The French press is well-known for its rich taste and ease of brewing. However, this method has a major drawback: it is very challenging to clean. Scooping out the residues from the bottom can be a messy and time-consuming task. Many people even find it is almost impossible to rinse the plunger properly. In this article, we show you how to dispose of coffee grounds from a French press and some ideas to use them.
Why do we need to clean a French press?
Like other home appliances, a French press will last longer and operate more effectively when we maintain it carefully. This means not using it for non-coffee products, not throwing it arbitrarily, and ensuring it is carefully cleaned after each brew.
While it takes time to clean a French press, there are many benefits of regular cleaning.
Firstly, leftover grounds and oils in the tool can impart flavours. Tiny particles in the coffee can easily cling to the walls or even get stuck in the filter. As a result, they can leave behind unwanted flavours that could impact your next brews. If left for a long period, coffee oils can also go rancid and taste very gross.
Tiny grounds can easily get stick in the French press’s fine mesh filter. In most cases, a clogged filter could affect the brewing process and create an unwanted taste. And keep in mind that the visual experience matters as well.
If you are a coffee lover and want to experience the drink to the fullest, then it is hard to enjoy with a dirty French press.
Overall, disposing of coffee grounds and cleaning the French press regularly can provide both practical and aesthetic benefits.
How to dispose of coffee grounds from a French press
Unlike a drip maker, the grounds in a French press are not enclosed neatly in a paper filter that you could easily throw away after brewing.
The simplest way to dispose of coffee grounds in a French press is to rinse down in the sink. However, this option is strongly discouraged because it would lead to clogged pipes. Many experienced plumbers agree that nothing causes more clogged drains and blockages than grease and coffee grounds.
A better option to dispose of grounds is to use a mesh sieve. Just fill the French press with water and then pour it into this tool. You can replace a mesh sieve with a paper towel.
You can throw away the coffee grounds in the garbage just as other non-hazardous waste in the household. In fact, they can even absorb smells and minimize the odours caused by the trash.
What can you do with leftover grounds?
While you can just dispose of coffee grounds from a French press in the trash, there are many other ways to reuse them. This can provide added advantages while reducing the amount of garbage and benefit the environment. Here are a few ideas that you can try with your leftover grounds:
Make fertilizers
Coffee grounds contain some key minerals needed for plant growth. These include chromium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, potassium, calcium, or nitrogen. They can also attract worms and absorb heavy metals to prevent soil contamination.
Repel pests
Caffeine is highly toxic to some insects. You can scatter them around the properties to repel bugs and deter mosquitos, beetles, or fruit flies.
Exfoliate
Coarse particles of coffee grounds can work as exfoliating agents to remove dead cells and dirt from the skin. Just mix them with coconut oil or water and scrub the mixture on the body or face.
Remove fleas
Coffee grounds can be a safe alternative for harsh chemicals to remove fleas in dogs or cats. You just need to rub them throughout the fur after shampooing and rinse off. Doing this could also help shine the coat and add smoothness.
Absorb smells
Nitrogen in coffee grounds can remove foul-smelling sulfur gases from the air. You can put them in a bowl and then place it in the freezer or refrigerator to neutralize odours caused by fragrant or spoiled foods. Another option is to make portable air fresheners by filling and tying old socks with coffee grounds.
How to clean a French press properly
Once you have disposed of coffee grounds properly, it’s time to clean the French press. This is not a simple task for beginners, but you can master it after a few times. Below are some three simple steps to follow:
Step 1: Disassemble
To clean thoroughly, you need to break down a French press. In general, it contains 5 main parts: pitcher, cross plate, mesh filter, spiral plate, and lid. You might have to unscrew the base of the plunger from the rod to disassemble.
Step 2: Scrub and rinse
After disassembling, it’s time to clean all components. Unless the machine comes with cleaning instructions, a quick and effective way to clean your French press is to do it with a dishwasher.
If you are in a hurry, then it is possible to clean with hot water, a brush or sponge, and dish soap.
Pay special attention to the mesh filter. You should make sure to remove all tiny ground particles. Be careful because the edges could be flipped up and start fraying or cut your hands unexpectedly.
If you are dealing with stubborn stains, then try a solution of dish soap and baking soda. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes and scrub thoroughly. Dish soap can break down remaining coffee oils, while baking soda has an abrasive texture that can loosen deposits. After that, rinse with warm water to clean the French press.
Step 3: Reassemble
You are almost there. Now you need to reassemble the French press for the next brew.
The bottom line
By disposing of coffee grounds properly and cleaning your French press regularly, you can ensure that it would work better and longer. While the first time can be frustrating, everything will be much simpler once you have mastered the technique.
