Holes in washing (laundry)

damianmkv
#2. August 30th, 2007, at 3:10 PM.

Thanks for your reply, Andy. As far as I am concerned, it is definately the washing machine – last week we washed my son’s new school uniform ( he has never worn it before as he starts in September ). The T-shirt came out with a hole in it. The same with a T-shirt that was mine – the holes are around 2 mm in diameter.

We have tried all combinations to eliminate the problem – lower spin speeds, less washing in the machine but all to no avail. We still get holes. Generally there is only 1 hole per item, but very occasionally there are 2.

linda
#4. September 6th, 2007, at 4:53 AM.

Forget the washing machine theory – My son bought a tee shirt wore it once and before he even put it in the wash it had holes –
I have also had many tee shirts destroyed by these holes and the holes are usually on the bottom of the shirt and in group of about three – ( They are near where the zipper or belt would be – but I know there was no belt worn and the zippers are not able to snag it either –
So now what !

Susie Hayward
#5. September 10th, 2007, at 6:13 PM.

I have had this problem for nearly two years, small holes at waist level in fine cotton tshirts and jersey items lyocell and other syntheticsalso, always a small circle of several small holes. It started in my teenage daughters tops from GAP mostly, then spread to mine and my other teenage daughter, we have eliminated the washing machine, detergent, way of drying, etc. From looking on the web I think it is caused be carpet beetle larvae. At the present time we have about forty tops with holes in, some have not even made it into the wash they are brand new, they will be worn and then later the holes appear when you examine them the next day. Antoher theory is that the fabrics are contaminated with larvae in China and the clothes are made up and sold to us with larvae in them with only shows after a short time.

mike
#7. September 16th, 2007, at 9:39 PM.

I have been having this problem and believe it’s linked to wearing a belt in my case however if others are having this problem without wearing belts then I’m at a loss?

joy
#8. September 24th, 2007, at 5:32 PM.

I am having this problem as well, the holes are not limited to the bottom of the garment and has happened only in t-shirts and t-shirt like material. Several of my daughters brand new (washed once or twice) Hollister shirts are ruined. I do not think the dryer is causing this and I have seen no moths. I do not dry mine or my husbands shirts and they have been effected as well. I am so upset by this, I wish I knew what to do. Anyone know who I could show the damage to that would know the cause?

Erman
#9. September 25th, 2007, at 10:33 AM.

I am experiencing the same problem with a 6Kg 1200 rpm. The washer drier is about 5 years old and only now started chewing up the laundry. I have checked the inside and all feel fine. I don’t think is caused by the punched holes in the drums as this would became apparent from new and not after 5 years service. This sounds like a common problem with many washing machines and I suspect that manufactures are not trying to resolve this problem in order to sell more.

Diane Charlesworth
#10. September 25th, 2007, at 8:06 PM.

I have had this washer 5 yrs and never had a problem until 6mths.ago.do you think i need a new washer..? most maufacturers would say YES. Dont you think its really strange or should i say convenient this is happening to a lot of peoples clothes…is it a way of making us all buy a new washer?..i think so . we need watchdog involved..Its a good job people can buy modern clothes with holes already in.

Karen Wilkinson
#12. September 26th, 2007, at 7:47 PM.

I am reading this website amazed. I have been having this problem with my tee-shirts the last couple of years. ALL my cotton tee-shirts end up with a collection of small holes at the bottom of the front of the shirt. Today is the last straw which has lead to my looking it up on the web and finding you lot!! Today I am wearing a brand new white tee-shirt from GAP. I have never worn it before, it is new yesterday. I have just looked down and found 3 holes at the bottom of the front. Can somebody PLEASE explain this to me? It’s driving me crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Madge
#13. September 30th, 2007, at 8:20 PM.

Just found this forum after doing a search on Google. I am having exactly the same problem with my washing. Small holes in clothes, mainly tee shirt type material. I have a 6KG machine, 1200 rpm. I am going to write to the manunfactuer about this problem as it’s totally unacceptable, not to mention expensive! Will post the reply, if I get one! :-/

Kristin
#15. October 6th, 2007, at 2:22 AM.

I’m not crazy! We’re currently renting, so I’m not familiar with the life of our current washer/dryer. For several months now I’ve been finding small holes in clothing – mostly in cotton t-shirt type material. At first I assumed it was something I was doing wrong. So, I no longer buy any off brand detergent. I’ve been careful to wash on the right speeds and not fill the tub too full. The holes remain and they appear even in clothing worn only once. I know the holes were not there prior to washing. Some of the holes are small and some almost look like small tear. It doesn’t seem to matter what brand of clothing – Old Navy, Target, Aeropostale, GAP. This is frustrating!

