Top 5 Hidden Microplastics in Everyday Household Items

Even if you’ve made the switch to eco-friendly formulas at home, microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than 5mm wide—can still get into almost everything. The everyday things you use, like cleaning supplies and personal care products, are some of the biggest culprits—when it comes to microplastics. Here’s what to watch out for, and simple swaps you can try instead. 

1. Dishwasher Pods and Dish Sponges

Dishwasher pods are wrapped in PVA—a type of plastic that breaks down but doesn’t fully dissolve—and dish sponges are often made with synthetic materials like nylon and polyester. When you use these to clean, they break down into tiny microplastics that make their way into our water system. 

• Switch to natural options like cellulose or plant-based sponges for daily cleaning.

• Seek out plastic-free and environmentally-friendly dishwasher detergents.

2. Laundry Detergent and Dryer Lint

Laundry detergent pods are also wrapped in the same kind of PVA! Not only that, many detergents might have additives that also include microplastic materials. Additionally, clothes made from synthetic fabrics can release plastic microfibers while you wash and dry them. Most water treatment systems can’t catch all of these fibers, so they make their way into our waterways.

If you choose plastic-free laundry detergents and start wearing more sustainable fabrics, you can help lower not just airborne microplastics but the ones that end up back in our drinking water. 

3. Dental Floss and Toothbrushes

Many dental flosses and toothbrushes are made from nylon, polyester, or plastics that have BPA. Each time you rinse, brush your teeth, or dispose of them, plastic particles and microplastics may get into our waterways. Worse—you could possibly be ingesting them each time you brush or floss. 

Try these instead: 

• Use floss made from organic silk, bamboo, or corn fiber.

• Choose toothbrushes made from bamboo with eco-friendly bristles.

4. Clothing Made from Synthetics

Most man-made clothes, like polyester and nylon, can release small microfibers every time you wash them. These fibers include microplastics that end up in the water we use and drink. 

If you wear clothes made from natural fibers, like hemp or cotton, you help cut down on the microfiber pollution from laundry day. 

5. Tea Bags

These days, even tea bags may have microplastics in them—often from the mesh or material used to seal the edges of the bag. When you pour hot water over the bag, it can release the microplastic fragments into your cup of tea. 

The better options? 

• Bags made of only paper. They can also be composted after use! 

• Loose-leaf tea with a reusable, plastic-free infuser.

Finding and removing the hidden microplastics in our daily household items is an important step toward a healthier life. Take a little bit of time to check the things in your home and look for eco-friendly alternatives. Our small, everyday actions can make a real difference!