevent rust.

• Put a couple of coffee filters in your pocket when you are working outdoors or going on a hike. They work great to wipe sweat, dirt and oils off your face.

• If you have a small cut or even a razor nick, grab a piece off of a coffee filter and put it on with pressure to stop the bleeding. Your coffee filter will work similar to a styptic pencil but without the stinging.

• Keep in your car glove box for window cleaning, to use as napkins and for quick cleanups.

• Since you have a package in the glove box anyway…..the next time you need to check the oil level in the car, use a filter to wipe the dipstick.

• If you have to strain your urine to capture a kidney stone so you can take it to your doctor for analysis, you can strain it through a white coffee filter. It is easy to see the sediment against the white background.

• Use a coffee filter to spot clean your clothing. Use white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide and the spot will be greatly reduced if not disappear completely.

• Get spills out of carpets, before they stain. While the spill is still wet, cover it with a coffee filter. They will wick up the spill.

• Great in the tool room when separating nails and screws then use in to bottom of containers to remove moisture and prevent rust.

As you can see, the innovative uses for coffee filters are literally endless.

I use one when working on a piece of equipment that has a lot of springs, bolts, nuts or other small parts. Place them in a coffee filter and you never end up with that one left over piece or end up missing that one last bolt or nut!

For even more uses on coffee filters as well as some links to other articles on alternative uses for coffee filters, take a look at One Good Thing.