Kristin
#17. October 7th, 2007, at 1:57 AM.

The washer is a Kenmore 80 Series. Where do I find the other info? I’m renting so don’t have paperwork on this.

Andrew
#18. October 7th, 2007, at 11:17 PM.

We have a Hotpoint Aquarius 1200 washing machine, bought from a reconditioner in late 1998. I don’t know the drum size, I would guess it’s a standard small one, and the max spin speed is 1200 although we normally use 1100 or 1000.

It’s been great with no problems at all until a year or so ago when small holes started appearing in the front of my wife’s t-shirts. She stopped wearing a beloved pair of jeans because she thought they were to blame.

Unfortunately the holes kept appearing, exclusively in stretchy cotton but on sleeves and the back as well as the front. Usually it’s one or two holes per garment, each torn and about 1-2mm across. My wife reports the machine has also become noisier, although we’ve also moved it so that may be a factor.

From my very limited knowledge of washing machines, I suspect the bearings have worn, bringing the inner drum into contact with the outer drum – does this sound plausible? In any case it isn’t only new machines. We’re now planning to replace the washing machine and were thinking of a bigger drum to wash duvets, but are worried we might find the same problem with a new one!

Rebecca Noble
#19. October 8th, 2007, at 10:10 AM.

I too have the same problem – mostly with T shirt type clothing and one or two holes in each garment – this is so annoying – lots of decent new tops are ruined – I called the manufacturer today and have arranged a service visit – we have a Bosch with a 6KG drum and 1200 spin speed – have tried all spin speeds and different load sizes – most of the holes are around the bottom of garmetn but not all (some on sleeves). Has anyone else called out a manufacturer and had them agree that the washing machine is at fault ?- I dont want to have to pay for their service visit and can guess that they will say it is not the machine at fault but I have eliminated everything else and know it is.

Sue
#21. October 14th, 2007, at 8:52 PM.

My friend has just pointed out holes in the top back of my t-shirt material tunic. I have noticed small holes in the t-shirts of my sons and husband but thought that they must have caught them or done something to cause the holes. I bought a new Zanussi washing machine 1400 spin with 7kg capacity. I am sure that the washing machine is to blame.

Lisa
#23. October 24th, 2007, at 2:47 PM.

This sounds way too familiar! We are having exactly the same problems, holes in clothing for the last year or so. We actually find items wedged in the gap between the door and the seal, which when released have the holes and snagging. I emailed the manufacturer who said we would need to get a service engineer out as the machine (waher/dryer) is out of warranty. We have decided after the most recent incident yesterday to no longer use our machine, it is almost 10 years old so guess it’s time for a new one, rather than pay to get it repaired. Some basic/cheaper items, like vests and pillow cases have been ruined, other quite expensive tops and t-shirts also. Does anyone know if these items would be covered via home insurance for accidental damage?

Lisa
#25. October 25th, 2007, at 4:27 PM.

Good news, my insurers have agreed an amount to cover our damaged clothing – result! Think we may have to use this towards a new machine. I know you don’t like to specify/mention makes and models, but any advice before we chose a new model would be really helpful. Not sure we really need another washer/dryer, just a good, decent reliable machine that won’t cost the earth!
Thanks for your help and advice so far.

Patricia
#27. November 1st, 2007, at 10:59 PM.

I have an LG washing machine, that I’ve had for almost 5 yrs. I only started experiencing the holes about one year ago or less. Prior to that I never had any problems. I have ruled out anything else that it could be. It’s always cotton t-shirts, from any member of the family, generally one hole per garment. Often at least a couple garments per load are affected. I finally hit the roof this past weekend and stopped using the machine, as I can’t stand to continue to see our good clothing ruined. The machine is 7kg capacity and max spin speed is 1200. I use the “cotton” cycle for all the items that get affected (this never happens on other cycles and with other types of clothing), which on my machine spins at a default of 800, so compared to what I’ve read here, that’s much slower than what most people are spinning at when they experience the same problem.
After reading all these comments, I’m not sure if it’s worth having someone come out to check it or not…

Cara
#29. November 17th, 2007, at 1:17 AM.

We’ve noticed this too – and I’ve found it affecting shirts that haven’t even been laundered yet! I have a GE front loading washer, and it is supposed to be gentler than the standard old-style top loading machines. I really don’t think this is a laundry issue – I think it is something to do with the thin knits of the shirts.

