5 Easy Ways to Reduce Microplastics in Your Sock Wash

The majority of the plastic polluting our oceans is not the bags, straws and packaging that may first come to mind, but is the tiny microplastics particles, often invisible to the human eye, that cover the ocean floor. 

Most of these microplastics are released to oceans through laundry and so it is more important than ever to take care of how you wash your socks!

Here are five easy ways to reduce your microplastic footprint.

1. Switch to natural materials

Many of the socks in your drawer may be made of synthetic fibres, like polyester, these materials are made from petroleum and shed plastic with every wash.

By switching to socks made from natural materials such as cotton or bamboo, you can reduce this hugely (and your feet will thank you for the softness too).

2. Wash Less

Washing your socks less frequently is another great way to reduce the amount of microplastics produced and will also be great for the lifetime of your socks.

Although socks are something that may need to be washed often, switching to Stand4Sock's bamboo socks can increase the wear time of your socks. Bacteria doesn't like to live or grow on bamboo fibre and so our bamboo socks are naturally antibacterial, keeping that fresh feet feeling all day and meaning your socks can last longer between washes.

3. Wash at 30 degrees

Washing at a lower temperature and on a gentle cycle reduces the amount of microplastics released during a wash. This is because a higher temperature breaks down the fibres in your socks in a much more aggressive way than a low heat would, meaning with a lower heat you get less pollution and cosier toes!

4. Fill your machine

Packing your socks in with the rest of your dirty laundry not only saves you time but also stops them bouncing around too much. The more room your socks have to move around, the more damage they endure and so more microfibres are able to break off. 

5. Ditch your tumble dryer 

The tumble dryer is one of the biggest causes of breaking down your precious socks, so abandon the dryer and let your socks dry freely in the breeze. Not only will this give them a lovely scent but it will also be one of the best things you can do to reduce the breaking off of microplastics. 

All of these steps can be done easily at home and not only will they decrease your microfibre footprint, but they will all reduce your socks being damaged in your washing routine. Meaning you can keep your favourite pair on display for all to admire and help restore our oceans!