Microplastics are hiding in our water, and they’re not doing us any favors. These tiny plastic bits can slip through regular filters, but don’t worry – you don’t need fancy gear to remove them. Your kitchen probably has everything you need to make your water cleaner and safer.
For this post, I will detail 10 easy tricks anyone can use to remove microplastics at home.
1. Coffee Filter Magic
Grab a coffee filter and let it do double duty. Put it over your glass or water pitcher before pouring. The tiny holes in the filter can catch some microplastics. This trick works best for larger plastic bits. Remember to change the filter often for the best results.
2. Boil And Cool
Heat your water until it’s bubbling. Let it cool down before drinking. Boiling can break down some types of plastics and kill germs, so that’s a bonus. Just be careful not to burn yourself when handling hot water. This method works best for tap water and is super easy to do at home.
3. Activated Charcoal Soak
Drop some activated charcoal in your water jug and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. The charcoal acts like a sponge for tiny particles. Strain the water before drinking to remove the charcoal bits. You can find activated charcoal at most health food stores.
4. Fruit Peel Power
Save your orange or lemon peels after eating the fruit. Put them in your water pitcher for about an hour. The oils in the peels can help clump microplastics together. This makes them easier to filter out later. Plus, it adds a nice, fresh taste to your water.
5. Sand And Gravel Filter
Make a DIY filter using a clean bottle, sand, and small rocks. Layer the rocks on the bottom of the bottle and the sand on top. Pour water through this homemade filter. The layers catch particles of different sizes as water passes through. You can add a layer of activated charcoal in the middle for extra filtration. Clean your filter regularly to keep it working well.
6. Cloth Straining
Use a clean, tightly woven cloth as a strainer. Slowly pour your water through it into another container. The cloth catches plastic bits as the water passes through. Wash the cloth well after each use to keep it clean and effective. Try different types of clothes to see what works best. A fine cheesecloth or even a clean cotton t-shirt can work great.
7. Chia Seed Trick
Mix a spoonful of chia seeds into a jug of water. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then strain. Chia seeds form a gel that can trap microplastics. This method also adds some nutrients to your water. Just be sure to strain well so you don’t drink the seeds.
8. Cucumber Slice Cleanse
Cut up a cucumber and put the slices in your water pitcher. Leave it in the fridge for a few hours. Cucumbers can absorb some pollutants, including some plastics. This trick also makes your water taste refreshing. Remember to remove and compost the cucumber after.
9. Baking Soda Boost
Add a pinch of baking soda to your water before filtering. It helps clump together tiny particles, making them easier to catch. Use this with another filtering method for better results. Don’t use too much, or your water will taste funny. This trick works well with the cloth straining method. Stir the water gently after adding baking soda to help it mix well.
10. Freeze And Thaw
Fill a container with water and freeze it solid. Let it thaw in a clean bowl. As ice forms, it pushes out impurities. When it melts, these impurities often settle at the bottom. Carefully pour off the clean water, leaving the bottom bit behind. This method takes time but can be very effective, and it’s great for removing various pollutants, not just microplastics.
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