Are your shirts affected 100% cotton, or cotton/spandex blends? So far, ours are both. It’s really annoying, not to mention expensive, when good shirts are ruined by these unsightly holes. In the same place everytime – navel level.

Generally, I don’t wear belts, my daughter NEVER does. So it isn’t being caused by that.

Bob
#31. December 13th, 2007, at 3:00 PM.

This problem is occurring with our 3 month old Miele Machine. Its a 1200 spin and 5kg load and my wife is fastidious in the care she takes with not overloading, closing zips etc. Will contact them to see what they have to say. So far only cotton items have been affected- 2 of my tshirts and one of the wifes new ones!

kim
#33. December 27th, 2007, at 3:57 AM.

Thank you for each of your comments. My sister and I have the same issue and are equally as frustrated. Any additional information would be very appreciated.

Leo
#35. January 1st, 2008, at 6:15 PM.

We have this problem too. Small holes only in cotton sweaters and underwear. We have a brand new Kenmore front-load washing and dryer. We live in Canada.

My theory is the zipper, especially zippers in jeans. When clothing is wet and becomes sticky. Anything has an edge will be able to cause some damage when spinning together.

I want to share how we handled this issue. First, we wash jeans separately and zip up everything that has a zipper on it. (this advice is on our userguide from the manufacture) We even reversed some sweater in order to “hide” the zippers. After doing these, holes become rare. Of course, we can’t be sure it solves the whole issue completely.

I don’t what to rule out the “drum-hole” theory (during high spinning, the clothing contacts the edge inside). If that is the case, just use large washing bag and that should be enough because the bag is acting like a “shell”.

Hope it helpful.

Leo

Karen
#36. January 14th, 2008, at 12:34 PM.

I have had this problem for quite some time now. I had a Hotpoint and noticed that on quite a few cotton tops two little holes appeared after the first wash. The engineers were called out but couldn’t find anything wrong so decided not to do anything about it. I then showed the engineer the damage that the machine had caused, he then decided to change the drum. When he came back to replace the drum, it was faulty so the machine was replaced. I now have a new washing machine that is still making holes in clothes. I am really fed up as it is the same make and is still damaging new clothes. I am thinking of buying a new washing machine, but a different make, but am concerned that I’ll be wasting my money because reading all the above comments it’s not just a fault with one particular make.

Melissa
#38. January 19th, 2008, at 11:09 PM.

Hi there,I live in New Zealand & experience exactly the same phenomena!! My shirts.. not my husbands & nothing has changed ie laundry detergent, washing machine, style of laundering & car for the last few years. So why does it happen to shirts new & old. I feel that the carpet larvae is a very viable answer & why the belly button area??? My t shirts are a lot thinner than my husbands, have a lot of diesel shirts & designer brands. perhaps at this point friction occurs (I don’t have the flattest of tums!!) therefore making the fabric at that point more desirable. I don’t believe in the seatbelt making holes theory… as I said same car, shirts etc & the holes are getting more & more common. I fold my clothes on the floor on the carpet so I am definitely not going to do that. From what I understand carpet larvae are extremely difficult to get rid of

Julie
#39. February 11th, 2008, at 9:05 PM.

Hi,

My husband and i have been having this problem for about 3 years on and off, it started when we lived in the states and now we have been living back in the UK for 6 months and its still happening. In that time we had a top loading US style machine, and have been using other machines since we came back – same issue. Our problem is not the washing machine. We both get small holes only in the front of tops at waist level, our theory is that is is friction rubbing against our jeans (y’know the bit that buttons and you have the little pointy bit of denim that sticks out where your waistband overlaps?) My theory up till now is that items of clothing have been created more cheaply than ever before AND the fact that everyone wears hipster jeans now, which hug your hips at the broadest part rather than the thinner waist where old style jeans hugged. I am getting so frustrated now as more and more of my tops are being affected, its so disheartening to have a top you love ruined after one or two wears! The beetle larvae thing really freaked me out though as i hate all things insect like, but that theory cant really explain to me why our holes ONLY occur on the front at waist level. I hope this helps, if someone could let me know if you think my theory is wrong, what the hell is ruining my clothes please, i am desperate (i even started snipping bits off the waistband of my jeans in desperation!) Thanks.

Fiona
#40. February 17th, 2008, at 11:32 AM.

