7 Best Eco-Friendly Washing Machines Including Microfiber Filter Solutions

While many brands now offer energy-efficient models, the reality is that the washing machine industry hasn’t evolved all that much. Truly sustainable washing machines are still few and far between—especially ones that are widely available in the US. What really surprised me while working on this article is that only one brand has figured out how to build a microfiber filter into the machine itself. Given that up to 35% of microplastic pollution comes from synthetic textiles, I would have thought the big washing machine manufacturers would’ve cracked this nut by now!

So in this article, I took a multi-pronged approach to researching the best eco-friendly washing machines available today, both in the US and globally. I’ve included the one model with a built-in microfiber filter, along with others that rate highly on energy efficiency, circularity, materials, climate action, and customer satisfaction. All of these can be paired with external microfiber filters too—and I’ve included a detailed section on that, which is a great solution if your current machine is still going strong.

If you’re after a more responsible washer dryer setup, I’ve also got you covered with a couple of recommendation for eco washer and dryer combos.

I also explain exactly what I looked for at the end of this guide. And if you need a refresher on why microfiber filters matter so much, you can read my explainer here: Microfiber Filters for Washing Machines: Why They Matter

Quick note: We have launched a Brand Rating System to rate brands across 22 criteria including chemical use, climate impact, product circularity, and more. So far, none of the washing machine brands on this list have signed up to be rated but we hope they’ll consider it for extra transparency. You can find other rated brands here.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the most sustainable washing machine is probably the one you already have (if it still works well). Or undoubtedly one you can save from the landfill. So considering secondhand before opting to buy new is not a bad idea.

But boy do I understand the stress about microfibers and such a simple thing can make an enormous difference – if everyone put one of these on their machines we’d save an enormous amount of microplastics! These washing machine filters can be added to any machine and can reduce your microfiber shedding (read:anxiety) substantially. Frustratingly, a few are still kind of hard to find online in the USA – I’ve tried to link to retailers where possible:

Samsung Less Microfiber™ Filter

• Price: $149.99
• Available: Global
• Captures: Up to 98% of microplastics ≥50 microns (verified by Ocean Wise)
• Compatibility: Any standard machine
• Installation: Tool-free, connects to drain hose; can be wall-mounted or freestanding
• Filter replacement/maintenance: Filter needs cleaning about once a month (after ~30 cycles). It seems the filter does need replacing after some time (the app will tell you) but there’s not good information available yet on exactly how long that is. Some imply it’s a “permanent” and “reusable” solution so it might be the case that’s quite some time before replacements are needed.
• Sustainability: Developed with Patagonia; 90% of the filter’s plastic components are made from recycled plastics.

PlanetCare

• Price: US$129 for the filter, then US$17.90 per month
• Available: Global
• Captures: Up to 90% of microfibers ≥25 microns
• Compatibility: Works with most machines
• Installation: Easy DIY install
• Filter replacement/maintenance: Filter cartridges need replacing after 20–30 loads
• Sustainability: PlanetCare recycles 100% of the collected microfibers and the cartridge materials

Electrolux Microplastic Filter

• Price: €80–90
• Available: Europe
• Captures: Up to 90% of synthetic fibers larger than ~45 microns
• Compatibility: Works with most front-load machines, not just Electrolux
• Installation: No tools needed; connects to drain hose; wall-mountable or freestanding
• Filter replacement/maintenance: Replacement required after 20-30 loads. Cartridges can be sent back for recycling. Cost is ~€13–15 per month for regular cartridge supply.
• Sustainability: Made of at least 50% recycled plastic

CLEANR

• Price: $299
• Available: USA and Europe
• Captures: Up to 90% of microfibers ≥50 microns
• Compatibility: Fits most front-load machines
• Installation: Easy DIY install, uses cartridges (~every 3 months)
• Filter replacement/maintenance: Pod requires emptying once a week (30 seconds); thorough cleaning required once a month (2 minutes).
• Each pod lasts 5 loads before needing to be replaced.
• Sustainability: Pods can be sent back to CLEANR for proper disposal but it seems they don’t get recycled

Filtrol

• Price: $160
• Available: USA
• Captures: Up to 89% of microfibers ≥50 microns
• Compatibility: Works with top- and front-loaders
• Installation: Easy intall
• Filter replacement/maintenance: Filter bags needs emptying after 8-10 loads but only needs replacing after 1-2 years

Bosch & Siemens External Microplastic Filter (WMZMPF10)

• Price: £369
• Available: Europe (UK and Germany)
• Captures: Captures up to 97% of microplastic fibers
• Compatibility: Any standard machine
• Installation: No tools required; can be wall-mounted or sit next to/on top of the washer
• Filter replacement/maintenance: Filter needs emptying after ~20 wash cycles (about every 6 weeks) in normal use. No replacements are needed as the stainless steel mesh used is permanent.
• Sustainability: 69% of the filter’s materials are recyclable at end of life

While there are no washing machine companies that make microfiber filters for dryers as yet, there are some dryers out there that are more energy efficient than others. Things to know:

