Introduction – Cora Balls and the Microfiber Problem
The Cora Ball is a simple yet effective solution to the issue of microfibers polluting our oceans and waterways. The ball acts like a catcher’s mitt for tiny fibers that come off clothes during washing made from recycled plastic. Simply toss the Cora Ball into your washing machine, which will collect these microfibers before they can make their way into our water supply. In addition to keeping our oceans cleaner, using a Cora Ball also prolongs the lifespan of clothing by preventing wear and tear from these microscopic fibers. Its small size makes it easy to use in any washing machine. I am going to give some detailed Cora ball reviews in this article.
You can also kick your microfiber pollution cleaning efforts up a notch with a Cora Ball + Lint LUV-R. This attachment fits over the Cora Ball and collects lint or fuzz into your washing machine’s tub. With products like the Cora Ball, we can all play a part in keeping our oceans and waterways clean and free from harmful microfibers. Invest in a Cora Ball today, and help keep our water supply safe for future generations.
Cora Ball Reviews
How Effective Are Cora Balls At Reducing The Waste Produced Each Year?
Cora Balls are an extremely effective solution for reducing the amount of dissipated micofiber. These innovative laundry balls are made from recycled plastic and act like a catcher’s mitt to collect tiny fibers that come off clothes during washing. By preventing these microfibers from making their way into our water supply, Cora Balls help to keep our oceans and waterways cleaner and healthier.
There are some potential cons to using Cora Balls as well. For example, these laundry balls may not be as effective at removing larger pieces of lint or fuzz from your clothes. Additionally, since the success of using Cora Balls hinges on people remembering to use them, they may not be the most effective solution for everyone.
Scientific Evidence For Effectiveness – Two Tests
In fact Cora itself mentions on their website that Cora Balls prevent 26%-31% of microfibers from going into the water and polluting it. But are there any scientific studies to support the claim? In fact there are two studies they cited.
McIlwraith Study
The first was authored by a researcher named McIlwraith in Marine Pollution Bulletin. The second was conducted by the International Marine Litter Research Unit and authored by a researcher named Napper and published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.
In the first study, the team used a method to measure the count, weight, and length of microfibers in laundry effluent and tested two technologies designed to reduce microfiber emissions: the Cora Ball and the Lint LUV-R filter. Both significantly reduced microfiber numbers from fleece blankets in the washing effluent.
The Lint LUV-R captured an average of 87% of microfibers by count, while the Cora Ball captured 26%. The Lint LUV-R also notably decreased the total weight and average length of fibers in the effluent. While further research is needed to comprehend other microfiber emission sources, the study suggests these technologies could be adopted to minimize emissions from laundering textiles.
International Marine Litter Research Study
In the second, conducted by the International Marine Litter Research Unit, School of Biological and Marine Sciences at the University of Plymouth, the researchers compared six different devices designed to capture microfibers during the washing cycle or filter the effluent wastewater discharge. The XFiltra filter was found to be the most successful device, reducing microfiber release into the wastewater by approximately 78%.
The Guppyfriend bag followed, reducing the release by about 54%, primarily by reducing microfiber shedding from the clothing during the washing cycle. The study emphasizes the importance of continued collaboration between researchers and industry to better understand the most effective intervention points to reduce microfiber shedding, considering both product design and fiber capture. The study doesn’t specify Cora Ball’s effectiveness, but as it’s one of the commercially available devices for capturing microfibers, it’s likely included in the study.
In addition to helping reduce waste, using Cora Balls also prolongs the lifespan of clothing by preventing wear and tear from these microscopic fibers. Plus, their small size makes them easy to use in any washing machine, regardless of the size or type. Investing in a Cora Ball is the perfect solution if you’re looking for an effective way to reduce your environmental impact at home.
Pros And Cons Of Using Cora Balls
The main pros of using Cora Balls are that they are an extremely effective way to reduce the amount of waste produced each year, they help prolong the lifespan of clothing by reducing wear and tear from microfibers, and they help prevent harmful microfibers from entering our water supply. Additionally, Cora Balls are easy to use in any type or size of washing machine, and their small size makes them convenient for storage when not in use.
How Do You Use A Cora Ball?
To use a Cora Ball, toss it into your washing machine and your clothes during each load. The ball will catch any microfibers coming off your clothing as they enter the water, preventing these tiny fibers from making their way into our oceans and waterways. Since its surface area is so large, the Cora Ball can also catch larger particles like lint and fuzz that may be present in your washing machine’s tub or on your clothing.
Here are the steps of how to use a Cora Ball:
1. Insert the Cora Ball into your washing machine’s drum.
2. Add your laundry and detergent as normal.
3. Let the cycle run its course.
4. The Cora Ball will collect any microfibers that come off your clothes during washing.
5. Once the cycle is finished, remove the Cora Ball from the drum and discard the collected fibers in the trash.
If you want an even more effective solution for cleaning up microfiber pollution, you can purchase a special attachment called a Lint LUV-R that fits over the Cora Ball. This attachment will collect any lint or fuzz that may get past the ball, helping to ensure that your washing machine is operating at peak efficiency.
How Many Cora Balls Do I Need?
Typically, one Cora Ball should be sufficient for most standard machines, but you may want to consider using 2-3 balls if you have a larger or more high-traffic machine. Additionally, if your washing machine uses hot water instead of cold or warm, you may need an additional ball to ensure that all microfibers get caught.
Are There Any Alternatives To Using Cora Balls That Are Just As Effective?
There are other alternatives to using Cora Balls. Some people use special laundry bags or filters that collect the tiny fibers that come off clothing during washing. Others may wash their clothes less frequently or opt for natural detergents made from plant-based ingredients instead of traditional chemical-based solutions.
These alternative solutions might be as effective as a Cora Ball at reducing the amount of waste produced each year, prolonging the lifespan of clothing, and preventing microfibers from making their way into our water supply.
The XFiltra Filter
As we mentioned above, Xeros Technology Group, a UK-based company, has developed an innovative washing machine filter called XFiltra that has shown the highest effectiveness in preventing microfibre pollution from laundry.
In tests, XFiltra consistently captured 78% of all microfibres and over 90% of microplastic fibres from synthetic garments, outperforming other devices which achieved a maximum reduction of 54%. This groundbreaking technology is designed for installation during washing machine manufacture.
Who Should Use Cora Balls, And Who Should Avoid Them?
Anyone concerned about reducing their environmental impact at home should consider using Cora Balls. These laundry balls are very effective at capturing microfibers that come off clothing during washing, and you can use them in any type or size of washing machine.
However, those with particularly sensitive skin may want to avoid using Cora Balls, as the tiny fibers they trap on your clothing may make their way into your pores after washing. Additionally, people with allergies or sensitivities to certain detergents or fragrances may not succeed with these laundry balls since Cora Balls work best when paired with a traditional detergent.
Wrapping Up
Overall, Cora Balls are a great option for anyone who wants a quick and easy way to reduce their environmental impact at home. Whether you’re looking to prolong the lifespan of your clothing or prevent harmful microfibers from entering our water supply, these laundry balls can help make a real difference in the fight against microfiber pollution. So if you’re looking for an easy way to protect our planet and keep your clothes looking clean and fresh, be sure to give Cora Balls a try!
