Coffee is a ritual many of us look forward to every morning. But if you’re like me, there are many days when you just don’t have the time or energy to deal with cleaning up messy metal coffee filters. It’s a hassle, and it really ruins my mood. Wouldn’t you like to clean your filter without even thinking about it? Every time I make coffee, my filter always looks brand new and shiny. This article will cover steps you can take to unclog and clean your metal coffee filter so that it looks like it just came out of the box.
HIGHTOP reusable metal coffee filters are easy to use, easy to clean and long-lasting. It reduces your cost of buying paper filters dramatically. The convenience that comes with just throwing away paper filters for an easy cleanup may seem appealing, but using metal coffee filters produces a better-tasting cup and isn’t too difficult to maintain.
How do you unclog a metal coffee filter?
When you have a great cup of coffee, don’t let a clogged up filter ruin it.
A dirty, clogged coffee maker is one of the worst things that can happen to a coffee lover. So how do you avoid it? Let’s look into the common causes of what causes a clogged metal coffee filter and some possible solutions to make certain this never happens again.
1. Watch your grind
The number one way to make sure your metal coffee filter will be effective is by picking the right coffee grind.
- If you want a very fine and silky espresso, then pick an extra-fine coffee grind.
- If you would like a rich espresso that is not bitter, then purchase a coffee bean with a medium grind.
- Of course, if you want a strong cup of joe, then pick up something that is ground extra coarsely.
Choosing the right sized coffee grind to make sure your metal coffee filter won’t get clogged is harder than it seems. There are many factors in play and since your cup of coffee is an inexpensive luxury for most people, getting the best tasting coffee possible is important.
Keep in mind:
- If you use a coarse grind coffee, such as an espresso grind, you won’t have to worry about clogging.
- If you use a medium grind, then your filter will get clogged up much faster. You just need to clean the filter more often.
- If you use a fine grind coffee, be prepared for frequent cleanings! The metal mesh of the filter cannot withstand the pressure of a fine coffee grind, resulting in a huge buildup.
The right size coffee grind has a lot to do with how long you keep it hot using a pour-over brewer or drip maker. This helps the flavors combine and cling together instead of falling apart when you take them out of the cup.
2. Avoid excess water
The right amount of water to use in your coffee maker depends on the amount of coffee grounds you are using. If the ratio of coffee grounds to water is correct, it will not clog.
- For every 2 tablespoons (1 oz) or 4 tablespoons (2 oz) of ground coffee, use 1 cup of water.
- Heat up your water until it reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius). This allows the maximum amount of flavor to be extracted from the coffee grounds.
To make your own great-tasting coffee, start with fresh beans and clean equipment. Grind the beans on a medium setting to preserve the natural oils. Use a ratio of 2 tbsp coffee for every 4 tbsp water in your drip filter or pour-over setup. Then you can heat up your water until it reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius). This allows the maximum amount of flavor to be extracted from the coffee grounds as it drips into the pot below.
1. Try to measure out and emulate the water to coffee ratio you use in a normal drip coffeemaker
2. When adding water via a kettle, try to not pour directly into the metal filter
3. Instead, pour it onto the coffee beans that were placed in the basket prior
If you want your coffee to taste the way it is supposed to, don’t let the filter clog up!
3. Unclog metal coffee filters safely with a toothpick
When you have a clogged metal coffee filter, you can take a number of options to unclog. One of them is to use a toothpick.
- Take a toothpick and run it through the metal filter.
- Once the toothpick has emerged from the other side, you will see that any buildup on the metal filter has passed through with the toothpick. You can then flush everything down the drain.
When finished using a toothpick to unclog your filter, rinse in hot water after each use to remove any grounds and oils. Dry after you’ve washed them, and keep them away from sunlight if you can.
How do I clean a metal coffee filter?
Metal coffee filters are a convenient way to have your favorite drip coffee whenever you want. HIGHTOP heavy-duty, long-lasting filters are the best option for ensuring that your morning coffee ritual will be uninterrupted. The only problem is that typical metal coffee filters can get very dirty, very fast.
If you are tired of replacing your metallic coffee filters, here are some simple steps to keep your filter looking brand new. Make sure to thoroughly and regularly clean your metal coffee filter.
To do this, you may:
1. Fill a bowl with a few inches of water (adding a bit of vinegar or lemon juice helps)
2. Add the metal filter to the water
3. Stir the water so that it moves all around the filter
4. Let sit for 10 minutes
5. Take the filter out of the bowl and clean off any stains with a wet rag
1. Vinegar can help to remove burnt coffee marks
The reaction between the vinegar and the iron ions in the metal coffee filter causes a breakdown of the acidic coffee residue, making it easier to clean it off. The acidic nature of vinegar breaks down the burnt stain on the metal coffee filters.
Using vinegar to clean your reusable metal coffee filter:
1. Is non-toxic
2. Is cheaper compared to the commercial cleaners
3. Has no chemicals added, unlike commercial burn mark removers
4. Is eco-friendly, as opposed to chemical bleaches
5. Can be used in more ways than commercial cleaners
Using vinegar or a bit of lemon juice mixed in hot water acts as a gentle abrasive. The acetic acid neutralizes the alkaline chemicals from the metal. Vinegar contains many antibacterial and antifungal compounds to help give your metal coffee filter that extra oomph. The oxidation enzymes in vinegar eat away the burned chemical residue that leaves your metal coffee filter looking sparkling clean.
Give it a quick rinse and dry it with a clean towel.
2. Keep out of sunlight
The process of making coffee in a coffee filter is fast and simple. Coffee filters are an essential kitchen item for millions of people all across the globe. However, many people are not aware that the metal coffee filter can be damaged by sunlight exposure. So what happens if you keep your metal coffee filter out in the sun?
Many people don’t think much of it, but you can see bacteria and mold develop very quickly under UV light. Even when using bleach, keeping the coffee filter out of the sunlight (when completely dry) will keep the cleaning power at maximum and avoid future build-up.
To keep your investment from becoming contaminated by the sun’s UV rays, you should be sure to hang your new filters indoors somewhere (dish drying racks are perfect) for a day or so to let excess moisture evaporate. Any water left will cause the filter to rust if put in direct sunlight.
- It can prevent fading or spotting of the metal
- You’ll avoid a horrible smell from the coffee solvent due to UV rays
- No burnt coffee grounds on the filter!
- The coffee is going to be much more flavorful
Finally, store your coffee maker in a dry place so that moulds don’t start growing on it.
3. Avoid biofilm growth
When buildup, dirt, or oils are left on surfaces, a biofilm can begin to grow. This biofilm can consist of many different kinds of bacteria, fungi, and algae. This biofilm acts as a shield to protect these microorganisms from most cleaning supplies.
Biofilm is developed all around us – on our teeth, faucets, and even in contact lenses!
When you’re done using your coffee filter, try not to leave it in sunlight. Under UV light, mold and bacteria can develop on the surface of the coffee filter very quickly.
A clean coffee filter is like a new coffee maker; you can get the same experience as if you have just bought it and never use it before.
Conclusion
To keep your reusable metal coffee filters looking brand new:
1. Wash it on a regular basis;
2. Don’t leave dried out coffee grounds inside the filter
3. Don’t stick it in the dishwasher
4. Don’t soak it
5. Lay out to dry (out of sunlight)
6. Buy quality filters
7. Wash thoroughly
8. Use good water temp
