Most modern clothing these days is made from synthetic fabrics (nylon, polyester, recycled plastic bottles and most undies, reusable menstrual pads and washable nappies all contain some synthetic fibres like elastane for comfort or waterproofing).
This means that when laundered, they leach synthetic particles from washing machines, which go down drains and out to sea, breaking down into microplastics.
PlanetCare (also sold at this online shop) lets you send back caught microfibers for recycling, so they never wash away into our seas.
Obviously the ideal solution is to only wear natural fibres (cotton, hemp, linen). But until that day arrives, the alternative is to use a microfiber filter, which catches the plastic fibres, so you can securely dispose of or recycle them.
What Are Microfibres?
Microfibers are then strands (less than 5mm long) made from polyester, nylon or acrylic. Found in many ‘casual clothing’ like fleece jumpers to leggings, friction in washing machines means the microfibers break loose.
Experts say that it’s best to avoid washing swimming costumes unless you have to. Just rinse and dry flat, is the best bet.
Washing machines work by agitating clothes to clean them. So without a microfiber filter, the microplastics end up in wastewater treatment plants, and are too small to be caught. So they end up in our natural waterways – rivers, streams and oceans, then accidentally ingested by fish and marine creatures.
They also end up back in you (if you eat fish, you likely eat plastic microfibers). Microfibers have also been found in tap and bottled water.
How Microfibre Filters Work in Laundry Machines
Microfiber filters work like a sieve, trapping the threads before they escape. They are simple to install and use, though some are better than others. Some washing machine brands now include them, but of course this is only relevant, if you’re buying a new fancy washing machine.
The other issue is that once caught, if you bin them, they end up in landfills. And then wash away down drains, when it rains. So the best versions let you send back full cartridges for recycling, so you receive a new one..
Effectiveness of Microfiber Filters
Some are not that effective (capturing 30% to 50%, which is better than nothing). But look ideally for brands that capture at least 90% of microplastics, and let you send them off for recycling.
Choosing the Right Microfiber Filter
- First, check your washing machine model, for compatibility.
- Then look for a filter with a high capture rating, and easy cleaning features.
- Once installed, clean the filter every few loads, or as recommended.
- Wear gloves, when handling damp lint (always bin lint, don’t compost it or leave it in gardens, as it can choke or go mouldy, harming birds and native wildlife.
- Once full, dispose of collected fibres. Ideally by sending back to companies for recycling.
- Or if the company does not offer this, then at least secure them in a closed container before binning, so they don’t wash away at landfill.
Where to Buy Microfiber Filters
Enter PlanetCare (also sold at this online shop). This is a filter sold as a starter-kit, with each cartridge lasting around 30 washes. Fitted in 10 minutes to your washing machine, it collects up to 98% of microplastics. This is far more than most microplastic catchers.
And the difference is that rather than binning the cartridge to landfill, you simply send it back (freepost) after around 30 washes. Then this company recycles the contents, and sends you new cartridges on subscription.
Microfiber Filters for Sinks & Buckets
If you hand-wash clothes, sink filters (from another company that also offers bucket filters to catch microplastics from mops with synthetic heads) are one option.
But this company has no return system, so securely bin caught microplastics (in a secure container that won’t wash fibres away at landfill, in rain).
A good reason to switch to plastic-free cloths and sponges (rather than ‘microfiber cloths’ which also leach plastics, when washed).
It also offers a service to help hotels and professional laundries find a retrofit filter to fit to washing machines, to avoid microplastic pollution.
Cora Balls (a more budget-friendly option)
If you can’t afford a PlanetCare set, than at least use a Cora Ball (sold in UK). This only collects around 30% of microplastics, but is better than nothing.
Inspired by how corals naturally clean the oceans, this tumbles around the washing machine, collecting fibres. Then just pull them out (like cleaning a hairbrush).
This invention is designed to withstand the heat of washer-dryers, and profits are used to help clean the oceans.
Fionn Ferreira is a young Irish chap who has created a magnet to extract microplastics from the ocean.
