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.
sheanaa_6 (verified owner) –
Seeing what the Cora ball catches is wild. Definitely a neat purchase!
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areceve (verified owner) –
I have only used it a few times, but it is nice to know that I am able to try and catch at least some of the microplastics in my clothes (I live in an apartment so options are limited). I have already noticed some strands of something in the ball (possibly my dog’s hair, I’m not sure), but at least I know it is catching some things!
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Donna (verified owner) –
I like the idea of this ball and first heard about it from the Earth 911 website so I figured I’d try it since it would be helping my water supply. It’s very easy to use. We just keep it in the washer. Haven’t had to clean it yet since we’ve only been using for a couple of weeks.
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kryssi.mcdowall (verified owner) –
A coraball is great for what it is and it works just like it says it does. But it only takes roughly 30% of the microplastics from the wash. That’s better than nothing. But if you really want to stop microplastics, there are filters that attach to washing machines and take aroung 90% of the microplastics. I’ve since bought one of these and will give my coraball to a friend
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EarthHero (verified owner) –
Hi Krissi! Our product team is on the hunt for the most sustainable microfiber filter and other microfiber-catching options to bring onto the site- we love the Cora Ball as one step in the process for reducing microplastics!
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marissa_keating (verified owner) –
I wanted to like this product, as I try to be green when I can. However, my last two loads of laundry have had shirts come out with tiny holes in that they didn’t have going in. I wash jeans and bras separately, so there weren’t any hooks or zippers to catch on anything. Best I can figure is, it was the Cora Ball. It would also catch threads and tear out seams. In addition, I never noticed it collecting any microfibers.
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EarthHero (verified owner) –
Hi Marissa, we are so sorry you’re experiencing these issues with the Cora Ball. Our team will be in touch shortly to assist!
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kandydre –
The idea of the b-ball is better than the use. I’ve used this ball for months and mostly find hair and clothes straps in it.
If you’re VI and have to feel B through the b-ball too clean it , don’t get this because the tentacles hurt.
Also I’ve asked someone else to look at it and they see nothing caught in the ball. So does it even work ?
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EarthHero (verified owner) –
Hi there! We are so sorry that this ball isn’t working the way you’d hoped, and appreciate your feedback! To avoid loose straps from getting caught in the ball, we recommend washing items like this in a garment bag to prevent them from catching in the Cora Ball! Because this ball works to catch microplastics, it can take months before any visual debris begins building up and is noticeable. It is still catching the fibers, but because they are micro, the process takes a bit longer than expected!
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Kyle Lear –
Works great! Makes me feel a little less guilty when doing laundry
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lauragaring1989 (verified owner) –
I’m so thrilled for these Cora Balls! I will say that I ordered 3 because I was expecting them to be a lot smaller than they were. I’d read that typically you only need one but for larger loads you need 3 so I’m still just going to try using one and go from there. I will keep it in mind to put things in bags so it won’t get caught in these. I had a hard time taking the tag string off of them. lol Not trying to do that after every wash with all my clothes. I’m honestly glad that it catches pet hair which helps it catch the microfibers better! That’s a win win for me! Thanks!
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alexandria.nalepa (verified owner) –
I like that I feel like im doing more with my wash with this. Not that I wear too much plastic clothing but it’s nice to lower my impact. My only beef is this thing seeks and destroys fly away strings. I would really recommend a garmet bag for lace or even loose sweaters.
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gardner.emily07 (verified owner) –
I was skeptical at first, but I’m very pleased with it so far! Definitely put anything that could get caught on it in laundry bags to avoid things getting caught around it!
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Kate (verified owner) –
I got this in December for Christmas and it’s now May and I think it’s mostly just catching my hair and bra straps. I never see anything else in there
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EarthHero (verified owner) –
Hi, Kate! We’re so glad that you’re using the Cora Ball to catch microplastics in your laundry! They are micro- which means it can take many, many months for any buildup to show. This is why they are so dangerous in our water supply- so small we cannot see them, but they produce a huge impact! We recommend washing bras and other items with strings that could get caught in a mesh bag to protect them. Catching hair in the wash is just an added bonus!
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buhbek (verified owner) –
I’m not a fan of this product. After months and months of use, I only ever see it collect strings and pet fur. I do like that it does that because it saves me from using a lint roller after hang drying, but it’s not why I purchased it. I’ve seen other products that seem to work better than this. I was hopeful, but disappointed. I’ll likely keep using it because I don’t take it out of my washing machine.
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EarthHero (verified owner) –
Hi there! We are so sorry you aren’t seeing fibers in your Cora Ball yet – it can take a little while for you to see a physical manifestation of the Cora Ball “working” because the microplastics and fibers it catches are so small (micro)! If you are washing a majority of natural fibers, your ball will collect fewer fibers than if you were washing mostly synthetic items! We are hopeful that with a few more months of use, you will begin to see buildup 🙂
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Virginia O (verified owner) –
I haven’t had to pull a lot of plastic out yet, but I know the research is there! It did catch with the loose end of a frayed hand towel I haven’t gotten rid of. Definitely follow the guidelines on the table.
