11 Household Items You Didn't Know Release Microplastics—and How to Reduce Exposure

Plastic is a ubiquitous material: It’s inexpensive, highly versatile, and used in everything from packaging to spatulas. But as scientists learn more about the lingering impacts of microplastic exposure, many households are making efforts to become more plastic-free. 

Some people are phasing out common plastics, like replacing food containers with glass or ditching single-use water bottles for stainless-steel tumblers—but that is just the tip of the iceberg. We spoke with several experts to learn about some unexpected microplastic culprits in your home and how you can reduce your exposure.  

Common Yet Unexpected Microplastic Culprits

As researchers continue to study how microplastics can potentially impact everything from gut health to the immune system, one thing is clear: They already know where many of these plastic particles are coming from. Unfortunately, not every item that sheds plastic is obvious. Here are a few areas you can reduce your microplastic exposure with smart swaps or lifestyle changes. 

Clothing

“Many people are surprised to know that your clothes are a leading source of microplastics in the average home,” says Ryan Zimmerman, director of communication and partnerships at Grove Co. “Approximately 60 to 70% of clothing is made from plastic fibers, such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other petroleum-based materials. When you wash and dry your clothes, those plastic fibers break down into microplastics, which are then flushed out through water in the washing machine drain.”

These microplastics can then get into wastewater or the air, where they are breathed in. To reduce exposure, you don’t have to swap out your entire wardrobe. But when you add new pieces, opt for clothing with less synthetic fabric (polyester, acrylic, nylon, etc.) and avoid glitter, sequins, or fabric that sheds easily. 

Bedding

Some bedding can also be made with petroleum-based materials that shed microplastics. When buying new sheets or comforters, consider natural fibers and materials, including organic cotton, linen, wool, silk, or hemp.

“All of these materials are found to biodegrade over time or are typically untreated with chemicals to improve performance,” says Zimmerman, who recommends seeking out fabrics labeled with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Organic Content Standard (OCS), OEKO-TEX Organic Cotton, or USDA Organic.

Cosmetics

According to Lisa Erdle, PhD, the director of Science & Innovation at the 5 Gyres Institute, microbeads are still found in a variety of personal care products, namely cosmetics, and they are responsible for some of our microplastic exposure. 

“While some microbeads have been banned in products like toothpaste and exfoliants, they are still present in many leave-on cosmetics, including mascara, foundation, face powders, and lipstick,” says Erdle. “Labels won't outright mention microplastics, but consumers can reduce their exposure by opting for products with natural ingredients (look for recognizable words) and avoiding ingredients such as acrylates copolymer, carbomer, dimethicone, and methacrylate copolymer.”

Cleaning Supplies 

“Microbeads are also added to cleaning supplies as exfoliants and scrubbing agents, and it's estimated that 40 trillion microplastics are released every year from cleaning products alone,” says Erdle. 

She recommends choosing trusted products with transparent labeling, so consumers can avoid hidden microplastics. Look for terms like “polyethylene,” “polypropylene,” or “acrylate copolymer” on the label—these signal the presence of microplastics and are worth avoiding when possible.

Dryer Lint and Dryer Sheets

The microplastics that come from clothing and bedding get into our dryer lint. While there’s not much you can do to bring this exposure to zero, you can make sure you efficiently and safely clean out your lint trap regularly to reduce airborne exposure. 

Zimmerman also recommends using wool dryer balls—which can often be used for up to 1,000 loads of laundry—instead of single-use dryer sheets, which are often made from polyester.

“Wool dryer balls have the added benefit of reducing the amount of friction in the drying cycle, reducing the amount of microplastics and fibers that break off,” he says. 

Dust

The bulk of the microplastics we are exposed to at home are in our air and water, and microplastics get into our air through dust accumulation from clothing, furniture, bedding, and more. Zimmerman recommends purchasing standalone air filter systems or installing air filters intentionally created for microplastics.

“This filtration can help to cut back on your family’s exposure within the home,” he says. “This is relatively new technology, but there’s a growing industry to meet the demand.”

Tea Bags

“The second most popular beverage in the world, tea, is another area of concern,” says Zimmerman. Many single-use tea bags are made from plastic and, when steeped in boiling water, can release large amounts of micro- or nano-plastics (depending on the type of plastic).

Your option here is to confirm with the manufacturer that your teabags are, in fact, plastic-free or buy looseleaf and steep in a stainless-steel infuser to avoid unnecessary plastic exposure altogether.

Dental Floss and Toothbrushes

Sandip Sachar, DDS PC, a dentist at Sachar Dental NYC, warns of the microplastic exposure of dental floss and, to some extent, your toothbrush, adding yet another unexpected source to the growing list of potential concerns. 

“Many popular floss brands are made from Teflon (PTFE) or nylon, both plastic-based materials,” she says. “Some even contain PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they don’t break down in the environment—or your body.”

To reduce cumulative exposure, Sachar recommends seeking out more natural options, like plant-based, biodegradable floss or silk floss. For brushing your teeth, you fortunately don’t need to replace your plastic toothbrush.

“Most bristles are made from nylon, and with daily use, especially if you brush aggressively or keep your toothbrush too long, those bristles can start to shed microplastic fibers,” she says. “To reduce this risk, try not to brush too aggressively and make sure to replace your toothbrush regularly (every 3 months or sooner if the bristles fray).”

Cooking Tools

This household item may be one of the more common sources of plastic exposure, but it bears repeating.

“Plastic spatulas, spoons, cutting boards, or other utensils and tools in the kitchen have all been found to shed microplastics as they’re used,” says Zimmerman. “Have you ever chopped food on a plastic cutting board and noticed the fresh grooves left behind? Those chopped ingredients became chock-full of microplastics, which most of us simply cooked and then ate.”

Bamboo, stainless, and teak are viable alternatives here.