The close-meshed fabric, originally used for drinking water filtration, is a highly effective solution. Therefore, you can filter your wastewater with the GUPPYFRIEND Washing Machine Filter Starter-Set. Its effectiveness is owed to the extra-large drainage area of the round filter cartridge. Due to the absence of a "bypass," the water must inevitably flow through the filter. Don't worry: if you don't remember to clean the filter in time, it won't overflow. Your washing machine will stop the washing program automatically.

 

We implement an efficient and proven method from the drinking water supply sector for exceptionally high effectiveness. This system has been applied to private homes for decades. The mesh size differs in the two or multi - filter systems to keep even the smallest particles out of the wastewater reliably. Our GUPPYFRIEND Washing Machine Filter Plus-Set uses filter cartridges of different mesh sizes, one following the other. This way, even the smallest microplastic particles will be filtered out.

However, even though our GUPPYFRIEND Plus-Set didn't let any fibres past our filter in the laboratory tests, it is unacceptable to speak of a 100% retention rate as small amounts of microplastic fibres may have disintegrated into micro-fragments that can barely be detected under a microscope. This is precisely why it is essential to reduce the use of synthetic textiles and to pay attention to the quality and durability of your clothing.

The GUPPYFRIEND washing machine filter can be installed with any standard washing machine for normal domestic use. The filter requires a small space and can turn you into a real "Greenwasher" in no time.

 Both Starter- and Plus-Set are compatible with any washing machine.

Depending on the location and pumping capacity of the washing machine, it may be necessary to increase the water pressure to aid wastewater filtration slightly. For this purpose, we recommend a water pump connected before the filtration unit.

With the Starter-Set, particles larger than 150 µm can be retained. Most fibres in washing machine wastewater are generally much longer. Due to the flexible nature of the fibre, it sticks to the filter instead of poking through the mesh opening like a needle. Thus, our test trials show that few threads end up in the wastewater even when using the Starter-Set. With the introduction of the second cartridge in the Plus-Set, fibres (>50µm) that have passed through the first filter (Starter-Set variant) due to their size or shape are now also retained. In our tests, this corresponded to up to 10% of the total amount. 

Regarding the effectiveness and function of filters, the result, to a large extent, depends on each case. This means we continually test the GUPPYFRIEND Washing Machine Filters practically, i.e., with conventional washing machines, detergents, and washing loads. Because different textiles lead to different results. But one thing is sure: With the GUPPYFRIEND Washing Machine Filter, Washing Bag, and Detergent. You are ideally equipped against microplastic pollution. If you also follow the rules of our Washing Guide and choose your clothes consciously, microplastics won't stand a chance. 

 Please note that we have developed our washing machine filters for use in normal households. Our filters are not designed for washing very dirty textiles such as cleaning cloths and rags. For very dirty laundry, the time and effort required to clean this type of filter would be very high. We offer customised solutions for this kind of application.

The Starter-Set includes:

• Housing and filter cartridge 
• Wall bracket
• Fine sieve with holder
• 2 x Brass connection adapter 
• 2 x hose clamps 
• 1 x washing machine hose
• A GUPPYFRIEND cleaning brush
• An instruction manual
• Unique key to open the housing

The Plus-Set includes another unit with a finer fabric filter, which means an additional housing, cartridge, holder, and connector.

After each wash, open the draining tap and let the water out into your house drain. Please use the fine sieve we enclose while doing this. You can dispose of the captured deposits in your residual waste. Then close the drainage tap again. That's it.

Cleaning the filter cartridge is a different matter. This depends on the textiles and the composition of your wash load, the degree of soiling, the choice of detergent, and a few other factors. Through the transparent housing, you can see when filter cleaning is necessary. As a rule, cleaning the filter element with the provided brush, approximately every fifth wash should suffice. Remember, make sure that the housing is tightly sealed after reinsertion.

Tip: With the GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bag, your clothes will last longer and reduce filter cleaning intervals because you already efficiently avoid microplastics in the drum.

Yes, we have tested the GUPPYFRIEND Washing Machine Filter with an independent laboratory. Here is the result.The declaration of conformity is also available, which we are happy to forward for perusal.

The GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bag is the perfect complement to the Washing Machine Filter. The Bag reduces fibre breakage in the machine. Therefore, your textiles look newer for longer, and due to pre-filtering, less microplastic ends up in your GUPPYFRIEND Washing Machine Filter.

It makes no sense to discard a functioning washing machine to buy a replacement with an integrated filter. We recommend the purchase of our external filter to supplement your existing machine.

Because every wash is different, depending on the load, material type, temperature, the number of fibres breakages, or the number of dirt particles and residues from the detergent used, the filter surface clogs to varying degrees. The filter must therefore make it possible to see how large the load discharge is and when the cartridge needs to be cleaned. The GUPPYFRIEND Washing Machine Filter does this clearly and comprehensively thanks to its transparent housing.

All you need is a little space. The wall area for your GUPPYFRIEND Washing Machine Filter must be right next to the washing machine with enough leeway to access the filter(s). Optimal is about 40 cm in width and 60 cm in height. Remember: For emptying the housing, you also need space to place a container underneath. The filter should be placed, at most, 20 cm above the top edge of the washing machine. After drilling the mounting holes, you must first attach the wall bracket to screw on the filter. Please read our instructions carefully before you start the installation. For use in an industrial laundry, the space needed will vary.

Yes. A plumber is not necessary. If you can assemble an IKEA cabinet, you can do this, too.

However, it would help if you had a few tools ready: A cordless drill, a stone/wood or metal drill (recommended: diameter 6 mm), depending on the nature of the wall—a screwdriver, and something to mark the holes, a tape measure/meter stick/ruler. A spirit level is also helpful; you can find all this information in our instructions.

The GUPPYFRIEND Washing Machine Filter makes the invisible visible. So, through the transparent housing, you can easily see the damage you have protected nature from. After just a few washes, the grey plastic fibre sludge on the filter cartridges is visible. This allows you to recognize in time when to clean the filter cartridge. The frequency of cleaning depends on many factors, such as the composition of your textiles or their degree of soiling. See also: When and how often should I drain the water in the housing and clean the filter(s)?

Yes.

No, even if the filter is completely clogged. Properly installed and sealed, GUPPYFRIEND Washing Machine Filters are leak-proof; at worst, the washing machine will switch to malfunction mode. After cleaning the filter, the washing program can be continued or restarted.

Household washing machines switch to malfunction mode when the machine can't be run through its program in the given time frame. Reasons for this can include

• the wastewater contains a lot of microplastic or other suspended matter and therefore clogs the filter: Necessary action: clean the cartridge.
• the filter is mounted too high and, therefore, the internal wastewater pump's capacity is insufficient: Necessary action: Mount the filter at a maximum height of 90 cm.
• that a possibly invisible microfilm has formed on the filter: Necessary action: clean the cartridge.
• a kink blocks the drain in the drain hose:

To avoid malfunctions, cleaning the GUPPYFRIEND Washing Machine Filter regularly is sufficient. If the wastewater pump is weak, an additionally installed one can be helpful (see operating instructions).

Very few washing machines require an additional pump unit to propel the wastewater through the filter. However, depending on the installation location and the pumping capacity of the washing machine, it may be necessary to increase the water pressure to the wastewater filtration slightly. For this purpose, we recommend reliable pumps installed upstream of the filter unit.

No.

Wastewater can't bypass the filter, but even if the microplastics are not removed for an extended period, it will not cause the filter to overflow but will automatically shut down your wash program.