We have an AEG washer dryer (L14710 vit 5kg , max speed 1400) which is about 1 year old . I noticed small holes appearing in the front of cotton t-shirts about 6 months ago and it is getting more frequent. After finding this site I will definately get someone out to investigate. This is the first washer dryer we have bought and previously had a bosch washing machine which we used for 3 years without any problems. Has anyone else had problems with this make and model.

Karen
#42. February 24th, 2008, at 11:13 PM.

I have been getting these small mysterious holes in my cotton t-shirts for 18 months…some shirts brand new. I went thru all the logical ideas for why this was happening…moths, detergents, HE machines, etc., but I do believe the common link in all of this is that the cotton t-shirts are all made in the far east, mostly China, and they either over or under process the material and when the material comes in contact with an abrasive, such as denim, it breaks down the fibers and the result is small holes. I’ve even noticed that when I lean against my kitchen countertop (made of Silestone) and the edge is slightly abrasive. I have now covered the edge with clear shipping tape. Well see if that helps.

Iaker
#44. March 23rd, 2008, at 12:10 AM.

I have been getting holes in the front of my cotton t-shirts
in the crotch area, about five inches above the bottom of the shirt, for as long as I can remember. This ONLY happens with cotton t-shirts. Some of the
explanations offered seem to make sense, but then again they
typically don’t. It is surprising how many experience a similar phenomenon.
For me the holes tend to appear in the formation of a rectangle, sometimes
only one or two corners of it and sometimes all four, but always the same shape
and size of what appears to be an irregular rectangle about 2in across and
1in high. It’s very weird how it is always the same configuration. I have heard
seatbelt but I don’t drive and rarely find myself in a car, much less the same car,
more often than once or twice a week. And usually I leave my coat or
overshirt on in that situation.

I am thinking it has to be the inside of some pair of pants that I have,
as I often tuck in my undershirt and leave the overshirt out of the pants.
I notice that with shirts that I wear more frequently, usually all four holes
are present.

The other possibility is that my saxophone has a keyguard which
typically rests in that area during seated playing. However this
doesn’t explain the square formation. Still searching for the answer…

Daisy
#45. March 30th, 2008, at 11:46 AM.

Tops only for me too, and around the waist. Have assumed to far it’s from rubbing against the edge of my granite worktops as have caught myself doing this. Assuming t-shirt type material as it’s thinner and the
In my case it can’t be beetle larvae from China (?!) as all my stuff is from Britain, Italy, or France. Unless they bought the cotton in from somewhere else…it’s just happening on cotton.
Washing machine is a Bosch and whilst shortly to be changed to a Miele (yay!), I don’t blame the machine.

Incidentally, when visiting a friend abroad who had an American style washer, I put in a cotton cardigan that had been washed many times on a usual cotton wash on my machine, but it came out of that machine practically shredded at the neckline and I had holes in a couple of other things – I think it was the spin.

Kevin Heyworth
#46. April 27th, 2008, at 12:36 PM.

I rent and repair washing machines. To date I have only had two complaints of holes in clothes. I tested both machines extensively, checking all possibilities and even exchanged one for a new one. We eventually discovered that the cause was moth larvae, which like to eat cotton rich clothing.

Kevin Heyworth
#47. April 27th, 2008, at 12:56 PM.

Further to my post re the clothes being eaten by larvae, one clue was that, when the fabric was placed on a flat surface, there was a hole – some of the fabric was missing, as opposed to a rip or tear which could have been pushed back together. There was also no sign of any fraying or distortion around the edges of the hole, as one would expect with a rip or a tear. On possible cause of small rips in the fabric could be a riser, or paddle, coming loose and trapping fabric between itself and the drum, although this is very rare, it’s worth checking them for movement. Many of these clip in and will slide a little, but you should no be able to pull them away from the drum. If you can, then a clip or locating lugg may be broken. This tends to happen more when training shoes are washed – don’t do it!

Bev
#49. April 28th, 2008, at 8:02 PM.

I too have holes in my t-shirts and tanks. I packed away 11 last year. we had our agitator replaced and the whole machine checked. Now I am starting to think it is not the washer but my clothes. It is always in front at waist level. What can we do about
it? I have bought cheap and expensive brands and it still happens, maybe slower on the thicker cotton. Is beetle or moth larvae invisible to the eye? I don’t see any moths or anything.
I have used all cycles on the washer so it is not that. I thought about going to the university’s ag. dept and asking them to investigate

Jackie
#50. May 5th, 2008, at 10:08 PM.

