Table 1 Parameters affecting microfiber (MF) release from clothes during the laundry cycle

Textile parameters

Fiber type

Hydrophilic fibers seem to release more MF than hydrophobic ones

Tensile strength might also affect MF breakage

[32, 83, 94]

Yarn characteristics

Yarns with a higher twist and longer filaments seems to shred fewer MF

[84, 85, 88]

Fabric structure

Thermally cut fabrics shred fewer MF than mechanically cut fabrics

Influence of knitted or woven construction is unclear

[84, 88, 92]

Age of fabric

Influence is unclear because garments did not undergo realistic aging

[83,84,85,86, 89,90,91]

External parameters

Type of washing machine

Vertical axis seems to contribute to higher MF release, although it may be related to the volume of water used

[65, 91]

Water volume

Higher water-to-garment ratio seems to increase MF release

[32, 84, 90]

Speed

No apparent effect on MF release

[90]

Total duration

No apparent effect on MF release

[89]

Temperature

No apparent effect on MF release

[83, 86, 88,89,90]

Drying

MF release by tumbler dryer seems to be higher than during washing. Difference in MF release between tumbler drying and air drying is unclear

[83]