How to Clean a Moldy Coffee Filter
If your coffee filter has grown mold, it needs to be cleaned and thrown away immediately, as the moldy particles aren’t good for you to inhale during brewing. Fortunately, it’s easy and relatively quick to clean out the mold. Here are the steps to get your coffee filter sparkling clean again:
1. Rinse the Filter
First, rinse the filter with cold water to get rid of any loose particles. Either rinse by hand or put it in the dishwasher. If hand-washing, be sure to use enough water to get all the small crevices.
2. Soak in White Vinegar
To kill the mold spores, fill a bowl or sink with white vinegar and let the filter soak for several minutes. The vinegar will break down the mold and the smell will dissipate with a few good rinses.
3. Soak in Baking Soda and Boiling Water
Baking soda and boiling water also work to break down the mold and get rid of that musty smell. Fill a bowl or sink with 1 part baking soda and 1 part boiling water and let the filter soak for 15 minutes.
4. Deep Clean with Bleach
If the filter is still not up to proper standards, fill a bowl or sink with 1 part bleach and 1 part water and let the filter soak for 15 minutes. Use caution when using bleach and make sure to rinse the filter with cold water afterward to get rid of all the bleach before using it again.
5. Replace the Filter
If the filter is very dirty and you can’t seem to get it clean, it might be time to replace it with a new one.
Tips to Prevent Mold
- Wash the filter regularly: Make sure to rinse the filter after each use to help prevent mold.
- Dry thoroughly: Hang the filter or set it on a towel in a warm, dry spot after rinsing.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge: This will help prevent mold from growing.