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dljohnson798 (verified owner) –
Easiest way to help the oceans and rivers! Love it!
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gonzalezcristal12 (verified owner) –
It is great that it helps keep microfibers from the ocean. As a dog parent, the only issue is that I get my husky’s hair all over it. It can also be heard to clean when small strings get caught in it. But overall it is a great addition to an ecofriendly routine.
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ech5 (verified owner) –
Super easy to use and doesn’t take up much room in the washer at all.
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emilyrmckinney (verified owner) –
Just purchased- excited to put it to good use!
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Irina (verified owner) –
Very easy to throw into your normal wash while helping the environment.
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Techtipntrick.Com –
Protect the ocean environment with this easy-to-use laundry ball that catches microfibers shedding off our clothes in the washer.
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kwyjibo4 (verified owner) –
I so far have been very happy with this microfiber ball. I have used it a few times and have seen a few fibers caught up in the “arms” of the ball. I mostly used cool water when washing but when I use the hot water that is when i notice more fibers. Easy to use and clean. Feel good about doing what I can to catch the little fibers.
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Question
Ryan –
Saw this at OdySea in Arizona, one question is does it collect pet hair also?
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EarthHero (verified owner) –
Hi, Ryan! The Cora Ball is not designed to catch pet hair, although some may get stuck in the ball (totally normal) like regular hair! This actually helps the ball catch more microfibers, so it’s a win-win 🙂
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jillian.a.hogan (verified owner) –
This is obviously easy to use, and I’m happy I bought it. I’ve used it a number of times and haven’t really collected much, but I’ll give it time.
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zackarybell13 (verified owner) –
looks great excited to use it
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abooth (verified owner) –
I love the Cora Ball. I love having something simple that helps the earth!
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charlotte.brackett (verified owner) –
I’ve only used this a couple of times, but I’m already starting to see a little buildup! I love that I’m not contributing to the plastic problem anymore!
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marialedger143 (verified owner) –
I’ve used this approximately 5 times and haven’t seen anything yet but I’m going to be patient!
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Danielle (verified owner) –
Seems like greenwashing in the end. Can’t return from opening and using to find out, now just have plastic waste for nothing. While also possibly contributing worse to ther problem? In hindsight, why wouldn’t putting a plastic ball leach more microplastics?
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EarthHero –
Hey Danielle! We’re so sorry to hear that you’re not totally loving your Cora Ball. It can take quite some time to see a noticeable build-up of microplastic (they’re really tiny!). Washing the ball with bulkier items like sweaters and blankets will definitely lead to more fibers wrapped around the center of the ball. If you wear mostly natural fibers, the ball isn’t always necessary since these do not pose the same risk to marine life and biodegrade over time. Another useful fact is that washing in warm temperatures leads to more clothing fiber loss. If you’re washing in cold (go eco-warrior go!), then fewer fibers will be released, to begin with. Give it a few more months and definitely don’t hesitate to reach out with more questions or concerns (support@earthhero.com). We’re more than happy to help! No need to worry about the Cora Ball contributing to the microplastic problem. Hard plastics do not release fibers, so nothing should be coming off of your Cora. Plus, it’s made from recycled plastic, which is always a great perk. 🙂
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Question
Joan Silver –
Will the Cora Ball catch fibers from microfiber cleaning cloths? I read that microfibers in the microfiber cleaning cloths are 1/100 of a human hair whereas in an article on the Cora Ball they talked about it catching microfibers 1/5 of a human hair.
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EarthHero –
Hi Joan! This is an excellent question. While the Cora Ball has been proven to catch the tiniest of fibers, there haven’t been any studies specifically on microfiber cloths. It is unclear exactly how vulnerable they are to shedding or how those short and small diameter fibers interact with the longer fibers coming off of our clothing. If they tangle up with other fibers, then the Cora Ball is likely to catch them. More studies must be done to know more, though, and we shared your inquiry with the team at Cora so that they’re aware of it!
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Question
Delona Wardlaw –
I have a European style all-in-one washer/dryer with a ventless dryer. It dries using steam and the water goes down the drain. Do you have any recommendations for using the Cora Ball with this machine. After drying, there is always some lint around the rubber seal, which makes me thing that only condensation goes down the drain during the drying cycle. I would think I would need to remove the ball before drying because of the heat.
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EarthHero –
Hi Delona! Gret question. Sounds like a very neat washing machine set up you’ve got! There’s no need to worry if you’re unable to remove the Cora Ball before the drying cycle begins. While intended for the washing portion of a laundry cycle, the Cora Ball is built to last and will be able to stand up to the heat of a dryer without deterioration. It may be interesting to see if it is also able to catch the lint you’re describing that remains post drying…let us know!
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Maddy (verified owner) –
Love it. Slow and steady is my motto. This item does exactly that. Be patient and the fibers will start building up, making you feel like you are doing some good in this crazy world!
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EarthHero –
Hooray, Maddy! Love to hear this! 😀
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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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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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