Vacuum and dust regularly to remove household microplastics

Household dust contains significant amounts of microplastics from synthetic carpets, furniture, clothing fibers, and plastic products. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter vacuum and wet-mopping hard floors removes microplastic-laden dust before it becomes airborne and inhaled.

Why It Works

Indoor air contains more microplastics than outdoor air because homes concentrate fibers from textiles, furnishings, and packaged goods. HEPA filters trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, capturing microplastics that standard vacuums recirculate into the air.

Tips

• Vacuum at least twice a week, more if you have synthetic carpets or rugs
• Wet-mopping captures particles that vacuuming misses on hard floors
• A HEPA air purifier in bedrooms further reduces airborne microplastic inhalation
• When replacing carpets, consider natural fiber options (wool, sisal, jute) or hard flooring