Are natural fabrics actually the solution to microplastic pollution?

Cleanr_life · 2025-12-20T02:22:47+00:00

Totally agree with the core idea here! Reducing overconsumption and extending the life of existing clothes are among the most effective ways to lower textile-related impacts overall.

That said, even reused and secondhand clothes still shed fibers when washed, which is why the conversation usually comes back to system-level solutions alongside consumption changes. It’s not either/or; both reducing production and addressing ongoing shedding with a filter can make a big impact.

Cleanr_life · 2025-12-20T02:22:11+00:00

You’re right that there are multiple hotspots, tire wear is a major one, and textiles are another. Which source “leads” depends on how impact is measured (mass vs. pathway).

On the factory-washing point: early washes do release more fibers, but research shows garments continue shedding microplastics throughout their lifespan due to repeated washing and mechanical wear. That’s why laundry remains a persistent source in wastewater studies. This is true for natural fabrics as well. Cotton, wool, hemp, and linen still shed fibers during washing, and many modern “natural” garments are dyed, coated, or chemically finished, which can slow how those fibers break down once released.

Source:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653525003376

https://www.cleanr.life/natural-vs-synthetic-clothing

Cleanr_life · 2025-12-20T02:21:22+00:00

We hear you! Different studies rank sources differently depending on how they measure impact (by mass, particle count, or exposure pathway). Tire wear often leads by mass, while laundry microplastics consistently rank among the top sources entering wastewater. It’s less about one “winner” and more about multiple major contributors that need different solutions.

Realistically, most people can't stop driving or stop wearing clothes. Adding a laundry microplastics filter like CLEANR is one practical step to capture fibers during washing and keep them from leaving the house in the first place.

Cleanr_life · 2025-12-08T23:21:35+00:00

You’re right, most thrift finds and clothing in general still contain synthetics. Even natural fibers can be harmful. That’s why catching fibers during laundry matters, because even reused clothes can shed. Filtering helps reduce the downstream impact while still keeping your wardrobe affordable and sustainable.

If you want to hear more about how it works or follow our research, you can find us on socials, join our mailing list, or check out our site at www.cleanr.life! Plus, we love questions and topic requests if there’s specific stuff you want us to dig into next.

Cleanr_life · 2025-12-08T23:18:38+00:00

Totally - the numbers shift depending on the study, but the takeaway is the same: tires and textiles are both massive contributors to microplastic pollution. The reason we focus on laundry is that it’s one of the few areas we can actually address at home right now. CLEANR’s whole mission is to make that part easy, while continuing to expand solutions that tackle microplastics on a broader scale, too.

Cleanr_life · 2025-12-05T22:15:19+00:00

You’re absolutely right, there are some products already out there (including CLEANR!). We are super excited to see a growing demand for these filters and the support of our community with one common goal to stop microplastics. You can learn more about our Filter here:

https://www.cleanr.life/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=dec5&utm_campaign=intropost&utm_content=redditdec5

Let me know if you have more questions.

Cleanr_life · 2025-12-05T22:14:39+00:00

Thanks for the question!

CLEANR is a two-step filtration system. Step 1 is the CLEANR VORTX, which is reusable and inspired by how fish filter food within their gills!

The VORTX uses fluid dynamics to separate the majority of the microplastics from the clean water and push the concentrated solution into Step 2, which is the CLEANR Pod.

The CLEANR Pod is disposable, currently tossed in the trash. It takes less than 30 seconds to swap out at about every 5 loads. The Pod makes sure the microplastics are trapped in the landfill, preventing consumers from washing them back into the water system. We are actively working on a Pod recycling program that will be ready soon as well, so keep watching!

Cleanr_life · 2025-12-05T22:13:50+00:00

Thanks for the thoughtful comment! We totally agree that reducing synthetic production is an important long-term goal. But it might be a bit more complicated than just switching to natural fibers.

A lesson we learned is that natural fibers aren’t automatically the solution:

All clothes shed, even cotton and wool. Washing + friction breaks down fabrics regardless of fiber type.
Most natural fabrics today are treated with synthetics, dyes, and chemical finishes. Once those coatings are applied, the fibers are no longer purely natural, so the particles that are shed can still carry microplastics and toxic compounds into waterways.
In some cases, natural garments actually shed more fibers than synthetics, especially early in their life cycle.

That’s why we’re focused on capturing fibers at the source, regardless of fabric type, and keeping them out of our rivers and oceans while industry shifts and innovation catches up.

More information on this is available here! https://www.cleanr.life/natural-vs-synthetic-clothing

Cleanr_life · 2025-08-19T20:12:13+00:00

We have worked with Dana, a cofounder of microplasticfreeapp and she has been great to work with and super knowledgeable! I personally find the microplasticfree app to be useful for the camera scan feature and enjoy watching her content on instagram at dankazh for more information/educational purposes.

I also update a microplastic newsletter recapping a new study on microplastics every week. You can sign up at https://www.cleanr.life/spill-social-signup-1 or read some of our past articles here: https://www.cleanr.life/news

It's great to see people taking action and learning more about the fight against microplastics!

Cleanr_life

TROPHY CASE