Does mixing synthetic and cotton clothes in the wash spread microplastic to the cotton?
Yes. Synthetic clothes shed plastic that ends up on cotton items washed in the same load.
What's actually in it
Polyester, nylon, and acrylic clothes shed tiny plastic fibers every time they go through the washer. The fibers end up in the rinse water, but a lot of them also stick to the other clothes in the load. Even cotton or linen items come out with synthetic fiber on them when you mix loads.
What the research says
A 2026 study in ACS Environ Au washed coated and uncoated synthetic textiles together with other fabrics. The team measured fiber shedding and pickup. Synthetic clothes shed more plastic fibers than expected, and uncoated and natural-fiber items picked up plastic from their washing partners.
What to do
Wash synthetic workout gear in its own load on a gentle, cold cycle. Use a Guppyfriend bag or a Cora Ball to catch fibers. Air-dry synthetics when you can. For everyday wardrobe, lean on cotton, linen, hemp, and wool. They don't shed plastic.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| How Low-Friction Coatings Affect Microplastic Fiber Release When Laundering | ACS Environ Au | 2026 |
What to use instead
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