There appears to be a problem with many washing machines routinely “causing” small holes in laundry. Judging from the correspondence I’ve received so far it is happening to a lot of people, with different makes of washing machine and with various drum sizes and spin speeds. Therefore, finding a pattern and identifying a definite cause is proving difficult.
However, almost everyone is blaming the washing machine. This article attracted 298 comments (bottom of this article) before being closed. They indicate that many of the holes may not be caused by the washing machine after all, though washing machines can clearly cause holes in laundry.
What’s causing holes in clothes after washing?
There is no one simple answer to the cause of holes in clothes but a detailed look at this article and its comments may help.
One common theory is that the quality of many modern fabrics are to blame, that they are too thin. It may be necessary to try and work out the cause by process of elimination and looking for clues. It’s not as simple as just blaming the washing machine.
The people having problems are finding holes routinely appearing in denim skirts & shirts, cotton shirts, t-shirts, sheets, dresses, corduroy skirts etc. so the problem doesn’t seem to be confined to one type of laundry. Up to now, many people who have complained to their washing machine manufacturer have been told the same thing.
They’ve been told the fault lies with themselves, and that they are probably spinning certain items too fast.
In my experience, many faults are caused by customers either misusing appliances or not reading instruction books (or the wash labels on the laundry!) properly so they are naturally the first suspects.
At this stage it is unclear whether or not there is a problem with the design or quality of some washing machine drums and tubs that could account for lots of small holes in laundry. However, it makes sense for anyone getting holes in their laundry on a regular basis to make absolutely sure that they are not inadvertently causing the problem themselves before pursuing a manufacturer or the seller of the appliance.
Make sure you are not inadvertently causing the holes in clothes
If you are experiencing regular random holes in your washing you need to check that you are not washing items on wash programmes with a final spin speed that is too fast for them. This is the explanation some manufacturers have given to customers who complained about holes in washing.
If you know you are definitely using the washing machine correctly then at least you can say with confidence that the manufacturer, or their engineer is wrong if they try to blame incorrect spin speeds for the damage.
To help you decide you really should check out the instruction book but here is a rough guide from my Miele 1400 rpm spin washing machine operating instructions which has a 6kg drum.
Different manufacturers and different models of washing machine may vary but this chart shows that certain items should not be spun at full spin speed
- Cottons: – 1400 rpm
- Minimum iron: – 1200 rpm
- Delicates: – 600 rpm
- Woollens: – 1200 rpm
- Silks: – 400 rpm
- Shirts: – 600 rpm
- Denim: – 900 rpm
Make sure you aren’t overloading the drum
Many people don’t realise that different types of laundry have different wash load capacities and that exceeding them amounts to overloading.
In most cases the consequences are more likely to be reduced wash efficiency but if you put a full load of denim, or shirts on a wash programme that does the maximum spin then the manufacturer could claim some may get damaged.
Here is a link to a previous article showing the maximum recommended loads for certain fabrics (again, consult your washing machine’s instruction book because the load sizes will vary amongst manufacturers and models – especially models with larger or smaller drum capacities) Laundry comes out of washing machine badly creased?
Other possible causes of holes
Bra wire (or underwires)
Bra wires are an extremely common problem with washing machines. Many of them (especially from cheaper bras) escape during the wash and get trapped under the drum.
Commonly you will hear a gentle metallic scraping noise as the drum turns but depending where it settles it may not make any noise at all. The ends of bra wires can be sharp, especially if they break. As the clothes are forced through the small holes in the drum (particularly cottons) during spin they can snag on the underwire and cause damage to the laundry.
If underwires from a bra are removable they should always be removed before washing. I’m sure many of them are supposed to be hand washed only!
Here’s an article I’ve published about washing nets designed specifically to protect a bra in the washing machine – Bra washing nets
Other obstructions in the tub, a damaged drum, loose drum lifter etc.
Coins and other metallic obstructions commonly cause problems with washing machines. They can damage the drum or loosen and break the plastic drum lifter (paddles) leaving a small hole or gap where laundry can snag.
Carefully examine the drum for dints or even tears, maybe an elongated drum hole that now has a sharp edge. TIP: Try using a nylon stocking stretched over a hand to feel all the way round a drum and paddles to see if anything snags.
Check none of the drum lifters or paddles are damaged or loose revealing a hole with sharp edges.
If you have a loose or broken drum paddle (lifter) it can cause damage to clothes. You can buy a replacement drum lifter or paddle for your washing machine on Spares4Appliances Drum lifter (paddles)
Zips and buckles
As a precaution try turning garments with zips inside out after zipping up the zipper. Watch out for garments that have metal buttons or buckles. Also try placing delicate laundry in net wash bags.
Biological detergents could damage woollens and silks
I’ve just written another related article describing how some holes in clothing could be caused by using biological detergent.
This issue is only related to silks and woollens though – Biological washing machine detergents can damage woollens and silks causing holes
Insects – Moths?
