Level up your laundry with this eco-friendly filtration device 
The Samsung Less Microfiber Filter
Have you heard about the tiny troublemakers lurking in our laundry? Each year, we collectively wash around 500 million kilograms of microplastics into our ocean. Less than five millimetres in size, these miniscule particles come from our everyday washing of synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. And it’s not just clothes — even our bedding and towels are part of the problem.
Natural materials like cotton and rayon are also guilty. They release microfibers that, while not microplastics per se, still pose a threat to our waterways.
Here’s where it gets concerning: Microplastics aren’t just floating around in the ocean. They’ve made their way into marine life and even the human bloodstream. A growing body of research is revealing the harm these minuscule pollutants can cause, from oxidative stress to disrupting our immune systems. And as an expectant mother, the thought that these tiny particles can cross through the placenta to an unborn baby or be passed to infants through breastfeeding is downright alarming.
If you’re feeling daunted or think the problem is too big to do your bit, think again. Samsung has stepped up with an innovative solution, the Less Microfiber Filter. This clever microplastic water filter is designed to catch those pesky plastics before they ever have a chance to reach the ocean, making all the difference in preserving our waterways and wellbeing.
Read our review of the Less Microfiber Filter and visit samsung.co.nz to learn more.
Review verdict: Samsung’s microplastic water filter
What’s so special about the Samsung Less Microfiber Filter, and how does it remove microplastics?
Released late last year, the Less Microfiber Filter is cutting-edge. An advanced filtering system, it captures up to 98% of microplastics that would otherwise be deposited into our waterways through washing machines.
Notably, the Less Microfiber Filter is universally compatible with all front-loader washing machines and is easy to install with a simple drainpipe attachment.
And yes, the water filtration device looks good, too. Boasting a minimalist design in a white colourway, it effortlessly blends into your laundry space.
How do I install the microplastic water filter in my laundry?
Use the provided non-slip cradle to install the Samsung Less Microfiber Filter on top of your washing machine, on a nearby shelf, or place it on your laundry wall with the mount
The Less Microfiber Filter is a compact, lightweight unit that fits most laundry configurations. You can either:
- Use the provided non-slip cradle to install the filter on top of your washing machine or on a nearby shelf; or
- Use the provided mount to place it on your laundry wall.
Admittedly, I got my husband to install the device. He said it was quick and straightforward (basically the opposite of flatpack furniture).
After deciding where your filter will go, all you need to do is attach your machine’s discharge hose to the filter’s inlet and the supplied hose to the filter’s outlet, et voila.
Note: The filter attaches to any discharge hose with a diameter of approximately 20-22mm. If required, provided adaptors allow you to fit the filter to hoses with diameters between 19 and 26mm.
What is the filtration device made of?
The Less Microfiber Filter was designed with the environment in mind. Over 89% of its plastic components are made from recycled materials.
How do I use the microplastic filter?
It’s as easy as washing your clothes — everyone’s favourite household chore, right?
After approximately 30 loads (I hate to think how quickly this occurs in a house full of kids), you can dispose of the microplastics and microfibers by removing the detachable tube from the filter, twisting it, and dumping its contents into your rubbish bin.
Hot tip: If you’re a smart home enthusiast like me, you’ll undoubtedly be familiar with Samsung’s SmartThings mobile app. It receives data from the filter via Wi-Fi and notifies you whenever it needs cleaning or replacing. It’s too easy!
Is the Samsung Less Microfiber Filter worth it?
Yes, the Less Microfiber Filter is worth every penny. It’s a convenient way to reduce my environmental footprint. Every bit counts.
The Samsung Less Microfiber Filter
Are microplastic water filters the future of laundry?
Washing machine microplastic filters may soon become more common than you think.
In a whitepaper delivered to the European Commission in February 2024, it was argued that washing machine filters are an effective, near-term solution to reduce the release of microfibers into the environment and should be mandated.
Across the ditch, the Australian federal government has proposed phasing in microfiber filters in new commercial and residential washing machines by 2030 as part of its National Plastics Plan.
What are others saying about the Samsung Less Microfiber Filter?
The Less Microfiber Filter has received high praise, featured as one of Time magazine’s best inventions of 2023.
It’s also been tested by experts. The Ocean Wise Plastics Lab found that the microplastic water filter removed 98% of the microplastics produced in a 2kg load of synthetic textiles.
How much does the Samsung Less Microfiber Filter cost?
With an RRP of $299, the Less Microfiber Filter is relatively inexpensive as far as smart home gadgets go. It’s an accessible way to do our part for the environment and our family’s health.
Samsung also donates $50 from each filter purchase to Sea Cleaners, a non-profit organisation that oversees initiatives to protect the ocean from plastic pollution.
Where can I buy the Samsung Less Microfiber Filter in New Zealand?
Purchase the Samsung Less Microfiber Filter for $299 at Harvey Norman.
For everything you need to know about the Less Microfiber Filter, visit samsung.com.
Commonly asked questions about washing machine microplastic filters
1. Which fabrics release microplastics when washed?
When washed, synthetic fabrics such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon shed the most microplastics.
Natural fibres, like cotton and rayon, can release microfibers, though not microplastics. Research indicates they can still contribute to environmental pollution and affect marine ecosystems.
2. Can you really filter out microplastics? Does a washing machine microplastic water filter work?
Yes, you can filter out microplastics from your laundry, and microplastic water filters work. They effectively capture microplastics and microfibers released from clothes during washing cycles.
This reduces the pollution entering water systems, which adversely affects the marine environment and the health of wildlife and humans.
3. What is the best washing machine filter for microplastics?
After reviewing it for ourselves, in our opinion, the best water filter for microplastics is the Samsung Less Microfiber Filter (learn more here). Tests show it effectively removes 98% of the microplastics produced in a 2kg load of synthetic textiles.
Samsung’s microplastic water filter is also longer lasting and more reliable than a microfiber bag. These bags aren’t as effective at filtering out microplastics, can only hold as many items as you can cram into them, and require cleaning after every wash.
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