20 Uses for Coffee Filters Around the House

1. Run out of dryer sheets? No problem! Put a few drops of fabric softener on a coffee filter, rub sides together, and toss in the dryer to help prevent static cling.

2. Use a coffee filter to line the bottom of a terra cotta or ceramic pot when planting. The filter allows for drainage, but without the dirt particles leaking out.

3. Use single filters to make individual "baskets" for popcorn, pretzels or chips.

4. Add dried orange peels, mint leaves or other herbs to flavor your sun tea. Take one filter and center the contents in the middle. Gather the edges, twist and tie with string. Drop into the jar along with the tea bags and let it brew as usual.

5. Wrap cut celery stalks in a coffee filter before putting them in a plastic bag to store in the refrigerator. The coffee filter will help absorb any moisture, and keeps the celery crisp longer.

6. Line a plate with filters to absorb cooking oil of fried foods like bacon or chicken.

7. Wrap jumbo dill pickles in coffee filters to prevent dripping when eating.

8. Save the amount of dishes you need to wash when baking by using filters to temporarily store the dry ingredients you've measured out for your recipe.

9. Soak filters in brewed tea and chill. You can then fold them and use as a cold compress for puffy eyes.

10. Take two coffee filters and run a seam around the outer edges, leaving a 1-inch hole in the top. Add 1/2 cup dry used coffee grounds, then sew the hole shut. You can add these packets to your freezer, hope chest or closet shelves to remove musty or strong odors.

11. Use filters on the workbench to keep small parts like nails and screws from rolling off the surface area.

12. Put a scoop of baking soda in the middle of a filter, gather edges and tie with string. Add one or two to your ice chest to keep it smelling fresh between uses.

13. Use filters to bake jumbo muffins or mini cakes in the oven. Fill the filter 1/3 full with batter and place in a shallow circular pan to bake. You can spray the bottoms of the filter with non-stick cooking spray before adding the batter, to prevent any sticking.

14. Filters are great alternatives to paper towels for cleaning bathroom mirrors and chrome.

15. Poke a Popsicle or ice cream stick through the middle of a filter to prevent dripping.

16. Put a filter in the bottom of a metal fruit bowl to prevent brown spots on your fruits or vegetables.

17. Cover the top of large mugs or bowls with a filter to prevent splatters, especially for items like chili or oatmeal.

18. Eyeglasses are left lint-free when cleaned with a coffee filter instead of a tissue.

19. Keep your cast iron skillets rust free by lining with filters when not in use.

20. Store garden seeds between seasons in filters to keep them moisture free.