Don’t forget that certain insects and moth larvae can damage clothes. They cause lots of small holes that look very similar to the holes in clothes photos I’ve received. Obviously if holes only appear in specific places on clothes (like only the front lower part of a t-shirt) it’s not likely to be caused by insects or moth larvae randomly chewing on them. Try searching for the following subjects – clothes damaged by insects – clothes damaged by larvae – what do moth holes look like? There’s a good artcile here too. Notice the holes are virtually the same as in some of my photos except they are cleaner holes than some of my examples – Do moths eat cotton?
Removing a drum paddle (lifter) to gain access to the bottom of the tub
Bleach
Undiluted bleach should not be used in a washing machine. It’s corrosive. Even dilute bleach can weaken laundry. Read the label carefully before using.
Sometimes you can get an obstruction out through the dispenser/tub hose or the heating element
If you suspect the obstruction is trapped somewhere in the middle of the drum you may be able to get to it through the hole in the outer drum where the dispenser hose is attached. This is where the water and detergent is washed into the drum from the soap drawer.
Sometimes an underwire gets mangled and trapped on the heating element and removing the element can allow access to it. However, it depends where the heater is, some are right at the front of the machine and very hard to access and some are at the back behind the rear panel and easy to access. This method is not recommended though unless desperate because it may involve stripping a washing machine down, and you may not be able to refit the heater even if you get it out.
Worse still you could refit it incorrectly and it pops out during a wash cycle flooding the kitchen, or you don’t get it located under its holding bracket and the drum bashes it relentlessly on spin.
However, this article looks at where is the heater and how to remove it?
I’ve written another article on this subject here Holes in clothes photos which features many photos sent in to me with holes of all sizes and on various laundry.
If tiny holes are appearing only in t-shirts at the front
This can be caused by physical wear caused by rubbing against jeans, belts, and even kitchen worktops whilst working in the kitchen.
Photos of damaged laundry
For further details see the many comments below this article. Several people have identified their holes in the front lower half of t-shirts as being caused by rubbing against the kitchen worktop. Granite worktops are particularly implicated.
Try this experiment
Jeff suggested a great experiment in my comments section, which should prove whether the small holes in t shirts are caused by the washing machine or by the wearer.
Buy a new t shirt of the type that has been getting the holes (but never wear it). Each time you do laundry, throw it in with everything else and see if it ever gets holes. If it does, then as it has never been worn it’s probably the washing machine/detergent/faulty fabric. But if holes do not appear, then the holes in the other t shirts are most probably being caused by something the wearer of the shirts is doing to stress the fabric and not caused by washing.
Protect t-shirts and other laundry when washing
Use a net washing bag to protect delicate laundry, which helps prolong the life of clothes, and prevents wear and tear from friction
Comments now disabled
There are many comments below to research but new comments have been disabled because they have reached a large enough number for it to be impractical for most people to read them – let alone even more.
However, I strongly advise you take the time to read through them if this is a serious problem for you as there are many thoughts, speculations and ideas that may help. If you have any useful advice or information please contact me and I can either open up the comments for you or add your thoughts to the article.
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It is very interesting reading the comments above and there is a sense of relief that you are not alone (not that I want others clothes ruined but I hope you know what I mean). Having read them though I must say I am inclined to steer away from the theory that it’s the washer. Our problem only started recently and the machine is 11 years old (AEG). Never had a problem with it before and it’s too much of a coincidence that it’s happening to others with newer machines. In our case use is also not logical as it happens to our(adult) clothes and the kids. The holes are randomly positioned on the garments and they are from different manufacurers. Would anyone subscribe to the theory or maybe even comfirm that there has been some change in the manufacturing process of materials today coupled with maybe the material is also actually thinner than in days gone by. Baffled as everyone else but would love to know the cause.
Just had a Miele service engineer round today.
Our Miele has a honeycomb drum, yet we’ve been getting holes in our clothes. They are also around the belly area and the bottom of our clothes.
Miele claim its “user error” or wearing a belt and they now want to charge me £98 for the engineers callout charge. Because of this I am determined to avoid the charge AND pursue them for the damage their washing machine has caused to our clothes.
My wife is so careful with our clothes. She used to handwash our expensive t-shirts and tops and we never got holes. Soon after our baby was born, to save time, she started washing the clothes on a delicate or “silks” wash at 30 degrees. The machine was never overloaded, sometimes only 2 items at a time. It is only since then that we have been getting holes.
Also, my wife doesn’t wear a belt and some of her tops stop before the waist, so I would be amazed if they were rubbing on anything. And I have worn belts for years and years with no adverse effect on my clothes.
I can see this is going to be a long drawn out battle with Miele and the insurers. Let the fight begin!
Well good luck to you Simon but I doubt you will get any joy from Miele or any of the other manufacturers for that matter. I have had this problem ongoing for years with several different models and makes and I am still completely baffled by it.
I do not have granite worktops I never wear a belt. Always careful about loading and spin speeds,have tried every programme and every type of washing liquid,tablets and powders. I changed to a Miele Honeycomb drum myself a few years ago because of this problem, yet I still get holes in laundry. The holes are random in where they appear and range from tiny pin size holes to chunks that render an item severely damaged.
