Origin
- Made in Vermont
Materials
- 100% Recycled Plastic
End of Life
- After years of use, you can easily recycle your Cora Ball by contacting us, or info@coraball.com to have it sent to their recycling center!
Earth Friendly Features
- According to studies by the University of Toronto, the Cora Ball catches 26% of microfibers per wash load on average. This helps to reduce the amount of non-biodegradeable fibers that make their way to our oceans!
- If 10% of US households use a Cora Ball, it can keep the plastic equivalent of over 30 million water bottles from washing into our public waterways every year... that's enough water bottles to reach from NYC to London!
Packaging
- Paperstock product tag
- Ships in packaging made from recycled content
- Shipping packaging is recyclable
Product Care
- To use, just toss it in your washer to start catching microfibers! Although Cora Ball is very gentle, we recommend washing delicates, fine fabrics, lace & tassels separately so they don't get caught in the Cora Ball.
- How fast you will see fuzz in your Cora Ball depends on water temperature, type of clothes, lifestyle, detergent type, and washer mode!
- To clean: when you can visibily see tangles of fibers & hairs, move the stalks of the Cora Ball to the side and pinch the tangles to pull them out easily. Dispose of fibers in your trash bin.
Additional Features
- Micro-fiber catching laundry ball stops microplastics, threads, and pollution from entering our waterways
- Made from 100% recycled materials and recyclable
- Easy to clean and lasts for years
Capacity
- For most homes, one Cora Ball will get the job done. For families or larger washing machines, we recommend up to 3 Cora Balls.
Returns
- Unused, unopened items in their original product packaging can be returned within 30 days
Shipping Info
- Ships within 1 business day
Cora Ball
Microplastics or microfibers are the teeny tiny particles that are polluting our waterways at a concerning rate. Surprisingly enough, these particles most often originate from your washing machine. Clothing that contains synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, rayon, acrylic, or spandex, are essentially plastic and shed particles each time we wash them! This microfiber pollution ends up being eaten by ocean animals and then, in turn, ends up on our plates. Cora Ball was founded by underwater archaeologist and marine scientist Rachel Miller and offers a human-scale solution to a global issue. Cora Ball is the first ever microfiber catching laundry ball. Inspired the way coral filters the ocean water from foreign particles, Cora Ball mimics that behaviour and catches all the bad microplastic particles from your clothing before they make it to the water. The ball works in any washing machine. You simply throw it in with your laundry and it will catch microfibers as well as hair to prevent them from flowing out with the drain water. Once the laundry is done, you clean Cora like you clean a hairbrush, taking out the bits of fuzz and putting them in the trash. The best part? The ball itself if made from 100% recycled plastic. So you can maximize your impact one laundry load at a time.
alxkropp (verified owner) –
I haven’t been using for that long of a time, but I know that it isn’t catching much because my hair is left in the machine, not picked up by the ball. The only thing it has accomplished is partially shredding a piece of clothing that had a loose thread.
Since I already have it I’ll continue using it. I hope to see it actually pick up something that it’s supposed to.
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EarthHero –
Hey Alex! Thank you for this review. As you may have read from other responses, it can take a little while for you to see a physical representation of the Cora Ball “working”. Afterall, microplastics and fibers are well, micro! 🙂 You’ll likely begin to see fibers getting caught in the center of the ball after a few months of consistent use. More fibers will collect when washing with items like wool, fleece, or heavy knit sweaters! While not intended to catch hair, we’ve found the Cora to be a pretty great helper when it comes to pet hair. And finally, definitely try to keep delicates or any clothing pieces that have straps (bathing suits, tank tops, etc), in a garment bag or in a separate load!
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Christy R. (verified owner) –
I’ve only used this ball a couple of times so far, but I’m already seeing stuff stuck in it.
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Amanda (verified owner) –
I have two dogs and our washer was having to be cleaned once a month so it would drain properly. I knew about this product because of it catching microfibers but it really has helped with the dog hair.
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stacie –
I was surprised to see how big the ball was; it’s softball sized. So far as promised in the literature, there’s not a lot of visible fuzz BUT it did already catch some dog hair (we have 6 dogs). Am glad to have it and am looking forward to seeing more debris caught soon!
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dinnamorato (verified owner) –
It doesn’t seem to work or at least we’re not seeing a significant, or even insignificant amount of fibers, threads or material trapped in the ball. I wish that it did and we keep using it since we have it.
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Admin EarthHero –
Hi Dina! So happy you’re using the Cora Ball. Since microplastics and microfibers are SO tiny, it will take quite a few washes to see a physical representation of the ball “working”. If you’re washing the ball with bulkier items like wool sweaters OR if you have a lot of pet hair coming of clothing, you’ll likely begin to see an accumulation of fibers more quickly. Natural fibers like wool, cotton (or pet hair!) are biodegradable and do not pose the risk to marine life that plastics do. If you’re washing the ball with sportswear or fleece, know that it is helping to catch the pesky plastic fibers that are coming off the fabric. Water temperature and type of machine will also play a role in how much is coming off clothing in the first place (another reason to wash in cold!). Reach out to support@earthhero.com if you have any questions. We love chatting about the Cora Ball. 🙂
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Kira Boyle –
I’ve been using it since I received the Kickstarter product (early 2018)? Finally got around to cleaning it for a second time today, and sure there’s some stuff in there, not I’m not sure it’s actually doing much of anything. I don’t own any wool sweaters, so maybe that’s why it doesn’t appear to be catching stuff for me. I’ve had clogged washer filters twice due to fuzz and dog hair, even whilst using the product (admittedly, one of those times was due to a sock). If it’s only meant to catch “microscopic” fibers, what is it really helping if the large fibers enter the waterways anyway? It’s a great idea for a product, and I really want to like it, I just don’t feel like it’s doing much. It holds up very well over the years though.
