Why is My Washing Machine Putting Holes in My Clothes?
There’s nothing more frustrating than pulling your favorite shirt out of the dryer only to find it has shrunk. Well, that is, outside from grabbing a brand-new top from the washer to find it riddled with small holes.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for older or malfunctioning washing machines to cause holes in clothes after washing. Here are six potential reasons why your laundry gets damaged in the washer and what you can do to prevent it.
1. Mixing Delicates with Durables
Even if you wash your clothes in cold water and separate light from dark, you might need to tweak how you’re presorting your laundry loads. This means not only considering colors – it’s never good when your whites go pink – but also like fabrics.
Delicate materials such as silk, lace, and lightweight cotton are more susceptible to damage during the wash. When mixed with heavier items like jeans or towels, they can get caught or snagged during the spin cycle, resulting in holes.
If you often find tears in your delicate items post-wash, be sure to separate your laundry by fabric type. You’ll also want to use laundry bags for fragile items to provide an extra layer of protection. And remember to read the garment care label for specific washing instructions and care symbols!
2. Using the Incorrect Wash Setting
Using the wrong wash cycle can also lead to clothes tearing in the washing machine. For example, using a heavy-duty cycle for delicate items can be too harsh and cause damage.
Instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach to your laundry, presort your clothes and then select the appropriate wash setting for each load. For more dainty fabrics, use the gentle or delicate cycle. Have to mix a load? Choose the wash cycle that suits the most delicate item.
3. Overloading the Washing Machine
We all want our laundry done ASAP, but trying to do too much at once can backfire! Sometimes, less really is more. Here’s why: overloading your washing machine not only reduces its cleaning efficiency but also increases the risk of clothes getting caught, twisted, tangled, and torn.
Your washing machine has guidelines for recommended load size. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. These can be found online or in your owner’s manual.
However, if you’re eyeballing a load, make sure there’s enough room for clothes to move freely during the wash cycle. When your washer is appropriately filled, not only does it help prevent damage to your clothes, but it also ensures better cleaning results.
4. Sharp Accessories in the Wash
It’s not always your washer’s fault! Sometimes, it’s your other clothes that have it out for your favorite button-up. Items like zippers, buttons, and even forgotten objects in pockets can act like small knives in the washing machine – and they can all cause holes in your clothes.
Always check and empty pockets before washing. Fasten all zippers, buttons, and hooks to minimize the risk of snagging. Then, flip items with zippers and buttons inside out. This will help ensure that during the spin cycle, it’s fabric-on-fabric instead of a sharp zipper on soft cotton. Using delicate washbags can also help protect delicate clothes from sharp accessories.
5. Pests & Clothing Storage Problems
Are those moth holes or washing machine tears? Indeed, sometimes the culprit isn’t the washer at all. Small holes in clothing can also be caused by pests like silverfish and clothing moths or by snagging on sharp objects where clothes are stored – wire racks and soft sweaters don’t mix well.
If you find holes in your clothes after the wash, inspect your storage areas for signs of pests and take appropriate measures to eliminate them. Ensure your storage areas are clean and free of sharp edges that could damage clothing. Cover wire closet storage racks in cedar planks or even plastic shelving liners.
6. Is Your Washing Machine the Problem?
If you’ve tried all these solutions and still find holes in your clothes, it might be time to consider that your washing machine is causing the problem. Wear and tear on any type of washer can result in rough spots inside the drum or on the door seal that can snag and tear clothing.
If you’re finding that your washing machine tears clothes, inspect your washing machine for any visible damage or rough areas. If you find any, it might be time to consider a replacement.
Upgrade Your Laundry Experience with Rent-A-Center
If you’re tired of replacing clothes, bedding, and towels due to holes and tears, it may be time to replace your washing machine. At Rent-A-Center, you’ll find a range of high-quality rent-to-own washers and laundry sets that can help you say goodbye to torn clothes and hello to the washer and dryer of your dreams!
Our collection of washing machines from top brands is designed to handle all your laundry with care and efficiency. Shop online or visit your nearest Rent-A-Center location today!