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Washer Tears Clothing

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If your washer has developed a bad habit of snagging and/or tearing your clothes; before tossing your washer, try these few tips:

1) Check, by hand, the smoothness of your washer. Look for any broken fins or roughness on the basket surface. Replace, if necessary.

2) Reduce the size of your loads. Heavy, cramped loads can cause a lot of friction which leads to tears.

3) Reduce the amount of bleach used. Bleach can eat holes in clothing.

4) Verify water level is not too low, especially during rinse cycle, where snags are more apt to occur.

5) Consider placing delicates in a garment wash bag

6) Front load washers have no center agitator, so they are less likely to tear clothes.


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Comments

holes and tears from front loading washer
It's amazing how many people experience this from so many different brands. Has any manufacturer acknowledged it?

My Whirlpool Duet puts holes generally in my kids T-shirts, but also tore a huge hole in a football jersey. A fleece pullover came out looking like someone took scissors to it and one T-shirt had a sleeve completely shredded.

Most of the holes are around the belly. I've started turning all the T-shirts inside out because I thought the decals may be causing some problems. I've also started spinning on medium.
#50 - abd - 11/09/2009 - 20:03
MY Whirlpool is Tearing and Putting Holes
I have a Whirlpool Model LXR7244PQ4 top loader and dont know what to do if should call or replace and if i replace with what other model Because the one i have is Tearing under the armpits and putting holes in Shirts its weird because it doesnt do it to all of them
#49 - Sam - 11/09/2009 - 10:23
LG Front Loader tearing holes in only jean material
I am shocked to see how many people are seeing tears in their clothes. I thought I wouldn't find anything when looking on the internet. It also looks like it isn't one particular brand that is doing it.

My LG front loaders were purchased about 3 years ago brand new and until recently they have been wonderful. They only seem to be putting holes/tears in jean material and it is at random. The tears started out being small little rat bite looking holes until last night.. I pulled out a pair of my husbands jeans and it looked like someone was cutting out 2 1/2 inch letters to spell something. I know the jeans didn't enter the washer this way.

We first thought it was caused by metal decals on our daughters jeans so we stopped washing her jeans with our clothes and we turned them inside-out. As you just heard about last nights incident, this wasn't the culprit. I don't over load my washer nor do I use bleach. The jeans that are getting torn up aren't old and warn as they were just purchased 2 weeks ago to replace a pair that got eaten.