I posted very early on the forum regarding this subject, I had begun to think I was going mad until I discovered I wasn’t the only one with this problem.
I eventually threw my 4 year old washing machine away in despair and bought a Miele, 1400 spin with honey comb drum, about a year ago. The only time I use 1400 spin is on towels, the rest of the time 1200 is sufficient. For years I had used tablets in the wash, but at this time I reverted back to using Persil powder.
Guess what? The last few weeks I have noticed it has started happening again! So far it is always on cotton t-shirts, but not restricted to the waist or the front. Several holes can appear on one top at a time,some minute and others enough to completely prevent them being worn again.
As has been said, the holes are clean and the material is completely missing, not a jagged rip or a tear. I am at my wits end with this, as others are. There MUST be an answer to it-but what it is I have no idea.

Jackie
#52. May 7th, 2008, at 9:21 PM.

As you say, the Miele drum is very kind to laundry and it falls away from the sides of the drum at the end of a wash cycle instead of being forced into the holes and needs to be pulled out. That is the main reason I bought the Miele after my experiences previously with damaged laundry.
I too feel it is unlikely the machine is causing the problem. But having worn a t-shirt one day with no holes, then it goes in for a wash-and as I am ironing it I find holes, just doesn’t make sense.
I have dozens of cotton t-shirts hanging in my wardrobe, some only worn on holidays. Today I have taken them all out and examined them carefully, apart from ones recently damaged there are no holes at all in any of the others???
Read your posts re moths and don’t feel that is the cause either, in my circumstances anyway. Very fastidious about cleaning, have no pets and feel lots of other items would show damage if they were present in my home.
One thing that has struck me though is……I have a natural wicker laundry basket that is kept in my bathroom. Obvious access via the weave for any munch-bunch insects to get in, between wearing and washing clothes. I wonder if we could do a survey amongst any of the other posters and see if we have this in common? Actually, I would think ALL laundry baskets have some sort of ventilation holes which would be accessible-maybe that is the answer we are all looking for????

Geoff
#53. May 10th, 2008, at 10:06 PM.

I have experience holes in my Levis after washing. It doesn’t happen a lot, but just when they are getting “broken in” and looking good and feeling comfortable. It happens both with zippered and button-fly. I have a Whirlpool Ultimate Care II, large capacity machine. This was not an expensive washer, all I wanted was a good quality standard washer without all the bells and whistles. My latest theory, is that when I occassionally leave a few coins in the pocket, they could be rubbing holes in the denim.There are never holes in the pockets themselves, but I always find the quarters in the bottom of the washer, when the load is completed. Anyone else experience this?

ali
#54. May 13th, 2008, at 10:35 PM.

I have had this exact same problem with small holes, mostly in the front of thin, sometimes nearly new cotton and cotton stretch t-shirts. I have a Miele washer with a honeycomb drum.
I had a pest control specialist take the garments to some expert who looked at the holes microscopically (holes are the type where fabric is missing) and said that the holes were definitely not from moths or other bugs but from something mechanical weakening a thread in the fabric which then leads to a hole. It cannot be from a belt as my 7 year old’s t-shirts have them and he has never worn a belt.
That is as far as I have gotten in solving the mystery. New holes reappearing daily. Surely SOMEONE knows the cause ?

john
#55. June 5th, 2008, at 8:31 PM.

we have recently moved house and all of a sudden small holes have started to appear in the front (all at waist height) of both mine and my wifes cotton clothes (t-shirts and others) after washing. we have checked all surfaces at the height that may cause a rip, but there is nothing.as others have posted it is most confusing. Some t-shirts i have had for a while others literally worn once…there seems to be no discrimination as to the age of the garment.
i can see from above that there seems to be little or no explanation as to why this occurs…..anyone?

john
#56. June 5th, 2008, at 8:34 PM.

Bev, reading through your comments i see that we have the same problem….did you ever work it out, is it still happening?

Rob
#57. June 10th, 2008, at 9:45 PM.

Ok, this is for everyone experiencing holes at the front below the waistline. I don’t have the definitive answer but reading other comments combined with my own exprerience I think we’re nearer the truth. About 2 years ago (this is significant) holes as described in these posts started to affect only t-shirts in my wardrobe. Always in clusters,always within 3 inches of the bottom seam in the centre of the front. So, what is it?
-It’s not lavae/moths (nothing else affected,girlfriends clothes are fine.How do they know to eat in one place?)
-It’s not solely the washing machine( again girlfriend and lodgers clothes are fine,againm the specific area of holes)
-It’s not recreational cigarettes.
-It’s nothing sharp they come in to contact with.

