Microplastics From Laundry – Why, and What You Can Do

What the research actually shows

Synthetic textiles shed in water the way a wool sweater sheds in the air – only with plastic fibres. In a widely cited study, researchers at the University of Plymouth estimated that a single wash of synthetic garments can release several hundred thousand microfibres. The IUCN, for its part, has estimated that around a third of the primary microplastic in the ocean comes from washing synthetic textiles. The figures vary between studies, but the direction is clear: washing polyester, acrylic and nylon is a significant source of microplastics.

Why synthetic clothes shed in the wash

Mechanical rubbing and water tear short fibre ends loose from the fabric. New garments and fresh cut edges shed most in the first few washes, and loosely knitted fleece releases more than tight, firm fabrics. Acrylic is considered the worst, closely followed by polyester, while cotton blends shed somewhat less than pure synthetics. High temperatures, long cycles and hard spinning all increase the release. Natural fibres like wool and cotton shed too, but those fibres biodegrade – plastic does not.

How to wash so you release less

You can't solve the problem alone, but these steps noticeably cut the release from your machine – and are gentler on your clothes as a bonus:

• Wash less often and only when needed; air garments between wears.
• Fill the drum – a full machine means less rubbing per garment.
• Wash cold and choose a short, gentle cycle.
• Use liquid detergent; powder abrades fibres more.
• Use a microfibre wash bag or a catcher ball in the drum to trap fibres.
• Consider a microfibre filter on the outlet if your machine allows it.
• Air-dry – the tumble dryer also tears fibres loose and sends them into the air.

The biggest lever: own fewer, keep them longer

No washing habit beats making fewer new synthetic garments. Because a garment sheds most early in its life, you cut the most by buying less new and using what you own for longer. Choose natural fibres and solid quality where it fits, and look after the technical clothes you have: a good fleece or shell jacket that is repaired and re-proofed lasts many seasons instead of being replaced.

When repairing beats replacing

The washing habits above are all things you can do at home – no service needed. But the one move that both cuts microfibre release and saves the environment a whole new garment is keeping the technical clothes you already own in use. When your fleece, sports top or shell has a failed zip, a tear or a seam that has come apart, a repair keeps it out of both the bin and the shopping list. We repair and re-proof garments across Norway, and you see the price before you order.

Frequently asked questions