Why Your Cleaning Cloth Is Full of Microplastics (And What to Use Instead)

Microfibre cloths are everywhere. They are what our parents used, they are cheap, and they are sitting under almost every kitchen sink in New Zealand. But here is the uncomfortable truth: every time you use or wash a microfibre cloth, it sheds microscopic plastic particles - straight onto your surfaces, into your food, and down the drain into our waterways.

"I now notice if I see a microfibre cloth, I almost can't stand the texture of it," says Good Change founder Stine Moller. "I know that if I use it to dry a pan or wipe a dog bowl, there will be little bits of microplastic left behind. We do eat 5g of microplastic a week, so you want to minimise it as much as you can."

The cleaning industry has relied on synthetic plastics for decades, but it is time to look closely at what these convenient cloths are actually leaving behind in our homes.

The Invisible Problem in Your Kitchen

We are highly aware of the microplastics shedding from synthetic clothing, yet somehow, the cleaning cloths we use daily have escaped the same scrutiny. Microfibre cloths and those ubiquitous blue synthetic wipes are made from petroleum-based plastics like polyester and nylon.

When you use these cloths to wipe down your kitchen bench, clean your children's highchair, or dry a vegetable, tiny fragments of plastic break off. Recent scientific studies have found microplastics in human blood, breast milk, and placentas. A 2024 study found microplastics in 100% of human placenta samples tested. While the full health implications are still being researched, the reality of wiping plastic residue around the areas where we prepare our food is a genuine concern worth taking seriously.

It is an even worse daily reminder when you put them in the washing machine, knowing those microplastics are washing directly into the ocean. Synthetic textiles are estimated to account for 35% of all microplastic pollution in the world's oceans.

Why Do We Still Use Microfibre?

If microfibre is essentially plastic pollution in a square, why is it still the default choice? The answer is a mix of habit and distribution.

When plastic was introduced in the 1950s, it was a revolution in convenience. Big companies built massive businesses on synthetic wipes, and they now dominate supermarket shelf space. We buy them because they are there, and because they are what we know.

To be fair, microfibre cloths are durable and can endure heavy scrubbing. But there are real side effects. They take a long time to dry, which allows bacteria to breed - leading to that terrible sour smell. And when they finally wear out, they sit in landfill for hundreds of years. There are better options that do the job just as well, without the plastic.

The Plant-Based Alternative That Actually Works

You do not have to compromise on performance to avoid microplastics. The Good Change Eco Cloth is made entirely from wood pulp and cotton. It is a brilliant, natural alternative that has been a staple in Scandinavian homes for 70 years - originally invented in Sweden because it is simply that good.

• Incredible Absorbency: Holds up to 15 times its weight in water, effortlessly wiping up spills that would defeat a microfibre cloth.
• Fast Drying: Because it dries as hard as cardboard, bacteria cannot grow. No more smelly dishcloths next to the sink.
• Fully Home Compostable: After 6 to 9 months of use, you can literally bury it in your garden or put it in your worm farm. It breaks down completely in a couple of months, leaving nothing behind.
• Zero Microplastics: Made from 100% natural plant fibres, it sheds nothing harmful during use or washing.

Replacing just one microfibre cloth or synthetic wipe with a compostable Eco Cloth is a simple, powerful step toward a cleaner home and a healthier planet.

People Also Ask

Do microfibre cloths shed microplastics?

Yes, microfibre cloths are made from synthetic plastics like polyester and nylon. During regular use and especially during machine washing, they shed thousands of microscopic plastic fibres into the environment and waterways with every single wash.

Are cleaning cloths leaving microplastics in food?

If you use synthetic microfibre cloths or blue wipes to clean food preparation surfaces, dining tables, or to dry dishes, there is a genuine risk of microplastic particles being left behind and inadvertently ingested with your food.

What is the best alternative to a microfibre cloth?

The best alternative is a cloth made from 100% natural, plant-based materials. A wood pulp and cotton blend, like the Good Change Eco Cloth, offers superior absorbency, dries quickly to prevent bacteria growth, and is fully home compostable at the end of its life.

How much microplastic do we eat per week?

Studies estimate that the average person ingests around 5 grams of microplastics every week - roughly the equivalent weight of a credit card. These particles come from drinking water, food packaging, and shedding from synthetic materials in our homes, including cleaning cloths.

Are microfibre cloths bad for the environment?

Yes. Because they are made from petroleum-based plastics, they contribute to microplastic pollution in our oceans, they are manufactured in heavily polluting factories, and they do not biodegrade, meaning they will sit in landfills for centuries after disposal.