Initially it was thinner tops but now it includes medium weight cotton. The timing is key here as it’s when I gave up work to become a stay at home dad. I used to wear a suit to work, my lovely tops were worn in the evening in front of the TV or occasional nights out. I will now put a t-shirt on at 7am, do the Dad stuff, including walking 4-5 miles a day and take it off at night.I also cook every meal and after testing I do rub against the worktop when chopping etc .

Reading other reports I’m certain it’s the massive increase in wear and tear combined with the tops all being fairly new. I haven’t checked the country of origin but I’d bet it’s cheaper made and a finer or less substantial knit. It wears thin (once after 3 wears) you wash it, it stretches and bingo-Holes.

A single test of this is a YMC t-shirt. Fairly thin, 10 years old, worn all the time. Still has great shape and colour and NO holes. It’s Italian cotton.My guess is many brands now source from the far east (Even Paul Smith, £120 for a jumper made in China? No thanks!) I also have Evisu jeans (Itallian),12 years old, still fine. Bought some far east made Lee jeans 8 months ago, crotch is through already.

I’ll speak to a couple of fabric manufacturers (I have time on my hands) for there opinion but untill then I’m convinced it’s poorer quality combined with extra impact. Still doesn’t sort my wardrobe out but should I buy a top tomorrow I’ll damm want to no the provenence of the material. We do it with cars, meat, furniture. It’s time to do it with cotton!

Sorry it’s so long. I’m slightly obsessive.

Rob Anderman. London.

Rob
#58. June 11th, 2008, at 9:08 AM.

Reckon I’ve worked ot the front T-shirt holes in my case, maybe it’s the cause in all the others. I cook 3 times a day and have a grained laminate work surface. I wear a metal belt buckle. I f you rub up/down or left /right as I do when preparing food it takes no more than 3-5 “impacts” to put a hole in thin cotton.It seems to be where the fabric is squeezed between the buckle “pin” and the abraisive worktop edge. Even without the belt it will go through after a bit more contact.However I do accept that it’s only tops bought in the last few years that suffer and it’s reasonable to assume they are of a lower resistance/quality compared to stuff I wear from the 90’s. I can’t believe I’ve put up with the smell of moth balls for 2 years when it was simply making dinner that has wrecked my wardrobe.
This solution was suggested by a poster on an American forum so I simply followed his experiment exactly and achieved the same results.That I believe, is science.

Lindsay
#59. June 19th, 2008, at 12:44 PM.

Isn’t it funny that Washing Machine engineers haven’t heard of this problem (yeh right!!). Today, after several phone calls and an email to customer services, managed to get a Zanussi engineer to call to check out my machine free of charge! Of course he couldn’t find anything wrong with it, all he did was run his hand around the drum and the seals, which took approximately 5 minutes. After studying my holey washing, his comment was “it must be the way you’re washing it luv”. After 30 years of wasing clothes this was like a red rag to a bull and ended in a stand up row in the kitchen. He left to send his report back to Zanussi who I’m waiting to hear from with baited breath! Where do I go from here??

phil
#61. June 29th, 2008, at 8:31 PM.

we’ve got the same problem and as spending my sunday evening trying to find the bug responsible, but reading this clearly it’ s possibly something as abstract as wear on worktop or sub-standard cotton – i am going to investigate those options first.

thanks to the great posts on here, particularly Rob (#58 & 59) – this is clearly a wider spread issue than i thought.

Rob, get a hobby!

thanks

Jackie
#62. July 3rd, 2008, at 5:10 PM.

Did a white wash yesterday and one t-shirt came out with a small hole on the back at about shoulder blade level. The material is completely missing but does not appear to be ripped but has slightly jagged edges to it as usual.

I don’t expect Lindsay to get any more joy from Zanussi than I did a couple of years ago. They virtually dismantled my machine on the kitchen floor and couldn’t find anything wrong with it so would not accept any responsibility for damaged laundry.

Doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to any of this and it is driving me nuts!

Helen
#63. July 7th, 2008, at 5:02 PM.

