Do You Rinse Your Coffee Filters Before Use? (You Should)

No one likes a bad cup of coffee, especially when making it at home to take on the go. That's why washing out your paper coffee filters in hot water before using them is a good idea. Rinsing out coffee filters is just one of several great coffee hacks to make your cup of Joe taste better. It's also helpful in a few different ways. For one, water helps the filter stick to the coffee maker more easily, permitting for better water circulation. A wet coffee filter will conform to the shape of the gadget and have a smoother fit for brewing. Thus, the coffee grounds will release more flavor undertones, and your caffeine cup will taste superior. 

What's more, paper filters can pick up dust and residue when they are on the production line. Running the filter through water can get rid of some of the particles. Those yucky pieces that might be left over from manufacturing can change the taste of your cup. And no one wants that. Filters that are made from paper may also have a slight woody taste to them. Using hot H2O to wet the filter can aid in erasing this unwanted flavor. If you skip rinsing, there's a chance your beverage's true flavor profile will not come through. 

If you're in a bind and used your last coffee filter before buying more, there are a few alternatives that you can use as a strainer and still have a delicious morning brew. Plus, these other options may benefit from being rinsed out with water, so you can still use this fun hack. When you run out of coffee filters, grab a piece of paper towel and put your coffee grounds inside. If you're using a pour-over machine, place the paper towel on top and pour hot water through it to wash it out. A paper towel is a good stand-in filter because the handheld towelette also has a weave that will catch the old coffee ground bits, so they won't end up in your cup. There's also a good chance that you have some paper towels lying around.

Another substitute is a reusable teabag, usually reserved for making loose-leaf tea. Simply clean out the bag by dipping it in hot water. Then, add your grounds to the bag and close it up. This tip doesn't require a coffee machine. All you need to do is steep the bag in boiling water as you would with a cup of tea. This alternative is also great, because the grounds will stay consolidated inside the pouch and out of your coffee.