Your Laundry Routine: The Hidden Link to Microplastics Pollution Crisis

To reduce microplastic pollution, start addressing it in the laundry room, as synthetic clothes release tiny plastic fibers during washing and drying. Simple changes can help minimize these emissions.

What Are Microplastics and Where Do They Come From?

Microplastics are small plastic fragments, primarily microfibers from synthetic fabrics. These fibers are released into the environment through laundry routines. A study found that every dryer load emits about 138 mg of microfibers, totaling over 3,500 tons yearly.

Each wash also releases hundreds of thousands of fibers into sewers. Joaquim Goes from Columbia Climate School highlighted laundry as a significant microplastic source in waterways.

Which Fabrics Shed the Most Microplastics?

Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and elastane contribute significantly to microfiber shedding. Polyester is chemically akin to PET bottles but spun into threads. Nylon is prevalent in activewear and outerwear; acrylic substitutes wool in some textiles.

These synthetic materials may also contain chemicals like PFAS for resistance benefits, posing additional environmental risks when worn or washed.

How Do Microplastics From Laundry Spread?

Laundry microplastics spread via wastewater, soil, and air. Washing machines discharge fibers into water systems that often bypass treatment plants. The captured fibers end up in sewage sludge and potentially contaminate agricultural fields.

The air is another medium for these fibers; dryer vents expel them outdoors. Synthetic clothing sheds elevate indoor air fiber levels too.

How to Avoid Microplastics When Doing Laundry?

To minimize fiber release, opt for natural materials like cotton or wool, which biodegrade better than synthetics. Wash full loads with cold water and use filters to catch escaping fibers.

The National Park Service suggests skipping gentle cycles, using shorter washes, and preferring front-load washers. Filters attached to washing machine drains can catch a substantial amount of fibers before they enter water systems.

What Is the Best Washing Machine Filter for Microplastics?

Add-on microfiber filters capture about 87 percent of fibers from the wash cycle’s wastewater. In-drum devices like Cora Ball or Guppyfriend bags collect shed fibers inside the washer drum.

For drying clothes, favor line drying or careful dryer use with low heat settings and outdoor lint trapping measures.

Is There Laundry Detergent Without Microplastics?

Options without microplastic impact include powder detergents in cardboard boxes or refillable liquids. Some detergent pods contain PVA plastic which doesn't fully degrade in treatment processes.

Managing indoor air quality through vacuuming can prevent settled laundry fibers from becoming airborne again indoors.