Why does my filter seem clogged or slow? This can have two answers:
1. The filter is full of sugar sand! Our one-quart filters are designed for small batches (2 to 3 quarts) and after that much syrup, they will start to clog up with sugar sand. To solve this problem, have a second filter set up to use to finish your batch.
2. Alternately, the syrup could be cooling down too much in the filter which makes it flow slower. This is an easy fix: pour only enough to fill one jar at a time. Just set the pan aside, cover it with a lid to keep the heat in, and keep refilling the filter as the syrup level gets down to about ½”. Note: be sure when lifting the lid off your pan, you tip it away from the pan so the moisture does not fall back into the syrup.
Why is the syrup dripping out the upper sides of the filter?
Our filters are made from filter material all the way up so syrup will go through all of it. If you fill it up to the top, the upper part of the filter will get saturated and syrup will start to drip through. Keep the syrup level low (as described in #1) and only as wide as the jar you’re filling.
How do I clean the thick filter?
Your filters should dry out between uses and could grow bacteria is allowed to remain wet. After syrup making, rinse the filter with hot water until all the sugar sand is removed. Filters may remain slightly darker after use and that is okay. Once through rinsed, hang upside down and open so it can drip dry. We usually balance it on a dowel (pointy end up) and prop it in a jar. Do not wring or twist the filter as that can break down the fibers and distort the shape.
Why is my filter brownish?
It is normal for the filter to take on a little brown color after use. Just make sure you’re thoroughly cleaning the filter after each boil with hot water. The spray setting on your sink nozzle works best to rinse away the sugar sand.
Can I reuse filters next year?
Yes! These filters last for a long time as long as they are properly cared for. Don’t wring or twist and always thoroughly dry before putting away. At the end of the season store in a sealed bag in a dry area.
Honestly I take all the filter scuzz and any sugar sand and add t to a jar filled with whiskey. I also soak the bottom of my filters in whisky for a day or two between boiling days. Alcohol in the whisky acts as sterilizer and eats any sugar remaining and I end up with only a little sediment and a delicious flavored whisky. I usually use overproof barrel whisky. Just trying for max use and little waste as possible. Delicious.
Adam,
This is a really interesting take on how to get the most out of maple syrup!! I love the out-of-the-box thinking and that combo of whiskey and syrup is brilliant. I am definitely trying this. The only concern I’d have is the flavor of the whiskey would soak into the filter — I don’t even use dish soap on mine — BUT I’ll just dedicate that filter to our little alcohol infusion experiment and we’ll be good. Thinking I’ll try it with rum too! Thanks for sharing this great idea. Do you mind if we use it over on our Facebook page? –Julie
This was my 8th year and the very worst year by far.Weather just would not cooperate.Still hanging in there but it’s getting awfully late in the season.I’m in southern Wisconsin and usually get 4 to 6 gallons of syrup.So far I have just over one gallon.Very disappointing year.
Doug,
Same here!! We are close to you geographically and it’s been so up and down here — good temps then rain then below zero then more warm and now some of our trees are budding out. REally hoping for a few more good days this week but we are also only at 1.5 gallons compared to our usual year of 4 gallons. ARGGGG!!!
My filters clog instantly I pre filter with the paper filters as I cook and switch pans. When I am ready to bottle the syrup clogs the filter instantly. I have tried a heat lamp over the filter. I have tried small amounts. I have tried larger amounts. I take it right off the burner and put it in the filter. The cloth filter just plugs instantly. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Isaac,
I’m sorry to hear you’re having this experience. Did you buy your filters from us? I’ve been using the same filters for years and have not had problems like this. They work for about 2 to 3 quarts (depending on how much sugar sand you have in the batch). Are you boiling past 219F? That could have an impact. Please message us if you need help. — Julie
We do not recommend using paper filters as they may impart odd flavors. Try heating your filters in a warm, slightly moist towel before use. Are you stacking the thin pre-filter inside the thicker filter? For larger batches, we usually switch out that inside filter halfway through if it starts clogging.