Do Laundry Sheets Have Microplastics? All About Laundry Sheets Microplastics
Recently, microplastics have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. These tiny, problematic plastic particles find their way into waterways, oceans, and even the food we eat. Microplastics come from single-use plastics and a whole range of household products – they’re pretty much everywhere.
But do laundry sheets have microplastics, or are they a better option compared to liquid detergent, which comes in plastic bottles that never truly break down? In this article, we’ll tackle the truth about laundry sheets microplastics, and how they stack up ecologically against other types of detergent.
Before we dive in, it’s worth mentioning that Clean People’s top-rated laundry detergent sheets are scientifically formulated with clean ingredients to powerfully lift stains. They give you the clean, fresh clothes and linens you love without the heavy, wasteful plastic bottles.
Overview of Laundry Sheets and Microplastics
First of all, what are laundry detergent sheets, and what are microplastics? Before we dive into whether or not there are microplastics in laundry sheets, here’s what you need to know.
What are Laundry Sheets?
Laundry sheets are ultra-concentrated, lightweight sheets designed to dissolve in water and clean clothes effectively. Learning how to use laundry sheets is so simple because they come in pre-measured doses, eliminating the need for messy measuring or over-pouring, slashing your laundry detergent cost.
When you switch to sheets, you don’t have to think about how much laundry detergent to use per load, you just add a sheet to your machine’s drum and you’re good to go. Are laundry detergent sheets good, though? Yes – they’re every bit as effective as liquid detergent, without the bulky plastic bottles!
The lightweight, portable design of detergent sheets also makes them the best travel laundry detergent – if you do your laundry at a laundromat, a friend’s house, or anywhere else away from home, laundry sheets will make life a whole lot easier!
If you want to learn more about laundry detergent sheets and how they compare to other detergents, check out our guides on laundry sheets vs liquid, laundry sheets vs pods, and laundry sheets vs powder.
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, often resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items or the direct use of microplastic components in products. They are found in many everyday items, including personal care products, textiles, and some cleaning agents.
Microplastics pose a significant environmental issue because they do not biodegrade and accumulate in ecosystems, particularly in aquatic environments. They are ingested by marine life, entering the food chain and potentially impacting human health.
In both humans and animals, microplastics have been linked with heart disease, inflammation, gut issues, and they’re also neurotoxic. But do laundry sheets have microplastics? That’s where we’re headed next.
Do Laundry Sheets Have Microplastics?
So, do laundry sheets have microplastics? We often think of laundry sheets as being a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional liquid detergent, which comes in big plastic bottles that often aren’t recycled. But is that really the case? Here’s what you need to know about laundry sheets and microplastics.
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a water-soluble synthetic polymer used in all laundry sheets to help dissolve the product in water. While PVA itself isn’t considered a microplastic, it can contribute to microplastics if it doesn’t break down properly.
Ideally, the PVA in laundry sheets should fully degrade in wastewater treatment plants into non-toxic components like carbon dioxide and water. However, in rare cases where those treatment plants don’t contain the right bacteria, PVA can break down into microplastics.
Do laundry sheets have microplastics if they contain PVA? Not necessarily, because in an ideal world, the PVA is broken down completely, and doesn’t contribute microplastics. In certain scenarios, though (when it’s not broken down properly), PVA does lead to microplastics.
Binding Agents and Fillers
Laundry sheets often include binding agents and fillers to maintain their structure and enhance their cleaning performance. These ingredients may include synthetic polymers or compounds that could potentially qualify as laundry sheets microplastics.
For instance, some formulations rely on synthetic resins or plastic-derived components to bind the active ingredients. While not all binding agents and fillers are problematic, some aren’t biodegradable and contribute to the growing issue of microplastic contamination.
Packaging Considerations
If you’re trying to find laundry sheets without microplastics, don’t forget about the packaging. Many laundry sheets are sold in recyclable or compostable packaging, but, some brands use plastic-based packaging, which can break down into microplastics and never truly decompose.
Are Microplastics in Laundry Sheets a Legitimate Concern?
So, do laundry sheets have microplastics? In certain circumstances, yes – especially if they contain fillers or they’re packaged in plastic. But how worried should we really be about laundry sheets microplastics? Let’s find out.
Water Pollution
Microplastics are a big contributor to water pollution, and products like laundry sheets can be part of the problem if they contain synthetic polymers that don’t fully degrade. When water-soluble compounds such as PVA are not adequately treated in wastewater facilities, they may enter waterways.
This can lead to the accumulation of microplastics in rivers, lakes, and oceans, posing long-term risks to aquatic ecosystems and water quality. They carry pollutants into the water, and as they degrade, they release chemicals that were previously trapped in the plastic particles.
Impact on Aquatic Life
Once microplastics reach aquatic environments, they can be ingested by marine organisms, from plankton to larger fish and mammals. These particles often absorb toxins from the water, making them even more harmful when consumed.
Ingesting microplastics can disrupt digestion, reproduction, and overall health in aquatic species, potentially leading to declines in populations and disruptions in food chains. Laundry sheets may exacerbate this issue, especially if wastewater systems fail to filter out microplastic particles.