• Models that both wash and dry (washer dryers) reduce the need for 2 appliances which is inherently more sustainable given the end of life outcomes though usually not as energy efficient. Having said that I’ve listed a couple of models below that are energy efficient.
• Heat pump dryers are much more energy efficient

If you’re looking for a 2-in-one energy efficient washer and dryer, here are a few options:

Widely available in the US and around the world:

Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ (All-in-One, 5.3 cu ft – WD53 model) – USD1,999

• Uses low-temperature, energy-efficient heat pump drying that recycles hot air, making it significantly more efficient than conventional vented dryers. It is Energy Star Certified.
• Samsung’s SmartThings integration helps reduce energy and water use by automatically adjusting wash/dry settings based on fabric and load size.
• Includes the The Less Microfiber™ cycle which we describe above for their washer – this reduces 39% of the shedding

If you’re in UK, Europe or elsewhere in the world, this is also a great buy for an efficient washer dryer:

Miele WTF/WTH series (WT1) – 8kg wash/5kg dry – £1,649.00

• Uses heat-pump drying (A energy)
• Very efficient, but pricey
• No microfiber filter but very gentle on clothes (honeycomb drum), presumably reducing shedding.
• Use with an external filter for maximum microfiber capture

If you’re happy to go with 2 separate machines, we’d suggest picking a model of eco washing machines from the list above (perhaps with a microfiber filter add-on) and a dryer with good energy efficiency (ideally a heat pump model) – note you don’t have to have the same brand washing machine as you do dryer!

Conventional washing machines are inherently resource-hungry—using massive amounts of energy, water, and raw materials throughout their lifecycle. And while high-efficiency (HE) models are becoming more common, even among mainstream brands, true sustainability is still not the norm.

Environmental concerns go far beyond energy use. In the U.S. alone, around 8% of residential carbon emissions come from laundry. Even if you switch to eco-friendly laundry detergent or wash cold, your washing machine still plays a major role. HE models can reduce energy use by 25–30%, but that’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Manufacturing has its own footprint. Most machines are made from metal and plastic, which require intensive mining and refining. And while some brands are now incorporating recycled materials, the majority still rely heavily on virgin resources. The water used in the manufacturing process is also significant—and often contaminated with heavy metals that must be treated before disposal.

Ethical concerns also come into play. Many washers are assembled in countries where labor laws are poorly enforced, wages are low, and mining—the foundation of many appliance components—is linked to human rights abuses and dangerous working conditions.

All of this means that choosing a more eco friendly washing machine—one that’s built with better materials, greater efficiency, and transparent supply chains—isn’t just better for the environment. It’s better for people, too.

What We Looked For When Hunting For Eco Washing Machines:

There’s no such thing as a perfect sustainable washing machine—but there are better choices. For this list I thought about what would be important to me if I were in the market for a new machine. I looked for models that meet as many of the following criteria as possible:

• Built-in microfiber filters (or compatibility with external ones) to help reduce microplastic pollution – or given there was only one of these, models that are at least addressing the microfiber problem to some extent.
• High energy efficiency ratings (preferably ENERGY STAR® certified or equivalent).
• Water-efficient performance to minimize waste without sacrificing clean clothes.
• Durability and repairability, meaning they’re built to last and not designed for obsolescence.
• Use of recycled or non-toxic materials, or clear initiatives to improve material sourcing.
• Responsible manufacturing practices, including transparency around supply chain ethics.
• Positive customer reviews, especially regarding long-term reliability and performance.
• Brands that actually have a sustainability report.

At the time of writing, options that tick every box are limited (why are these big companies taking so long to up their game?)—but we’ve included the best available now, and noted where improvements could still be made.

What makes a washing machine eco-friendly?

An eco-friendly washing machine typically uses less energy and water, has a longer lifespan, and may be made using recycled or non-toxic materials. The best models go further by including microfiber filtration or technology to reduce microplastic pollution during synthetic fabric washes.

Are high-efficiency (HE) washers always better for the environment?

HE washers are a great step in the right direction. They typically use 25–30% less energy and water than conventional models. However, true sustainability also depends on how the washer is made, how long it lasts, and whether it contributes to microplastic pollution.

Do I need a built-in microfiber filter?

Built-in microfiber filters are still rare so if you can’t find a model available where you live, consider an external filter. A filter—built-in or external—can catch a large portion of these, especially if you wash synthetic fabrics.

Can I make my current washing machine more sustainable?

Yes. Use cold water whenever possible, choose eco-friendly or zero waste laundry detergents, wash full loads, and install an external microfiber filter like the Filtrol or PlanetCare. Regular maintenance can also help your machine last longer.

What is the most sustainable washer and dryer combo?

Very few washer dryer combos are what I would consider sustainable, but we’ve included some of the best eco options in this guide. Look for models with strong energy ratings, low water use, and (ideally) compatibility with external microfiber filters.

Are non-toxic washing machines a real thing?

While no washer is completely non-toxic, some brands use BPA-free plastics, low-VOC finishes, or recycled materials. You’ll often need to dig into product specs or brand sustainability reports to confirm.