Make Your Own Sustainable Reusable Coffee Filter With This Clever DIY

Waking up and making your coffee may be such a regular part of your daily routine that you don't even think about it — grind your beans, get a paper filter out, brew, and enjoy. But have you ever taken the time to consider how much paper waste this causes each and every day, especially if you make multiple batches? As many of us try to make eco-friendly everyday choices, it's time to look at the coffee routine and make some much-needed alterations.

By sewing your own coffee filter, you can reduce waste and, not to mention, save cash by no longer buying the single-use paper versions! And you don't worry about what to do with all of those leftover supplies you currently have in your cupboard. There are many creative uses for coffee filters around the house beyond brewing a cup of Joe, so you don't have to fret about sending them to the trash without being put to good use.

To make a reusable coffee filter, you'll need a bit of fabric, a sewing machine or basic hand-sewing skills, a needle, thread, scissors, and a paper filter to use as a template. The pattern will vary slightly based on what filter and coffee brewing method you're using, whether it's using a cone dripper, coffee sock-style pour-over, or other filtered coffee machine. Still, the overall process is similar for all types. For the fabric, you want something that is tight-woven enough that the coffee grounds don't leak through but open enough that you don't waterlog the filter. A loose-knit natural fabric such as linen or cotton would be ideal.

You can use a paper filter as a template in two ways: either hold the filter flat on the fabric, trace it, then flip it over to trace the same shape on the inverse, or cut the filter down the middle and unfold it so it lays flat, then trace that. Cut the shape out, leaving 1 extra inch on the sides where you'll sew in order to create the filter. Then, you can use either a sewing machine to create a simple seam or hand stitch it using a full backstitch. Finally, use pinking shears or sew a seam on the opening of the filter to prevent fraying. And, just like that, you have a reusable fabric coffee filter.

While we love the idea of a reusable coffee filter for environmental and budgetary reasons, they do come with their own set of maintenance issues and concerns. Just like the way coffee stains your clothes, it will also stain your fabric coffee filter over time. This may bother some, but as long as you regularly launder it, this isn't something to worry about. Unlike disposable paper filters, you do want to wash these filters frequently to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, as well as a buildup of coffee oils that will inevitably alter the flavor or your coffee. For that reason, consider making a set of several coffee filters so you always have a few clean and ready to go, preventing the need to hand wash or do laundry every single day. Be sure to let the fabric dry fully between uses as well, as soggy fabric is prone to mold and mildew.

To clean your fabric coffee filters, be sure to empty out as much of the used grounds as possible into the trash before laundering, as coffee grounds can cause clogs in your sink and garbage disposal. Coffee is both oily and acidic, so we recommend using a mild detergent, dish soap, and/or baking soda to break down any stubborn residue. Every few weeks, pour boiling pure water over the filter(s) to fully sanitize it, and you should be good to go.