I have had this problem for at least 5 years, maybe as long as 10. It’s always cotton t-shirts. Area varies from the waist to the back, to the top and on the front! The holes are tiny, around 2-3mm to around 5 mm. The material from the centre is always missing. It is VERY ANNOYING when it is a new or favourite top. I have been in tears of frustation over this sometimes. I have had it happen with many different washing machines. My current machine only 1 year old LG direct drive 7.5kg is now doing it, or so I believe! We lived in the States for 3 years and it happened then too. It was happening with my machine (a bosch) before we moved to the States and it happening with the machine before that! (can’t remember the make). It never happens with the kids school shirts, only jersey soft knit type cotton. I have found it on the odd pillowcase too. I am now wondering about the substandard cotton theory too after reading all this. It can’t be all my machines and all my detergents. I am very careful with my laundry, it happens with washes that have had no buttons, zips/fasteners in too. I never wash at more than 1200 spin and never overload. It got to me so much a few years ago that I started washing clothes inside an old duvet cover for extra protection for a while, I think it may have worked but not sure. I may try this again now. I am so glad I found this on the internet I always thought it was just my problem! None of the washing machine engineers I have dealt with over the years acknowledge this problem at all. I will keep checking back now for more comments.

Jim R
#65. July 9th, 2008, at 2:13 AM.

Hi, I’ve worked as an engineer for one of the major washing companies for the last 20 years and have come across this problem from time to time.Initially I think all of us have been guilty of blaming the customer for spinning at too high a spin speed for the type of material washed and although this can still be a possible cause there is obviously other factors we now have to look at.I may be biased but I’m sure that faulty machines are a very small percentage of the problem.If you look at the damaged clothes the customer produces it is normally from the same wearer or the damage is always on the same area of each article so it is very difficult to comprehend how the machine can be so selective.In my experience as others have mentioned it will be t shirts damaged at the waist level or childrens clothes.When it started happening in my own household a few months ago I eventually had to investigate thoroughly to prove to my beloved that it wasn’t the washing machines fault.After weeks of detective work that Jim Rockford would be proud I found that it was always my wifes tops and my youngest sons tops.After a few more weeks we eventually found that a where my wifes jeans buttoned together at the waist there was a definite edge that pressed out onto her tops.It didn’t feel at all sharp but as the holes have stopped since she stopped wearing the jeans I feel this was the definite cause.As far as the damage to my childs tops this was caused by a rough thread on the harness of his childseat in the car.All the damaged articles were of the same type i.e. small round holes that in the past I would have blamed washing machine fault..So I guess the best advice I can give you is look for a pattern to the damage and then check any thing that comes into contact with that particular item while washing/drying/storing or wearing.Hope this helps.

Jackie
#66. July 10th, 2008, at 7:00 PM.

Well I dispute that theory! All of my family, including my son’s girlfriend have items of clothes with holes in. they are not restricted to any particular area, front/back/top/bottom/sleeves have all been damaged over time.
Several years ago a top manufacturer was on WatchDog every week because of this problem-I had one of their machines at the time. An independant engineer told me what the problem was and I insisted the manufacturer sent a supervisor and an engineer to my house to test the idea. Lo and behold when they stripped my machine down there was the evidence! Clothes were being pushed through the holes in the drum during spinning, catching on a spindle at the back and then going round and round at speed until eventualy the material broke away. There was a huge bundle of multi coloured material wrapped round the spindle and they were as amazed as me. To their credit they gave me a voucher to go and purchase a machine of my choice for considerably more than I had paid. Then came the Zannusi that had the same problems but they wouldn’t accept it. Now I have a Miele but still getting holes in my laundry!! These big boys should invest some of their profits in trying to solve this problem-it really isn’t good enough.

Helen
#67. July 11th, 2008, at 8:19 AM.

Jim, I have looked for a pattern (I’ve had this problem for almost 10 years – different machines etc). It has happened to articles in my light wash many times which just consists of light t-shirts and underwear socks etc. No buttons, no zips or fasteners, not even rough or thick clothing. it’s happened to all our t-shirts and not just in the waist area. You answer is not the answer to my problem, unfortunately, but I’m glad you found the solution for you. As I said before, I’m going to go back to using the old duvet cover for some of my washes now! I’m just disappointed that I seemed to have been free of the problem for a few months (during which my machine was new) and now the problem has returned.

Leigh R
#69. July 11th, 2008, at 4:07 PM.

I did my laundry at my mothers and a sock got ripped to shreds1 I can’t find any snags in the drum, but a second wash was covered in back dots and fluff from the sock.When i put the machine on a rinse cycle with no laundry in, the bits of sock were still coming up! How can I clean the drum to stop this from happening again?

Bridget
#71. August 11th, 2008, at 11:03 AM.

Related topic – a pair of knickers ripped to shreds – I know why; it’s because a drum lifter on my Hotpoint WF340 broke and I had to do a load of washing with a missing drum lifter. I have now located what I think is the correct replacement parts. But I can’t find any detailed instructions for fitting them (the sort of instructions befitting a total amateur like me!). Can anyone help? Or do I have to get a professional repair person in?