My husband felt all around the stainless steal drum to see if there was anything sharp but came up with nothing. We aren't sure what to do now. I see that calling out a specialist hasn't helped those with this problem. If someone has solved this problem, PLEASE POST as there are many with this issue.
#48 - Casono - 10/28/2009 - 10:32
Expensive Miele Washing Machine tears clothes duvets etc.
I wonder if you could remove my comments on Miele washing machine tears clothes. I am trying to get this sorted out with Miele and felt alarmed when I saw my comments so prominently placed.
I will place another message when I have calmed down and perhaps have a solution to the problem. I am sure they will deal with the problem well.
#47 - Susan Chambers - 10/19/2009 - 02:59
Expensive Miele Washing Machine tears clothes duvets etc.
I thought I was going mad - I have been married 28 years (only 51 though!) and have done a lot of washing in differen machines. Replaced my old AEG machine with a super duper Miele W1714. It has torn jagged holes in super king duvets, expensive shirs etc. It took me a while to accept what was happening - it happens about once a month I now work out. I have the Miele man coming and, frankly, will expect a proper solution to this or a new machine. Some people on this site seem very accepting of this problem but my student children have bunged their washing into cheap machines and never had this problem. It is unacceptable that this is happening with some modern machines. My Miele is a front loader. You should be able to put your washing into a machine (not overloading etc of course) without putting it in wash bags etc.
#46 - Susan Chambers - 10/14/2009 - 05:52
Kenmore Elite HE 3t Washer is junk !!!
Anyone considering buying a Kenmore HE 3t front loading washer should think again. This washer has ruined several of my wife\'s blouses & slacks, some of my daughter\'s dresses, several of my son\'s basketball shorts and so on. The washer has had the door seal replaced twice within a year. The seal tears and water leaks on the floor. The repairs were approximately $225 per visit that included the part. I have cleaned out the clogged pump three times, replaced a section of the drain tube inside the washer which had a hole worn in it due to friction of the aggitation. But the latest proplem is the best. The washer door seems to open on its own before the cycle is over. A great way to clean the washroom floor and clothing at the same time. This problem has ruined the part of the ceiling in on recreation room down stairs. I would Never Ever purchase a front loading washer again. The concept sounds great, but try taking the wash out without dropping anything on the floor. Sounds easy, but it isn\'t.
#45 - Johnny P - 10/03/2009 - 00:04
SNAGS SNAGS SNAGS
I have Samsung front loading washer and dryer, both only 4 months old... within the past 2 months we have notices horrible snags on all of the clothing that is made out of any jersey material. My husband's golf shirts are all getting ruined. My kids shorts.. everything. I havent called anyone yet, but I think I will today. I thought I would check on-line to see if I could find anything, and I am blown away by this site! UNBELIEVABLE!
#44 - Jennifer - 10/01/2009 - 07:09
I am having the same problem. My Kenmore frontloading washer is a few years old, but the problem started only recently. I'm very frustrated, as a new washer is definitely not in my budget.
#43 - Jeannie - 09/24/2009 - 10:47
My daughter called me yesterday saying her new front end LG washer/dryer is ruining her clothes - small holes in her tee shirts and her daughters. Called Best Buy where she purchased appliances and basically was told she should try and figure out what the problem was. She told the Best Buy employee it was not her problem and they better get someone over to have a look at it and find out what was causing the tears. Purchased items in June, 2009, when they purchased new home - and they were not cheap!! Seems like a lot of people are experiencing the same problem usually with the front end loader type of machines. Has anyone actually been able to have the problem fixed??
#42 - Susan Hutt - 09/23/2009 - 11:27
Holes in new clothes
My Whirpool duet makes holes in all of my clothes too! Repairman told me that he had no clue why it would do that and had never heard of it happening before. Obviously this is fairly common and expensive problem with many different brands!
#41 - Heather - 09/17/2009 - 10:18
GE front loader tears clothes!!
2 yr old washer snags and spins them in the door until holes burn through them. It only happens to polyester clothes. This washter is garbage, does anyone know how to prevent.
#40 - Patrick - 07/22/2009 - 14:12
WARNING!! Do not buy from Conn's or get the extended warranty!
I have the same frustrating problem with our Whirlpool Front Loader Washing Machine. When I call the service department to schedule an appointment for repair, I have to wait at least a week. Then, when they do arrive the technicians do not seem to know what they are doing. It's as if they have not been trained on the equipment. When I tell them that my clothes are getting shredded in the washing machine, they claim they have never heard of such a thing. They tell me it must be because I have washed something sharp with the wash load. Not so. It's bad enough to have this problem, it's even worse to have paid $4000 for top of the line equipment at Conn's so you could have "quality" & then have this frustrating, costly problem & be told YOU are to blame when it is the INFERIOR design. Even worse yet, is to pay Conn's an additional $450 for an extended warranty and get unskilled kids coming into your home a week later who seem clueless & unprofessional. I'm done with Conn's & Front Loading Washing machines.
#39 - SICK OF CONN'S POOR CUSTOMER SUPPORT! - 07/17/2009 - 09:39
small holes in t-shirt around belly area
i have had same problem, one problem was like holes of the washer drum were indented on some of the clothing, even holes straight through the items, ive found that reducing the spin speed has resolved this. Another problem was small holes in t-shirts around the belly area, i found that it was not the washing machine doing this but a belt that i had worn on my jeans had been causing the holes to apear.
#38 - dianne - 07/10/2009 - 10:18
