Is there anything worse than waking up and realizing you’re out of coffee filters? Just like that, the promise of a calm, hot cup of coffee over TikTok or a morning journaling sesh is shattered.

Except… What if there was a way you could make coffee without your filter? Read on for six creative coffee filter alternatives.

How To Use a Paper Towel as a Coffee Filter

On those unfortunate mornings when you have no other options, a paper towel can be a MacGyver-style solution. Grab one (preferably plain and unbleached), fold it to fit your coffee maker, and load up the grounds. It works surprisingly well in a pinch, catching most of the grit while letting that precious coffee flow. 

But here’s the catch: Paper towels aren’t made for brewing, and they can break down under pressure (literally). Plus, some are treated with chemicals that you probably don’t want in your morning cup. Basically, they’ll work in a pinch, but you might not want to depend on them for the long term.

6 Other Coffee Filter Alternatives

Are paper towels really your only other option? Of course not — this article is titled “Six Filter Alternatives” for a reason, right? Read on to learn a few more creative brewing options.

1. Kitchen Towel

If you can, you might want to swap the paper towel for a regular kitchen towel. Most kitchen towels are made of fabric that can be used as a coffee filter substitute when you’re truly desperate. 

To try it, fold up a clean towel, place it in your coffee maker, and load it up with grounds. The thick, absorbent nature of kitchen towels works well to trap most grounds and let the coffee through. However, be cautious — if you use fabric softeners, the chemicals might transfer into your coffee, which can be pretty bad for your health.

2. Reusable Tea Filter

If you’re the type who loves loose-leaf tea, you probably have a metal tea strainer lying around. Good news: It can double as a coffee filter in a pinch! Just add coffee grounds, place the strainer over your cup, and pour hot water through it. The fine mesh keeps most of the grounds out, though some sediment might sneak by. 

It’s basically a low-tech pour-over, minus the fancy barista vibes. The best part is that you can use it over and over again. It’s not perfect, but when caffeine is on the line, we make it work.

3. Mesh Sieve

No filter? No problem — just grab a fine mesh sieve from your kitchen drawer. You know, the one you use to strain pasta or dust powdered sugar on fancy desserts. Simply brew your coffee cowboy-style (grounds straight into hot water), then pour it through the sieve into your mug. 

It’ll catch the big stuff, though some fine sediment might sneak through. Think of it as a rustic French press experience without the fancy equipment. We won’t say it’s the smoothest cup of coffee you’ll ever try, but it’ll definitely get the job done.

4. Cheesecloth

If you’ve ever dabbled in homemade nut milk or fancy cooking, you might have some cheesecloth lying around. This lightweight, loosely woven fabric makes a surprisingly decent coffee filter substitute. Just layer it a few times, place it in your coffee maker, and let the magic happen. 

The ultra-fine weave keeps most grounds out while letting the good stuff through. As a bonus, it’s also reusable! Just rinse it out, let it dry, and use it again. 

5. A Sock

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and if you’re out of every other option, a clean sock can actually filter coffee pretty well (Yes, we said clean. We’re not savages!). In fact, coffee socks are actual filtering methods used in some cultures.

The fabric works similarly to a cloth filter, keeping the grounds contained while letting liquid gold drip through. For the best experience, stick to cotton socks, not synthetic blends, unless you enjoy a subtle taste of gym shoes in your morning cup. It may sound ridiculous, but hey — when you need coffee, you do what you gotta do.

6. Single-Serve Coffee Bags

If you’re looking for a coffee filter substitute that requires minimal effort, single-serve coffee bags can help. They’re like tea bags but for coffee. Simply pop the pre-measured coffee bag into your mug or coffee maker, pour hot water over it, and let it steep. 

It’s a quick and easy method that delivers a decent cup of joe without any mess or hassle. The only downside is that you’re limited to the flavor and strength of whatever’s inside the bags, and they can be pricier than regular coffee. Still, they’re great for emergency caffeine fixes when you’re out of filters.

What About Long-Term Filter Options?

The best way to fix the coffee filter conundrum is to never run out of coffee filters in the first place. And the best way to do that is to opt for a coffee-making option that negates the need for disposable filters entirely. Here are some ideas.

Reusable Coffee Filter

If you’re tired of the last-minute paper towel scramble, it’s time to upgrade to a reusable coffee filter. These bad boys not only save you money, but they also cut down on waste. 

Metal mesh filters are the most popular choice, and most fit neatly into drip coffee makers and last for years. You can also find options made out of ceramic or glass.

If you prefer something a little more old-school, cloth filters (like those used for pour-over coffee) give you a clean, flavorful brew. Sure, they require a little maintenance, but so does your caffeine addiction. Invest once, brew forever—no more filter fiascos.

Brewing Devices With Built-In Filters

Skip the filter drama entirely with these coffee makers that come with their own built-in filtration systems:

• French Press: No paper filters needed — just plunge and pour. 
• AeroPress: This method comes with its own reusable filter and brews a rich, espresso-like coffee. It also doubles as an arm workout.
• SoftBrew: This method uses a stainless steel filter for an effortless, low-maintenance brewing experience. It’s like a chill, no-fuss French press.
• Percolator: Your grandma swore by it, and for good reason. Plus, it makes a strong, old-school brew that might change your coffee game forever.
• Chemex: If you love pour-over but hate running out of filters, a stainless steel insert saves the day. Plus, it looks aesthetic on your counter.

Brew a Different Kind of Coffee

Finally, you could simply take the easiest option on this list and opt for a coffee that doesn’t require any filtering. To make our Mushroom Coffee+, all you need to do is measure out a tablespoon of coffee, pour in some hot water, and give it a stir or two. With our mushroom coffee, you’ll have a steaming cuppa in the time it would have taken you to grab the paper towels.

Plus, our coffee is delightfully grit-free. Thanks to our unique formula, you can expect no sediment, no caffeine jitters, and a whole lot of benefits. And, with coffee extract as one of our main ingredients, it’s not just easy to make and gentle on your system — it’s also delicious and robust.

The Bottom Line

Running out of coffee filters isn’t the end of the world — just the start of some creative problem-solving. Paper towels work in a pinch, but let’s be real, they’re not a long-term solution. Investing in a reusable filter or a specialty brewer means you’ll never have to improvise your morning coffee again. 

Your caffeine fix deserves better than a roll of Bounty. In fact, it deserves better than regular coffee, too. If you’re ready to upgrade to a functional coffee that feels as good as it tastes, check out our collection today.

Sources:

The Convenience of Destroying the Planet: Not All That Glitters is Gold | Potter Park Zoo

Safer Alternatives to Fabric Softeners | Ackerman Cancer Center | Radiation and Proton Therapy in Jacksonville, Northeast Florida

Does The 'Sock Coffee' Brewing Method Actually Involve A Sock? | Tasting Table

Video: Brew coffee sustainably using ceramic and glass filters | American Ceramic Society