Label alert
The worst microplastic shedding culprit is polyester fleece, but nylon and polyester fabric are also high shedders. Microfibres are lost into the environment during the production process as well as by washing and wearing. Choose clothes made from as near to 100% natural items as possible.
Wash your clothes less
Especially items made from synthetic fabrics. Only put them in the wash when they’re dirty. If you’re wearing a top for a few hours or a fleece for a few days, they probably don’t need a wash… just hang them up to air.
Swap from washing powder to liquid
Powders are abrasive and therefore loosen more microfibres compared to a gentler liquid detergent. Use a fabric softener.
Wash at 30
High temperatures can damage clothes resulting in more microfibre shedding.
Wash a full load
Only wash when the machine is full as less friction between the clothes will result in fewer fibres being shed.
Tumble dry less
Constant tumbling can make clothes more fragile and loosen fibres that will then shed in the next wash.
Buy a bag
Independent research has shown that in-machine filters are the most effective way of reducing microfibre loss, found to be 78% efficient at reducing microfibres in waste water. The research showed that a Guppy Bag reduces “microfibre release to wastewater by around 54%…by reducing microfibre shedding from the clothing during the washing cycle.” Whilst we campaign for filters in washing machines, it’s worth doing your research before you buy in-drum solutions.
