Frequently asked questions

We get it, saving the world from microfiber pollution can be overwhelming!

In the meantime, many questions come up. We gathered answers to all of them below.

Before Placing an Order

Well, first you need a Starter Kit! 

If you get a Starter Kit Mini, you'll receive the housing and everything you need to set up the PlanetCare filter, as well as 3 cartridges that together last for up to 90 laundry washes (depending on the materials that you wash). This option is perfect if you'd like to test out the filter first and see how it works for you. 

If you're already committed to stopping microfiber pollution, then our Starter Kit Regular is the right option for you. You'll receive the housing and everything you need to set up the PlanetCare filter, as well as 13 cartridges that together last for up to 390 laundry washes (depending on the materials that you wash). 

If you've decided to stop releasing microfibers with your laundry for good and don't want to worry about re-purchasing new cartridges every time you run out of them, then we recommend that you get the Starter Kit GO EASY.You get the Starter Kit with 13 cartridges for just a fraction of the price, but get new cartridges whenever you run out. It's all included in a monthly subscription fee. If you are looking for best value, the Starter Kit GO EASY surely ticks that box!

Don't worry, we made sure that PlanetCare 2.0 microfiber filter works with all washing machines.

PlanetCare filters are compatible with all types of washing machines: HE/high efficiency, standard, front loaders, and top loaders.

But if you do have any questions regarding installation or setting up your filter, please contact us at support@planetcare.org.

No, the filter cannot damage the machine.The flow through the filter will become more restricted the longer it is used to the point that water flow will be too low for normal functioning (draining) of the machine.

The filter will detect a blockage of the drain path and will automatically trigger the AUTOMATIC BYPASS, stopping the filtration process and enabling the wash cycle to be finished. After replacement of the used filter cartridge normal function can be resumed.

You can pay with all popular credit cards (Visa, American Express, MasterCard) as well as with ApplePay, PayPal, Klarna, iDeal, Sofort, GiroPay and Bancontact.

All payments are completely safe & secure. 

No chemicals are used in the construction or the functioning of the filter. Fibre retention is based solely on physical retention with the help of our patent-pending technology.

The filtration proceeds by physical capture of fibres through a material with small openings. Due to the elongated form of fibres filtering of fibres is very specific so nominal opening size does not represent a sharp cutoff. In depth (3D) filtering in several steps is used to extend filter durability and fibre retention.

No. The filter is a passive device that uses the pumping action of the washing machine.

Shipping & Delivery

We ship individual orders of filters and cartridges worldwide. If you don't see your country at checkout, please contact us at support@planetcare.org for a custom shipping quote.

The cost of shipping depends on the weight of the product and what country you're from. All shipping costs are calculated during checkout. 

We ship order twice a week. Orders placed between Friday afternoon and Monday will be shipped on Tuesday, and orders placed between Tuesday and Friday morning will be shipped on Friday.

Returns & Closed Loop

After you’ve installed your last new cartridge, schedule a courier pickup of your used cartridges. You can also send us an email at support@planetcare.org and we will arrange it for you.

The return shipping is always FREE. 

If you’re a subscriber (PlanetCare Auto-Refill Subscription or PlanetCare Starter Kit Premium), we’ll send you the new cartridges automatically.

If you use a starter pack, you’ll will need to buy replacement cartridges when you schedule the pickup for used ones. 

PlanetCare is a fully closed loop solution, meaning we refurbish all used cartridges. 95% is reused and 5% will be recycled. We disassemble the cartridge and remove the filtering medium with the fibers. This is done in a controlled environment, ensuring that caught fibers do not pollute water or the environment.

Currently, we are collecting and storing the waste material until we will have the quantities ready for recycling. At the moment we're not there yet, but we have a growing customer base which means that the volumes are growing. We are committed to finding the best solution and we are targeting recycling. We have insulation panels at the top of our options and have confirmed uses for upcycling the fibers (reinfomrcement of concrete weights in washing machines and chemical recycling by breaking down the fibers into monomers) and we also have several pilots, the most exciting is surely a range of furniture, made from microfibers (we connected with a local manufacturer for that).

Bottom line: the material will not go to landfills and we do not prefer incineration.The return and reuse scheme allows us to collect the material so that we will get to the required quantities faster and we can assure that the material is not released and dispersed.

Stopping the fibers from going down the drain and into the environment is only the first step. We offer a circular service and by returning the used cartridges you help us close the loop.

All returned cartridges are refurbished and used again.

This way we greatly reduce the waste that would otherwise be generated, and greatly improve product sustainability.

Don't worry, we made sure that PlanetCare 2.0 microfiber filter works with all washing machines. But if you do have any questions regarding installation or setting up your filter, please contact us at support@planetcare.org.

No. You should not open or attempt to renew the cartridge in any way as this will result in the release of captured fibres. The filtering media cannot be renewed and must be professionally removed, disposed in a controlled way and replaced before a cartridge can be used again. 

Installation Guide

Installing the PlanetCare filter is super easy! Check out the installation guide or watch the quick video below for step-by-step instructions. 

No. The filter is designed so that anyone with very simple tools can install it with ease. The installation should not take more than 10 minutes.


You do not need assistance from a professional (plumber).

Check out our installation manual here.

The PlanetCare external microfibre filter is installed outside the washing machine. With an installation as shown in the how-to video you will need 13 cm on the side of the washing machine and we recommend approx. 60 cm in height clearance (approx. twice the height of the housing) so that you will be able to comfortably unscrew the housing cup and exchange the filter cartridge.

Yes. The filter must be placed outside the washing machine on the drain hose. It should not be raised above the height of the drain hose exiting the washing machine. The hose length should be held to a minimum. Raising the filter and a long drain hose will both reduce the efficiency of pumping and filtering and should be avoided.