Stylishlady
#73. August 25th, 2008, at 9:48 PM.

I have been finding small holes, very similar to many people have said on this forum. Always in T shirts and always at the front about 5″ from the hem of the T shirt, and always T shirts. The baby’s clothes or bedding jeans etc have not been affected. It is driving me crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have checked the inside of the drum and cannot find any sharp obstruction, I have also checked for moths, and have not found any. I am pulling my hair out, and my husband is bored ridged with me blathering on about it!!
Has anybody got any further with this?

Hugh
#74. September 2nd, 2008, at 8:11 PM.

Well done, Jackie ! What a cracking entry – if only more people …..
We have had an excellent Miele washing machine in regular family use for 14 years with no complaints – until about 2 months ago when it started to make a noise like a main bearing going. Then surprisingly, the noise stopped – and the m/c continues to function.
However, in the last month it has started to chew random holes in all sorts of cotton garments. Nothing else has changed in the wash regime, so the cause has to be some sort of mechanical damage (outside the drum, which I have checked internally) in the m/c – as was evidenced by the noise mentioned above. This would confirm Jackie’s findings and experience.
To avoid the problem, we will be using a washing net until the m/c finally packs in.
I am not a lawyer, but would suggest if you are having this problem with a new m/c, the m/c sold to you is “not fit for purpose”.
So, use a washing net to gather the evidence that it is the m/c causing the problem, keep a written record (m/c model, dates, load contents, powder used, articles damaged {take photos}, etc) of your damage experience (with/without the net), and, if justified by the results, submit a claim via the Small Claims Court. The amount of claim should be for the cost of the m/c, plus for replacement clothes, plus for the inconvenience and distress, plus for your time to rectify the problem at say 30 pounds an hour.

Andrew
#75. September 4th, 2008, at 11:06 AM.

Following up on my earlier post (#19)…

We changed our machine for a Hotpoint Aqualtis late last year and as far as I’m aware are no longer getting holes in clothes. The bearings on the old one had definitely gone and given that the holes were “random” it looks like this was the cause.

That said, after reading the entire thread I’m willing to believe that not all holes in clothes are the fault of the machine. I will keep an eye out for any recurrence in our household.

Janet
#76. September 9th, 2008, at 5:15 AM.

I have been experiencing holes in my clothes as well for the last year. They have been mostly cotton. The holes randomly appear in various places on the garments and not at waist level. Most of the clothes are mine, but a couple were my husband’s cotton shirts. The holes are usually uniform, but sometimes it looks like acid was spilled on the garment with big sections missing on the front and back sides. The fabric sometimes just seems to have rotted. I can’t find any rough spots on my washer or dryer and removed the spindle to check if properly seated. I have no problem with clothes catching between the dryer door and the drum. What is strange is that my old cotton shirts that never seem to wear out have never been affected.

My washer and dryer are older but have never caused me any problems and there is no trace of cotton “pieces” floating around. I never overload,and I wash on gentle cycle and dry permanent press. No trace of moths or carpet larvae, either. My carpet is 8 years old and laundry problem just started a year ago.

Jo
#78. September 12th, 2008, at 1:24 PM.

I have just read the comments on this website with amazement after searching google for answers as to why holes are appearing in my washing. Its been happening to me on and off for the past 3-4 years and my latest washer (Bosh) is only 2 years old. After consulting friends, one of whom was having the same problem and phoned for an engineer to check her washer, she told me that he had suggested she started washing on the ‘easy care’ cycle as it could be to do with the pressure of the water when its first released into the wash. I disputed this as I have watched mine fill up empty to test it (isn’t my life boring I hear myself say – but only cos I am nuts with this problem too….!!!) and the water in mine dribbles out. Needlesstosay, I am now washing all my clothes on the easy care cycle (40) as a precaution but adding the ‘wash plus’ button to whites as the programme is a bit short. To date, we seem to be ok so his could be worth a try. I have also reduced my spin to 900. Good luck everyone

washerman01443
#80. September 16th, 2008, at 7:20 PM.

re article – random holes in clothes

A friend of mine with many years experience as an engineer has advised that it is caused by a combination of the following, overloading iniatialy then spinning mostly at high speed which then forces the clothes to partially protude through the small drain holes in the drum, the outer part of the drum having sharp edges due to being machine punched then snag the clothes and as the spin speed reduces and fall away from the drum and then cause small tears.