Human Exposure and Effect
Microplastics can also enter the human body through the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe. Studies have found microplastics in seafood, bottled water, and other consumables, raising concerns about potential health effects, including inflammation and potentially cancer.
Microplastics in Clothing Fabrics and Other Sources
Laundry sheets aren’t the only (or even the main) source of laundry day microplastic pollution. Synthetic clothing fabrics like polyester and nylon release microfibers during washing, which often pass through wastewater treatment facilities and enter the environment.
So, Should You Be Concerned?
Should you be concerned about microplastics in laundry sheets? Absolutely. We only have one planet, and if we’re not concerned about protecting it, then who is?! We’re not saying you need to stay up all night stressing about laundry sheets microplastics, but it’s important to understand the issue and how you can reduce your contribution to microplastics.
Looking for Laundry Sheets Without Microplastics
Are there laundry sheets without microplastics, or do laundry detergent sheets contain plastic no matter what? While it’s true that all laundry detergent sheets contain PVA (which can lead to microplastics if it’s not treated properly at wastewater facilities), some products are safer than others.
Natural Ingredients
Laundry sheets made from natural ingredients are less likely to contain microplastics. Look for products that prioritize plant-based cleaning agents and clean ingredients, and avoid synthetic polymers like plastic-based binding agents.
Also, brands that use ingredients like essential oils for fragrance, rather than artificial scents, give you the best scented laundry detergent without contributing to plastic pollution. Natural ingredients aren’t just better for the environment, they also contain fewer irritants, making them the best laundry detergent sheets for sensitive skin.
If you’re serious about laundry sheets microplastics, make sure you take the time to carefully read ingredient lists to confirm that you’re choosing a product that’s both effective and environmentally safe.
Biodegradability
Biodegradable laundry sheets are designed to break down completely in the environment without leaving harmful residues, including microplastics. Look for products explicitly labeled as biodegradable and that specify compliance with recognized standards.
Biodegradable laundry sheets often use materials like plant cellulose or starch-based compounds that dissolve in water and decompose into non-toxic components. Choosing these options ensures that your laundry routine doesn’t contribute to long-term environmental pollution.
Certifications and Labels
Certifications and eco-labels can be helpful tools for identifying laundry sheets free from microplastics. Third-party certifications indicate that a product meets strict environmental and safety standards.
Labels like “microplastic-free” or “plastic-free” may also be used by brands that explicitly avoid synthetic polymers in their formulations. While not all such claims are verified, researching trusted certifications can help you get to the bottom of things.
The Role of Packaging in Avoiding Microplastics
Are laundry detergent sheets better for the environment if they’re packaged in plastic? Not so much. If you’re concerned about laundry sheets microplastics, you should also be concerned about the packaging your detergent sheets come in.
Look for laundry sheets sold in compostable, recyclable, or plastic-free packaging, such as cardboard boxes or biodegradable wraps. They’re better for the planet, and also let you know that the brand is serious about reducing their impact.
Why Clean People Detergent Sheets are a Great Choice
If you’re wondering where to buy laundry detergent sheets that don’t come with an environmental headache, you’ll find the best laundry detergent sheets for the planet here at Clean People.
Clean People laundry detergent ingredients are plant and mineral-based, offering a powerful clean while still breaking down fully. Our septic safe laundry detergent sheets are also made right here in North America, further reducing transport emissions and packaging.
Our detergent sheets are available in both unscented and scented options, as well as an extra-gentle baby formula – the safest laundry detergent for babies! Plus, Clean People sheets are packaged in recyclable cardboard, so you don’t need to worry about any excess plastic packaging.
You won’t just find laundry sheets without microplastics at Clean People, we also have laundry detergent pods (with no plastic packaging) and our new baby laundry pods, made with an extra-gentle formula for sensitive skin.
Wrapping Up Our Laundry Sheets Microplastics Guide
Do laundry sheets have microplastics? Detergent sheets contain PVA, which can contribute to microplastics if it’s not broken down properly at wastewater treatment facilities. Some detergent sheets also contain other problematic ingredients, like plastic-based fillers.
So, there can be microplastics in laundry sheets, yes. But as long as you’re choosing laundry sheets with clean, plant-based ingredients and using them properly, you’re limiting your contribution to microplastics.
When we take a step back and look at it in perspective, it’s easy to see that laundry detergent sheets (when packaged in biodegradable or compostable material) contain less plastic than liquid detergent bottles, which often don’t get recycled properly.
At Clean People, our laundry detergent sheets contain plant and mineral-based cleaning agents, and no unnecessary fillers. Packaged in cardboard, they’re a low-impact alternative to plastic liquid detergent bottles, and so much easier to use!
Now that you know all about laundry sheets and microplastics, explore our guides on DIY laundry sheets, how do laundry detergent sheets work, and does laundry detergent expire.
Or, get the same fresh clothes and linens you love, without the excessive plastic pollution that comes with every load. Make the switch to Clean People today!
