Should you rinse a paper filter before brewing coffee? The answer may depend on whether you are using new paper filters (right out of the bag), or re-using an already used paper filter. Let’s explore.

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I got a new pack of paper filters to brew coffee. Should I rinse a paper filter before I brew my cup of coffee? What about re-using old paper filters? Can I rinse them and re-use them?

Owly Choice reader Janette

Like millions of people around the country, Janette wonders whether she should rinse her paper filter before brewing coffee.

In fact, it is generally better to rinse a (new) paper filter before brewing coffee. Coffee lovers who do so will obtain coffee with purer and more genuine flavors. There are several reasons why coffee will be better. In short, rinsing paper filter will remove dust particles, wash away paper smell, prepare for proper extraction.

However, we do not recommend rinsing used (old) paper filters. As a matter of fact, we recommend discarding paper filters that were used before. Used paper filters may start growing mold, and may become a risk.

Should you use a paper filter in the first place? The answer to this question mostly depends on your own preferences. Filters are extremely useful in separating coffee grounds from liquid coffee. However, they are essential in brewing what is known as “filter coffee” (especially helpful for individuals with higher LDL cholesterol levels).

Benefits of rinsing paper filter for coffee

#1: Removes dust and residues

Rinsing paper filters before brewing coffee removes dust and residues. These particles would otherwise find their way to your cup of coffee, thus polluting and tinting original flavors.

In addition to dust and residues, each paper filter comes with some impurities, which tend to color water. In our tests, we noticed that rinsing new paper filters produced some color in tap water. Therefore, rinsing a paper filter should reduce the amount of colorant in coffee.

#2: Removes paper flavor and smell

Rinsing paper filters also takes out the paper flavor and smell. This applies to both bleached (white) and non-bleached (untreated) paper filters.

The manufacturing process of white paper filters consists of a chemical process. This chemical process may inadvertently produce specific smell in the filters. Applying some water on filters before using them should remove a large portion of those smells, which would otherwise end up in a cup of coffee.

Similarly, untreated paper filters can alter the flavor of coffee. Though they do not go through such an extensive chemical process, they may also add a faint cardboard flavor in coffee.

#3: Maintains temperature of coffee

Rinsing paper filters with warm (or at least room temperature) water can aid in optimal coffee extraction. Instead of interacting with cold and dry surface, coffee grounds will be best prepared ahead of extraction in hot water.

#4: Unclogs filter’s fine pores

Rinsing paper filter helps out in opening up tiny pores that are located on the surface of the filters. This will ultimately result in more even extraction, as unclogged pores allow water to filter through more easily, quickly and evenly.

How to rinse a paper filter for coffee?

The best way to rinse a paper filter before brewing coffee is to place the filter in the brewer and then pour hot water over it. Make sure that the surface is clean equally, and that no dry patches are left behind.

After you complete this, discard water, and rinse filter the second time, if needed. Rinsing paper filters may not work that great with thin filters, and some filters may break down if they are rinsed with too much water. This can cause pieces of paper to be transferred to the coffee.

Owly’s conclusion: rinse paper filters before brewing coffee?

So, when it comes to rinsing paper filters, opinions are not unanimous. Each of us can reach our own conclusions by trial and error. So all we can do is to experiment and see what we prefer and whether our coffee tastes better when we rinse or when we do not rinse our paper filters before brewing.

What do you think?

Do you rinse a paper filter before brewing a coffee? Do you see much of a difference?

Let us know in the comments!

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