What critical step prevents sour flavors in Cloth Filters between daily uses?
Answer
Storing the damp filter submerged in clean water in the refrigerator or freezer.
The primary challenge with cloth filters is preventing the rapid development of sour or moldy flavors caused by residual coffee oils sitting in the damp fabric at room temperature. To counteract this microbial growth, the most critical post-brew maintenance involves rinsing the grounds away thoroughly, and then storing the damp filter submerged in a small amount of clean water, typically within the cold environment of a refrigerator or freezer. This low-temperature storage effectively halts the proliferation of undesirable flavors, buying time until a more intensive deep soak with vinegar or specialized cleaner becomes necessary.

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