Present in our oceans, our soils and even our own bodies, micro plastics have an impact on us all. In fact, according to a new 2025 study micro plastics are even in the air we breathe and are now being linked to chronic disease. While it might seem like an impossible global task to address, reducing our reliance on plastic (which ultimately leads to micro plastics) starts at home with some really simple swaps.
This article is part of a series on plastic free and eco-friendly living. We’ve already shared some more sustainable and plastic free alternatives for personal items and kitchens and dining. This article will explore the topic of reducing plastic and other environmental toxins in our laundry and general household cleaning supplies.
Laundry products:
When looking to upgrade your laundry products look for plant-based, organic or grey water safe products to minimise pollution of waterways.
Seek out products in bulk containers and refill instead of repurchasing to reduce plastic waste. Even better, find products packaged in cardboard or glass. Below are some brands I’ve personally tried which are plant based, bulk and or packaged in plastic free, sustainable packaging.
Buy direct from the manufacturer for delivery to the door and additional savings. Ditch the synthetically fragranced products too to avoid skin reactions, allergies and hormone disruption.
Before you buy anything consider if you actually need all the different laundry products.
Clothes washing liquid/powder/wool/delicates wash
What does your washing detergent come in? Can you swap it out for a brand that uses glass or cardboard? For example, Dirt is a laundry brand I was excited to find as they have glass canisters and bottles to store their various laundry products, with an ingenious refill system where you can order refill pouches (which can be returned for free so they can be reused over and over by the company).
Simply Clean is another Aussie brand that provides bulk sized white's soaker and clothes washing powders in large cardboard boxes. While the powder itself is contained in a thin, clear plastic bag inside of the box, it is very minimal amount of plastic per gram of product (can be scrunched up into a tiny ball once empty) compared to smaller commercial products packaged entirely in plastic.
Stain remover
Swap out the plastic spray bottle loaded with chemicals for a plant derived product in either a glass spray bottle or a stain removing soap packaged in cardboard.
Whites soaker
Most come in a plastic container complete with a plastic scoop. If a white's soaker is essential in your household next time you need to purchase, ditch the plastic packaging and toxic ingredients and opt for a plant-based bleach that is biodegradable and safe for grey water systems. Find one packaged in glass or bulk options delivered in a paper pouch as more sustainable options.
Fabric softener
I’ve personally not bothered with fabric softener for over a decade. The next best option is to make your own. It’s a fraction of the cost of commercial fabric softeners and you probably even have the ingredients already in your pantry! Baking soda and white vinegar both work as fabric softeners (on their own or as a combo) by reducing static cling and neutralising odours. Add a few drops of pure essential oils to really elevate your laundry experience. Vinegar will also help to reduce detergent residue in your washing machine and help to kill mould spores too.
If you really can’t give fabric softener a miss, find a plant-based brand that offers bulk amounts (such as 2 or 5 litres) to last you a couple of years rather than buying smaller bottles regularly. Keep your smaller empty bottle to refill to save money in the long-term as well produce much less plastic waste. There are plenty of plant-based fabric softeners on the market such as Envirocare, an Aussie owned, grey water safe brand.
Dryer
Warm sunlight and a gentle breeze are always going to result in the best smelling clothes. It's also of course, the most economical and eco-friendly option. But sometimes, a dryer is the only way to get our clothes dry.
One way to help speed up dry time is by using pure wool dryer balls. These are felt balls which work by absorbing moisture as well as helping to reduce static. I like to add a couple of drops of lavender or sweet orange essential oil to mine to give my washing a subtle lift.
Clothing
When synthetic fabrics are washed, they gradually disintegrate over time, and tiny plastic fibres make their way into our waterways via grey water. To read more about how synthetic clothing, towels and bedding contributes to micro plastics in the environment, read this article. Commit to buying less synthetic-based clothing and fabrics where possible to help reduce this issue.
Laundry accessories
We’ve all had the annoying experience of a plastic peg snapping in our hand while hanging out the washing. Save yourself the trouble of replacing plastic pegs, if you haven’t upgraded to stainless steel you’re missing out. Invest in a few different sizes of marine grade stainless steel pegs when they are on sale. They will last you for the rest of your life and probably beyond (provided they don’t find themselves in the path of a lawnmower…).
When your dryer rack has had its day, replace it with a powder coated steel model or lightweight aluminium rather than going for the typical plastic-coated option. It will cost a bit more but will last more than twice as long.
When your plastic soaking bucket has had its day, replace it with an enamel basin or bucket. These should last you a lifetime if looked after carefully.
When your plastic clothes scrubbing brush has had its day, replace it with a wooden one with natural fibre bristles. Keep it somewhere ventilated between uses so the timber can dry out.
Cleaning tools:
Your household broom, duster, dustpan and brush and scrubbing brushes can all be replaced with plastic free alternatives as they need to be replaced. Seek out high quality items with bamboo or timber handles and natural fibre bristles over plastic. Swap out your dust pan for a stainless steel or enamel options. Find heirloom quality cleaning tools here.
Household cleaning products:
When shopping for household products, look for items packaged in cardboard, glass or larger bulk packaging that will last for several months.
Many home cleaning products can be made easily and cheaply and can be stored in glass bottles. Not only will this reduce the chemicals in your home and local waterways, but if you buy ingredients in bulk, you’ll reduce packaging waste too. I’ve shared tips here on how to reduce household waste by using plant derived and chemical free home products here.
Simplify your shopping and your life and only buy what you need. If your favourite brand doesn’t have plastic free packaging options email them and let them know you would like to see them change their packaging.
As with any changes in life, it helps to take it step by step. While there are many ways to reduce plastics and become more eco-friendly in your laundry and home cleaning, let the ideas above inspire a few small changes to begin with. Over time as products are finished and plastic items break, replace them as needed with more sustainable alternatives. The first step to instigating change is awareness, followed with easy to implement shifts. Even better if you can inspire friends and family to make the shift too.
Alison Gallagher is a freelance writer, resourcefulness expert and owner of aromatherapy business Alyssum Alchemy. She has been featured in various publications including Stellar Magazine, Australian Health and Fitness Magazine, and Cleo Magazine. Alison is particularly passionate about sharing practical tips on how to live simply, sustainably and seasonally.
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