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Admin EarthHero –
Hi Kira! So glad you’re using the Cora. Here are some notes and tips for future use! If you’re washing it with bulky items (wool sweaters, sweatshirts, etc.), you’re more likely to see a physical representation of the Cora Ball in action. The microplastic and microfibers that come off of clothing like sportswear and fleece are what is most harmful to organisms. Natural fibers like wool or cotton, which tend to be larger, naturally biodegrade and do not pose a risk to marine life. While it’s not intended as a washer filter, the ball will still catch some lint and pet hair. Factors like water temperature and type of washing machine will also have an impact on how many microplastics are released during a load of laundry. Warm water and top-loading machines will cause more to come off during the wash. One more reason to wash in cold! Let us know if you have any other questions by emailing support@earthhero.com. 🙂
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meli_jack23 (verified owner) –
I have just used the cora ball a few times and becuase of the design, I was scared that it would damage my clothes but so far no clothing has been damaged. Will definitely keep using
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Admin EarthHero –
Thank you so much for the review! To protect clothes, just be sure to keep delicates or items with straps in a garment bag. 🙂
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Ann Mitman (verified owner) –
I have had the ball for 2 weeks now and I have found a lot of fibers, threads, cat, dog and human hair in the ball just after the second washing. I am also so surprised of the sturdy quality of the ball. Even though I have a septic system I bought the ball to decrease the debris that will not break down in the system and eventually have to be pumped out and find its way into to environment. I recommend this product to everyone!
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cdebuhr5 (verified owner) –
Love the idea. Have used even with cat hair and have only found one hair. Lots in the dryer? Will continue to use. Have read could take 10-20 loads to see anything?
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Max Micozzi –
Hello Earth Hero, are you recommending allowing accumulation and does that mean to not rinse it all the time? Or how often? Thank you and looking forward to purchasing a Cora ball.
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Admin EarthHero –
Hey Max! Since microplastics and microfibers are, well, micro, allowing them to accumulate will actually help once you’re ready to clean out the Cora Ball. Over time, as you wash clothing like fleece and sportswear, you’ll begin to notice fibers collecting in the center of the ball. With fingers or tweezers, simply pull them out and deposit in the garbage. Thanks for doing your part! 😀
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Admin EarthHero –
Hi there! We’re so glad you’re using the Cora Ball. Due to the tiny size of microplastics/fibers, it can be tough to see a physical representation of the Ball working after only a few washes. They’re SO small that your washer’s own filter can’t catch them! You’re more likely to begin to see an accumulation of these plastics if you’re regularly washing synthetic clothing items like stretchy sportswear or fuzzy fleece. Catching dog and cat hair is certainly an added bonus, though! Definitely keep us updated on your experience by emailing hello@earthhero.com. 🙂
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Judy (verified owner) –
Since I live with a German Shepherd, I had high hopes about capturing dog hair as well as microfibers. I have only used it twice so far and am not seeing anything caught. I will keep experimenting. Since it says not to use with delicate fabrics, I have not tried it with sweaters or other hair magnets.
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Admin EarthHero –
Hey Judy! You should notice fibers begin to collect after about 10-20 washes. Because many of the fibers/plastics are microscopic, it can be difficult to see anything robust caught in the ball for a little while! Heavier loads with bulkier clothing like fleece and sweaters are more likely to show a physical representation of the Cora Ball working. The Cora Ball can be a bit too tough on items with lace and other delicate fabrics, but your average wool sweater should be just fine. Keep us posted as you continue to use it!
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Robyn (verified owner) –
It’s a nice ball but I seem to have washed my money since it’s never “caught” anything from my wash.
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Question
Ann –
Is there only one ball or is it a set of three?
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Admin Callie Weldon (verified owner) –
Hi again, Ann! We now offer a set of 3 Cora Balls for a combined discounted price. Check it out above ^^
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Admin EarthHero –
Hi Ann — the Cora Ball comes as a single item. One Cora Ball works wonderfully for average sized loads of laundry, but for families with larger washing machines, we recommend tossing in up to three balls.
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mjanson21 (verified owner) –
I have only used the item a few times, but so far have had no issues! Love that there is such an easy way to reduce the number of microfibers/microplastics that end up in our water.
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Marissa (verified owner) –
I really like this idea since microplastics are such a huge issue. I have yet to see anything captured, but I was in an older model washer, cold water, and liquid detergent. It was also bigger than I thought. I might have to decrease my load size to really see it work
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Admin EarthHero –
Hey Marissa — so happy you’re liking the Cora Ball so far! It’s one of our favorite items, too. 🙂 You will likely begin to see more fibers collecting as time goes on and as you wash heavier items like fleeces and sweaters. No need to decrease your load size, just keep washing as usual.
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jghogfan36 (verified owner) –
I have only used it 3 times so far but I can already see some of the environmentally disgusting stuff that it catching and not sending into our water system. Love it.
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Ashley (verified owner) –
Love love it! Makes me feel good about doing laundry
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