PlanetCare FAQ
We get it, saving the world from microfiber pollution can be overwhelming! There are many questions that come up in the meantime and we try to gather as many as we can in one place. 🙌
Before Placing an Order
Well, first you need a Starter Kit!
If you get a Mini Starter Kit, you'll receive the housing and everything you need to set up the PlanetCare filter, as well as 3 cartridges that together last for about 45-60 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 XL Starter Kit 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 about 195-260 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 subscribe to our auto-refill service. That way you'll receive 12 new cartridges whenever you run out.
You can pay with all popular credit cards (Visa, American Express, MasterCard) as well as with ApplePay and PayPal.
All payments are completely safe & secure.
PlanetCare filters are compatible with all types of washing machines: HE/high efficiency, standard, front loaders, and top loaders.
However, it can happen (very rarely, but still!) that your washing machine is an exception and might not work with a PlanetCare filter. In such cases we do our best to help you make it work. In most cases we're successful and if we're not, you can return the filter and get a full refund.
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 machine will detect a blockage of the drain path and will automatically stop, reporting an error. After replacement of the used filter cartridge normal function can be resumed. The stopping of the machine is a safety feature of the machine and does not damage the machine.
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. However, subscription is available only in the EU and the UK.
Contact us at support@planetcare.org for more information.
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, 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.
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.
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 twe'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. 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.
Even though we try our best to make PlanetCare filters work with as many washing machine types as possible, it can happen (in 1% of all cases!) that we don't succeed. In such situation contact our team at support@planetcare.org for assistance in completing your return.
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.
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.
No. The filter is intended exclusively for use outside the washing machine in the way explained in the instructions manual that comes in the box, as well as in online instructions.
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.
The filter housing without hose attachments and filter holder has the dimensions: height 325 mm, width (hose attachment direction) 122 mm and depth 130 mm. Please allow for sufficient height clearing (approx. 60 cm) so that you will be able to comfortably unscrew the housing cup and exchange the filter cartridge.
Check out different installation scenarios here >
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.
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.
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 the step-by-step 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 >