I have been using automatic washing machines for many years having bought up two sons so think I have enough experience to know what I am doing. Yet this problem was unheard of years ago in the days of hot and cold fill machines.
I said a lot earlier in this thread that the “Big Boys” should invest some of their profits in to investigating this problem as it is serious enough to be effecting many people so we can’t all be wrong can we?
Simon: I can see how frustrating this experience must be for you, and without an explanation most people instinctively blame the washing machine. I have to say though that of all washing machine drums I suspect the Miele honecomb drum is likely to be the most caring to clothes, and the Miele engineer may well be correct. I can’t say this with certainty, but that’s my current feeling.
Have a look at this picture, which Miele use to demonstrate the difference between their honeycomb drum and a standard drum. Unfortunately I’ve lost the companion photo, which showed a standard drum with many more holes and the cotton fabric being forced much further through them. As you can see hardly any fabric is forced through on a honeycomb drum. Also, the honeycomb design causes water to form a cushion between the drum and the laundry which helps protect laundry even more.
In my main article I say how I find it very hard to imagine how a washing machine could so selectively cause damage, and a lot of the anecdotal evidence from contributors to this topic seems to agree that the washing machine can’t be responsible for putting holes in only certain items of clothing and only in specific places.
The consensus is that something chemically or physically is breaking down the fibres in these specific areas, which under pressure of washing produces the holes. Kitchen worktops are one of the suspects, as is the quality of the modern garments and other possible causes. I don’t know if you’ve had time, and there’s a lot to read, but reading the entire article and every comment may help.
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Jackie: I agree with your last comment. Maybe someone like BBC’s Watchdog might be interested? If anyone knows of an independent lab that we could send a selection of items away for testing where they could establish authoritatively what caused the holes I would be willing to help organise this. I’d also be willing to pay costs (as long as they weren’t too expensive) as I would be delighted to help get to the bottom of this issue for my users.
Thanks for your replies Jackie and WasherHelp.
I understand that the honeycomb drum is less likely to cause holes from it’s shape and the film of water it creates, but there is no getting away from the fact that holes have appeared in our clothes since we stopped hand-washing!
We never used to get holes with our old cheapo Siemens machine. Maybe I should have stuck with them. More fool me for thinking I was buying the best!
The only other thing I can think of is maybe it could be the washing liquid. We use Persil Non-Bio capsules.
Also, our kitchen workstops are wood and very smooth, there’s no way they could cause a hole. As for the quality of the clothes. I know a cheap t-shirt when I see one :), but my recently bought Hugo Boss T-shirt that is now ruined was made from really good quality cotton.
Miele have agreed to send a more senior engineer next wednesday, free of charge, and meanwhile I am sending photos of the damaged clothes to their HQ. Will let you know how I get on.
I was very interested to read of Simon’s recent experience with his Miele washing machine.
I have a two week old Miele machine (with the honeycomb drum) which has been used mainly with the 60℃ cotton and 40℃ minimum iron programmes. However, a week ago I used the woollen programme for the first time to wash a small load of machine and hand washable jumpers, all of which had been successfully machine washed previously. I was extremely disappointed to discover that one of the jumpers had a hole measuring approximately 8mm in length that had not been present prior to washing.
I contacted Miele who suggested that there may have been a weakness/fault in the fabric or accidental damage that was not apparent at the time of washing. I fully accept that this may be the case and am well aware of the possibility of moth damage, although there is no evidence of this at the moment. I can’t prove anything and I haven’t been using the machine long enough to know whether this is a ‘one off’. However, I will now be monitoring my laundry very closely!
I hope Simon posts the result of the engineer’s visit next week – it will be very interesting to hear the outcome.
Simon: Yes, please keep us informed of how you get on with the senior Miele engineer. Send me some photos if you want and I can add them to my photos here ( Holes in clothes photos ) – especially if the holes are different to the ones featured.
Sue: Did you mean machine washable jumpers not hand washable?
Hi WasherHelp,
I can forward you the photos I sent to Miele customer service.
Do you have an email address?
Engineer due tomorrow. Will post findings later.
Cheers
Simon
Thanks Simon. Use the contact me link at the top of the page under the headers.
Hi all,
Thanks for all your comments.
Engineer came this afternoon. He spent an hour here and was quite thorough. After taking the machine apart, and checking the inside and outside of the drum, he could only find one thing…
There was a plastic shirt collar stuck in the hose and pointing out. The hose sits under the drum, so its possible that as clothes were sucked through holes in the drum, they rubbed against the shirt collar.
The problem is that most of the holes are in the same place, around the waist level. So there is a possibility that wear and tear on this area of our clothes, coupled with the shirt collar causing friction made the holes.
He also noted that the hose was a bit blocked, hence the collar being where it was. This is because we wash clothes at low temperatures which allows scum to build up in the hose. He recommended an empty 95 degree wash with a washing tab once a month to clear this.
Anyway, hope what was found here might help with some of your problems! Time will tell if it really was the collar.