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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Thanks for your contribution Lisa. If you have accidental damage insurance you may well be covered but it wouldn’t be worth claiming unless expensive clothing was damaged as most people have at least a £50 excess on their policy. Some clothing of course can cost a lot of money so it may be appropriate to try to claim in some situations. If by any chance the insurer said damage from the washing machine isn’t covered you could tell them the damage was caused by you accidentally overloading it.
Washer dryers have long had a reputation for damaging clothing if overloaded because of the vent at the top of the door seal where the hot air is pumped in on tumble dry. Clothes caught between the lip of the drum and the door seal can get dragged up to the vent at the top of the door seal and get damaged. It’s especially important not to overload a washer dryer for this reason.
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.
Thanks Lisa. I have extensive advice about buying washing machines and the best makes to buy on Whitegoodshelp although it does need some time to check out properly Buying washing machines advice
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…
The comments and emails I’ve had so far on this topic appear to show that many people are using their washing machine correctly, or at least they aren’t overloading it and not spinning at too high a speed. Some people say they are getting holes in their clothes at spin speeds of 1000 rpm and less. I’ve even had someone with the problem who washes in a Miele washing machine which has a honeycomb drum, at 900 rpm, which is one of the best quality and the gentlest washing machines you can buy.
The majority of laundry affected appears to be cotton t-shirts. We also need to look at other possible causes – not just washing machines. Detergents, tumble dryers (many modern t-shirt wash labels have the “do not tumble dry” symbol on although I’d expect shrinkage and damage to logos to be the main consequence there) and even life-style changes such as the new fashion for wearing high and thick belts in women’s’ fashion (could they be causing wear around the front of t-shirts?)
More photos would help too ( Holes in clothes photos )
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.
Belly rings may also account for some wear on tea shirts or shirts around the navel area.
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!
Hello Bob. Please point them to this article if you can.
The fact that you’re the second Miele owner to say they have this problem and the fact that so many different makes are involved makes it hard for me to imagine there is any design fault with most washing machines.
However, there are clearly many people getting holes, mostly in t-shirts and other cottons but in many different fabrics and there must be reasons for this.
I’ve tried to cover all of the common user fault reasons in this article but if it’s even happening on a 5Kg drum Miele with a relatively slow 1200 spin and to cottons, then we are all still unable to pin the blame anywhere.
As the manufacturers are virtually the only ones getting the blame as far as customers are concerned they have a good reason to try and help find the answer. I plan to ask several manufacturers but am waiting for more photos first as they will inevitably want to see examples.
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.