How to Clean a Coffee Filter (and Why You Need To)

Nothing like a steaming of cup of coffee to get your morning started—until…whoa! Ick! Is something funky going on in your mug? It’s not your imagination. It’s not because you made one of these 10 coffee-brewing mistakes, either.

It could be your reusable coffee filter saying it needs a good cleaning. Lucky for you, that’s a snap!

How to clean a coffee filter

When a reusable coffee filter (such as in a French press or a reusable mesh filter for your drip coffeemaker) is part of your coffee-making repertoire, you’re making more flavorful coffee than you would with a disposable paper filter. The catch, however, is you have to actually clean that reusable filter, or coffee’s essential oils can clog up your filter, making for a weak or funky-tasting brew.

Cuisinart makes this reusable coffee filter (among others), and recommends two basic methods for keeping your coffee filter clean. When you’re done brewing, you should:

• Rinse your filter in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly; or
• Let it run in the in upper rack of dishwasher

In either case, wipe the coffeemaker under the filter basket with a damp cloth. That should keep your coffee filter working like a charm!

Psst… May we recommend our absolute favorite brand of coffee?

How to deep clean a coffee filter

If you didn’t get the prior memo about cleaning your coffee filter on the regular before your coffee started tasting weird, then you’ll need to use this deep cleaning method. Don’t worry though—it’s easy. Simply soak the coffee filter in a 1:2 mixture of distilled white vinegar to water. Overnight is ideal. If you don’t have time to soak your filter before your next use, then you can use a bit of baking soda on a scrub-brush. (You can clean everything with baking soda!)

Now that your coffee filter’s back to its fighting weight, here are a bunch of coffee shop copycat recipes that will taste like you paid $6 for your drink.

Make Our Copycat Coffee Shop Drinks

1 / 22

Frothy Cafe BombonI discovered this layered java beverage during my honeymoon in Spain. —Keri Hesemann, St. Charles, Missouri

Go to Recipe

This chocolate coffee recipe is sure to be the highlight of your morning!

Taste of Home

Easy Spiced Morning MochaThis recipe is a delicious morning pick-me-up and still tastes great when made with low-fat milk.—Vicki Wright, Omaha, Nebraska

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Coffee with Cinnamon and ClovesA quick-and-easy, fall-flavored coffee made with instant granules. What's not to love about this special beverage? —Jill Garn, Charlotte, Michigan

Go to Recipe

TMB STUDIO

Creamy Caramel MochaYou can easily indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink at home anytime. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this mocha treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Comforting Coffee MilkThis recipe is special to me because the delicious ingredients and flavors speak for themselves without those extra preservatives. Now that’s refreshing! —Brenda Schrag, Farmington, New Mexico

Go to Recipe

Holiday Peppermint Mocha Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Holiday Peppermint MochaMake spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California

Go to Recipe

Creamy Irish Coffee Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Creamy Irish CoffeeMy maternal grandma seldom drank more than a glass of champagne at Christmas, but she couldn't resist my Creamy Irish Coffee. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Mocha Morning DrinkWhen I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Caramel-Chai Tea LatteInspired by the spicy chai drinks served at coffee shops, I whipped up a caramel-drizzled latte I can enjoy at home anytime. —Katelyn Kelly, Perryville, Maryland

Go to Recipe

Viennese CoffeeThis isn't your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Hazelnut Mocha Smoothies Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Hazelnut Mocha SmoothiesThis smooth blend of coffee, cocoa and nutty flavors is better than any coffeehouse version we've tried. Try it, and we're sure you will agree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Iced Coffee LatteThis amazing alternative to regular hot coffee is much more economical than store-bought coffee drinks. Sweetened condensed milk and a hint of chocolate lend a special touch. —Heather Nandell, Johnston, Iowa

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Coconut Lover's FrappeI love frozen beverages, so I wanted to create one similar to those in coffee shops but without coffee as an ingredient. When I drink this frosty treat it's as good as any specialty shop drink but without the hassle or the cost. —Emily Semmelrock, Jewett City, Connecticut

Go to Recipe

Sweet Kahlua Coffee Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Sweet Kahlua CoffeeI have this beverage brewing in my slow cooker at my annual Christmas open house. I set out the whipped cream and grated chocolate in festive dishes so guests can help themselves to as much Kahlua-flavored coffee as they'd like.—Ruth Gruchow, Yorba Linda, California

Go to Recipe

Frosty Caramel Cappuccino Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Frosty Caramel CappuccinoThis frothy iced cappuccino is positively delicious for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack or an after-dinner dessert. It's also a great quick treat to serve with a plate of cookies for the holidays. To make the ice cream topping easier to drizzle, put it in a squeeze bottle, take the cap off and microwave for a few seconds. —Carol Mann, Summerfield, Florida

Go to Recipe

Honey Spiced LatteWe combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Hazelnut CoffeeThe blend of flavors—coffee, hazelnut and a bit of chocolate—makes this drink absolutely sensational. It is delightful for breakfast or brunch, or serve it as one of your beverage offerings at a cocktail or dinner party. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas

Go to Recipe

Irish Cream CoffeeA steaming cup of this Irish cream coffee makes the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. Try experimenting with other liqueurs or creamers to give each cup new life. —Carol Fate, Waverly, Illinois

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Hot Ginger CoffeeI like to sit by the fire and sip this coffee on a cold winter day. It's a wonderful warmup after shoveling snow, skiing, skating or snowmobiling. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Iced CoffeeWhen my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota

Go to Recipe

Cinnamon Mocha CoffeeMost store-bought flavored coffees are expensive. Here's a special early-morning beverage you can make at home. The aroma of cinnamon and cocoa makes this mocha coffee hard to resist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Cappuccino PunchWhen I tried this punch at a friend's wedding shower, I had to have the recipe. Guests will eagerly gather around the punch bowl when you ladle out this frothy mocha ice cream drink. —Rose Reich, Nampa, Idaho

Go to Recipe