Why Is My Washing Machine Making Holes In My Clothes?

You sort the laundry, measure the detergent, press start, and twenty minutes later, your favorite shirt comes out looking like it lost a fight with your washer.

Over time, a washer’s moving parts can wear down or get rough, turning gentle spin cycles into fabric-wrecking sessions. The good news? You don’t have to keep sacrificing your wardrobe every laundry day. Here’s why you might have holes in your clothes from the washing machine, and how to tell if your washer’s age (not your laundry skills) is to blame.

Can a Washing Machine Cause Holes in Clothes? Yes, Here’s How

If your washing machine is tearing clothes, this issue is actually pretty common. Washers work hard day in and day out, and as they age, certain parts can start to cause damage to your laundry.

1. Rough Agitation or Drum Wear

As washers get older, their metal drums or agitators can develop rough edges, rust spots, or loose fins. During a wash cycle, these tiny imperfections can pull and stretch delicate fabrics, causing small holes to appear.

If your current washer uses an agitator, it may be showing its age. Modern models with impellers are designed to gently move clothes while still cleaning effectively.

2. An Aging Machine

Every washer has a lifespan. After years of heavy use, even sturdy machines can develop worn seals, jagged gaskets, or drum paddles that snag fabric. If your machine is seven or eight years old, it might be nearing the end of its dependable days. You can check typical washer lifespans in this quick guide to washer and dryer longevity.

3. Overloading the Drum

Stuffing too many items into one load can cause friction as fabrics rub together, especially during high-speed spins. That friction creates thinning or tearing. Lighter loads not only protect your clothes but also help your washer last longer.

Other Culprits That Can Cause Damage

Before you blame your machine entirely, take a quick look at your laundry habits. Sometimes the problem is closer than you think:

• Sharp objects left in pockets can puncture or rip clothes during the wash.
• Metal zippers and buttons can catch on softer fabrics.
• Harsh bleach or detergents may weaken fabric fibers over time.
• Mixing heavy and delicate items (like jeans and t-shirts) can cause uneven wear.

If you wash a lot of delicate fabrics, using a laundry bag can help keep them protected, especially if your washer doesn’t have a low-agitation or hand-wash setting.

When It’s Time to Let Go of Your Old Washer

If you’re finding holes or snags in every other load, the issue might not be your laundry routine but rather the washer itself. Older models can be surprisingly rough on modern fabrics, especially when they lack gentle or adaptive cycles.

Today’s high-efficiency washers are designed to clean powerfully and protect your clothes. They use smarter sensors, precise water levels, and smoother drum designs that reduce wear. If you’re considering an upgrade, our guide to shopping for a washer and dryer can help you choose the right fit.

A Gentle Upgrade That Protects What You Love

Replacing worn-out clothes costs more than you think—but replacing your washer doesn’t have to. At Rent-A-Center, you can choose from a wide range of washers and dryers featuring:

• Gentle, fabric-friendly cycles designed to reduce stretching and snags
• Impeller and high-efficiency options for a thorough yet gentle clean
• Flexible weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly payments
• Easy upgrades if your needs change with RAC Exchange*

If you’re ready for a total refresh, you can also explore matching washer and dryer sets or browse all available washer models.

A few small holes in your favorite clothes might be your washer’s way of saying it’s ready to retire. Instead of buying new outfits every month, consider upgrading to a machine that’s kinder to your fabrics and your wallet. Shop online or find your nearest Rent-A-Center location today.

*“RAC Exchange” program valid for agreements entered at select locations, is available to new and existing customers and applies to inventory obtainable by store location. Cash price of the item selected for exchange may not exceed approval amount, which is subject to validation and adjustment prior to exchange and may vary from original approval amount. Exchange requires execution of rental agreement for item selected for exchange, which must be completed within six (6) months following the first active rental date of item being returned for exchange. Agreement for item being returned for exchange must be in good standing (with all rental payments current) at the time of exchange and product must be in good condition. Rent paid for prior agreement will be applied to reduce the total cost to own for the replacement agreement but rent paid may not be applied in full to Same As Cash amount for replacement agreement. Any applicable Same As Cash period will apply to new agreement based on product selection and agreement term. The amount of rent paid from prior agreement eligible for application to Same As Cash amount for replacement agreement may vary from 40% to 66%, depending on your state of residence. Exchanges under program may not be combined with other discounts, offers or promotions. Participating locations only. Eligible items only. All items subject to availability and approval. See Store Manager for complete details.