How Your Clothes Dryer Could Be Adding to Microplastic Exposure In Your Home

Your clothes dryer probably isn't something you think about when you think about microplastics. We often talk about washing synthetic clothes and the microfibres that can be released during a wash cycle. But drying is another part of the laundry process worth considering.

As clothes tumble around inside a dryer, they are exposed to heat, movement and friction. This can cause fibres to loosen and shed from the fabric. Some of these fibres are captured in the lint filter, but research has also found that fibres can become airborne during tumble drying. This includes microfibres from synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon and acrylic. And this is where the dryer connects to something I talk about a lot at Living the Sage Life: clean air and household dust.

Not every fibre released during drying disappears through the dryer. Depending on the type of dryer and ventilation, some fibres can enter the surrounding air. Once fibres and other particles become part of household dust, they can settle on surfaces around the home.

This doesn't mean you need to stop using your dryer. For many households, dryers are practical and sometimes essential. Instead, I think it's about being aware of what is happening and making a few simple changes where you can.

Here are 3 simple ways to reduce your exposure:

1. Air dry when you can

This is probably the simplest change.

When the weather and your circumstances allow, hang your clothes out to air dry instead of using the dryer.

You don't have to give up your dryer completely. Even reducing how often you use it can mean less heat, friction and tumbling of synthetic fabrics.

2. Clean the lint filter every time

Make cleaning the lint filter part of your laundry routine.

The filter captures a lot of the visible lint and fibres released during drying, so keeping it clean and using it every time helps your dryer work as intended.

Don't forget to dispose of the lint thoughtfully rather than simply letting it blow around your laundry area.

3. Keep drying temperatures and cycles as low as practical

Heat and mechanical action can contribute to fibre release, so when you do use your dryer, consider whether you really need the hottest or longest setting.

Choose a lower temperature and shorter cycle where appropriate, rather than automatically using the most intensive setting.

Of course, you still want your clothes properly dry. The aim isn't to make laundry difficult, it's simply to avoid more heat and tumbling than necessary.

A small laundry habit worth changing

You don't need to completely rethink your laundry routine.

For me, this is another example of progress over perfection: air-dry when possible, clean the lint filter every time, and use the lowest practical heat and drying time.

Small changes like these won't eliminate microplastic exposure, but they can help reduce unnecessary release of synthetic fibres around the home without making your life more complicated.

Want support to get started in your own home?

Every household is different. If you'd like support to identify the areas of exposure that are most relevant to your home and create a practical action plan based on your priorities, explore how I can help.