No. The filter is intended exclusively for use outside the washing machine in the way explained in the instructions manual.

The dimensions of the filter housing are:

Height x Width x Depth: 353 mm x 126 mm x 111 mm (13.9 in x 4.96 in x 4.37 in).

To ensure your holder withstands the vibrations from the machine and supports the weight of the filter, please attach the holder following these simple steps:

1. Select a section of the washing machine where the surface is as even as possible.
2. Thoroughly clean the surface where you’ll attach the holder (this is best done with 70% alcohol).
3. Be careful not to touch the sticky tape after you’ve removed the protection layer.
4. Attach the holder to the cleaned surface & press firmly for 5 seconds.
5. Leave the holder for 24 hours to ensure maximum adhesion.
6. Attach the filter to the holder.

This is not something you must do, but it's sensible to check your pump filter from time to time anyway. And since you're at it already, now might be a good time to also check (and clean, if needed) the machine's pump filter. The pump filter protects the pump from obstructions. It should be located at the front bottom of your machine. The best thing to do is to find manufacturer's instructions on how to clean the filter properly. It's very straightforward though and doesn't take long.  

Yes, the 1.0 cartridges are compatible with the new filter 2.0. However, please note that the 2.0 cartridges are not compatible with the old filter 1.0.

Here is an installation guide on how to use old cartridges with the new filter 2.0.

You should change your PlanetCare filter cartridge approximately every 30 laundry cycles or when the bypass buttonpops out. This indicates that the cartridge is full and needs a replacement.

Changing your PlanetCare filter cartridge is simple. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off your washing machineto ensure safety.
2. Remove the old cartridgeby opening the filter housing, gently turning, and pulling out the used cartridge.
3. Insert the new cartridgeinto the housing, ensuring it’s securely in place.
4. Close the filter housingand make sure it is tightly sealed.
5. Push the bypass button back downafter replacing the cartridge.This step ensures that the filter is fully operational and ready to capture microfibers effectively during your next laundry cycle.

By following these instructions, you'll keep your PlanetCare filter working efficiently, helping to protect our oceans from microplastic pollution.

Here watch video instructions.

Troubleshooting

Used filter cartridges can develop a bad smell that is unpleasant when you store them. We recommend that you dry the cartridges relatively quickly after replacing them so that the mold/smell cannot develop.

When you take a cartridge out of the filter housing ,lay it somewhere to drain the water. Then let it dry. If you want to be more active you could pour a water with baking soda or vinegar -alternatively (also slightly less natural) bleach could be used.

Once the cartridge is dry you should not have the problem any more.

Our installation video shows the most common set up, however, the filter doesn't need to be attached directly to side of the washer. It can be attached to the wall or in a cupboard next to your washing machine. Please see examples below for some inspiration or reach out at hello@planetcare.org and we'll be happy to help. 

Check out different installation scenarios here >

The filter is designed to retain water to prevent the cartridge from drying out, as drying out would shorten the cartridge's lifespan. This helps ensure the filter performs optimally and lasts longer.

If the adhesive tape isn't holding the filter securely, try these tips:

  1. Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue or oils. Attach the tape and let it sit for 24 hours before attaching the filter.
  2. If it still doesn't hold, consider using a high-strength silicone adhesive. Apply it to the back of the holder, press it onto the surface, and allow it to cure.
  3. As an alternative, you can wall mount the filter using the pre-drilled holes in the filter holder for a more secure fit.

In rare occasions, if the surface of the washing machine is textured or uneven, the adhesive tape might lose its strength, making it less effective. In such cases, using silicone adhesive or wall mounting is the best solution.

Please reach out to hello@planetcare.org if you need further assistance.

Subscription

The PlanetCare filter is cartridge-based, and you'll need to replace a cartridge after about 30 washes.

The PlanetCare 2.0 | Auto-Refill Subscription is the most stress-free and cost-effective way to always have cartridges delivered right to your doorstep.

By subscribing, you won’t have to worry about running out of filter cartridges.

If you're new to the PlanetCare family and want a worry-free, cost-effective solution, you should choose the Starter Kit GO EASY. It includes the filter housing and as many cartridges as you need (usually a pack of 12 cartridges). Essentially, you get the PlanetCare Filter 2.0 and the Auto-Refill Subscription.

If you’ve already purchased a Starter Kit and just need refills, the PlanetCare 2.0 | Auto-Refill is for you.

You are charged a monthly subscription fee, but we deliver new cartridges on demand. You need to request a pickup of your used cartridges, and we will send you new ones in return.

We recommend doing this when you install your last clean cartridge. With your initial order, we will deliver a pack of 12 fresh cartridges.

As part of your subscription, we will send you as many cartridges as you need for your laundry routine. There are no limitations.

To minimize our carbon footprint, we ship cartridges in bulk (12 cartridges) and organize the pickup of used cartridges once all are used, instead of one by one.

We've got you covered. Shipping is included in your subscription, and there are no extra charges on top of your monthly fee at any time.

The billing cycle begins when you place the initial order, with subsequent payments made monthly on the initial purchase date.

You can change or cancel your subscription anytime after the first 12 months. Manage your subscription by logging into your account or you can always send us an e-mail to support@planetcare.org

You can manage your account details by logging into your user account.

Account & Billing

With a PlanetCare account you'll be able to log in and get an overview of your PlanetCare orders, edit your address, access your payment information and change payment details, see transaction history subscription status, and more.

Creating a PlanetCare user account is simple and takes only a few minutes!

Check out thestep-by-step instructions

Didn't find your answer?

If you do not find the answer to your question in our FAQ, you can send us a message by filling out the form below.

Ready to take action?

Join other ocean-loving people and get your microfiber filter today. Together, we can stop microfiber pollution once and for all!