Every time you wash a fleece or a pair of leggings, tiny fibers can break off and go down the drain. They're so small you'd never notice.^†

Quick answer: synthetic fabrics shed microfibers in the wash. Washing cold, running full loads, using shorter cycles, line drying and adding a filter or wash bag can all help reduce shedding.^†

What are microfibers?

They're tiny strands that come off fabrics. Synthetic ones, from polyester, nylon and acrylic, are a form of microplastic.^†

Habits that help

1. Wash cold. Heat can increase shedding.^†
2. Run full loads. Less rubbing per item.
3. Use shorter, gentler cycles.
4. Wash synthetics less often.
5. Line-dry instead of tumble drying.

Tools that help

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Choosing clothes

Natural fibers like cotton, linen and wool don't shed microplastics. Mixing them into your wardrobe helps over time.

No one's asking you to throw out your favorite fleece. Just wash it a little smarter.

FAQ

Do synthetic clothes shed microplastics? Yes, especially in the wash.^†

Does cold water reduce microfiber shedding? Research suggests it can help.^†

Do microfiber laundry bags work? They can catch some fibers.^†

Does detergent affect microfibers? The biggest factors are temperature, cycle and fabric.