I, too, have mystery rips in the stomach areas of dressy t-shirts after washing. After the third shirt was ruined, I realized that it is the washer/dryer. It happened with my new Kenmore stacking unit and my old Kenmore stacking unit. I intend to call Sears immediately.
#37 - Melanie - 06/24/2009 - 10:46
I found out the problem with my washer
Hi, my wife had been telling me the washer or dryer was ripping small holes in her shirts. So I decided to look at the washer first. I couldnt see anything that would cause a hole ,but decided to take the aggitater out. This is easy just remove the fabric softener holder and you will see a small bolt head just remove the bolt and the hole thing will slide right out. When I removed it there was a small screw sticking out of one of the larger holes in the tub. The screw was rusty but still sharp at the tip. I removed it and reinstalled the aggitater. I would have never guessed a shirt could get under there but it can and we have not had anymore holes in her shirts.
#36 - shane - 05/26/2009 - 22:17
I to am getting small holes in my T-shirts.
It's driving me crazy. It's a Sears washer that I've had for about 4 years and still running good. However I'm ready to buy something that will stop tearing my clothes.
It's the same small holes in the front of the t-shirt around the belly area.
Someone has to have an answer if this is happening to all of us.
#35 - Pat - 05/26/2009 - 21:32
ME TOO!
This is a very frustrating and expensive situation!! I have a stainless steal drum in my washer, so I decided to look closley with a flashlight, at the holes in the drum itself, only to find, they do have jaged edges. When the holes in the drums are pressed through with a machine from the inside out, there seems to be jagged/sharp edges around the holes on the exterrior of the drum. When the clothes are spun dry during a spin cycle the centrifugal force pushes the thinner material into the holes far enough to catch the jagged edges on the outside of these hundreds of tiny holes for the water to escape, thus snagging the matrerial and causing small holes in the garment. my machine has a stainless drum, what kind do all of you have? stainless, porcelin, or plastic?
#34 - Lee - 05/09/2009 - 12:36
6 shirts in a few months
I had my 6 shirts with tears at the sleeves in the past few months. It is like $500 worth. I wonder if it is because of a problem with the machine or it does it even when new.
#33 - Ozgur Akan - 05/07/2009 - 10:42
washing machine tears holes in clothing
I have a Whirlpool Duet front loader tearing holes in my clothes. Thought it was just my kids ruining them...but the holes/tears are almost exactly the same size, and it happens to the light weight clothes and sheets. A lot of them brand new!! Afraid to wash my stuff!!!! No sharp objects in the drum....
#32 - Alison - 4/2/09 - 04/02/2009 - 16:10
I am having the exact same problem with my GE front loader. I can't believe how many people are having the same problem. I have $100's worth of clothes ruined b/c of it.
#31 - Courtney - 03/30/2009 - 10:11
HE3t
I also have a kenmore HE3t front loader washer putting holes in all of my clothing we all need to get together and figure this problem out. i see their is already ! class action law suit with with washer
#30 - michelle - 03/26/2009 - 16:58
It's the button on Jeans!!!!!! not the washer...that is if your tiny holes are in the abdominal area..check it out for yourself!!!
#29 - STEPHANIE FAUGHT - 03/16/2009 - 21:25
Holes Here Too
I have a GE that's not even a year old yet. I've been getting the tears that look like it's gotten stuck somewhere and collected a bunch of residue from the rinse water. It's happened to several different types of fabric. And I just now figured out that I too have the tiny little holes in t-shirts too. I hadn't made the connection yet. Just figured it was wear on the clothes. Just had the Sears repairman here to tell me there's nothing wrong, even after showing him the clothes. GRRRR!!!
#28 - Shaun Sullivan - 03/09/2009 - 13:14
Wow...I thought I was the only one. I have a top loader Maytag that I've had about 12 years. Never noticed the problem until recently. It's always my light weight jersey t-shirts...tore one of my daughters new jersey dresses to shreds. These holes are the size of the holes in the machine drum...mystery solved (finally!!)After readying all these comments, I have come to the conclusion that it's because of the new light weight t-shirts (most of mine come from Target or Old Navy). The only solution is to try a garment bag or hand wash....no way Hosea!
#27 - Maria - 03/04/2009 - 13:51
I have a 2 year old Bosch Maxx front loader, I have always had the Bosch front loading machines. I use an easycare programme if we have very little to wash, but mostly cotton eco programme. The spin speed is usually at 1300. I never overload the machine and use a branded washing powder which I changed recently. It seems so strange that the holes only appear on jeans, I have washed other cottons, silk and delicate fabrics and it doesn't seem to affect anything else. The other strange occurrence is that the holes only appear at the bottom half of the legs, nowhere else! I haven't seen any moths in our wardrobe and we use moth prevention anyway. Its so costly not to mention frustrating!!
#26 - Marion - 03/01/2009 - 06:36
I too am experiencing holes in my t-shirts. About the diameter of a pencil, and sometimes a couple little holes next to one another. It happens in the center(stomach area), on long sleeves, at the bottom edge and occasionally in cotton underwear. It seems to mainly occur with jersey knits. I don't know what to do because I found another site from the UK, called washerhelp (just google washing machine tears clothes) and you will find it. Apparently this is a commn problem where the items get sucked in to the little holes of the drums on the spin cycle and catch on the inside of the drum. There is a Miele washing machine with a honeycomb drum that has very small pin holes and can prevent this but it is very expensive... My t-shirts are mostly colored so therefore do not get bleach. I was everything except for towels and sheets in cold water. I cannot afford to keep replacing the items and after finding yet another shirt with a hole in it tonight, I was prompted to search this out. Any help would be much appreciated!
#25 - Trish - 02/18/2009 - 20:47
We also have tears and holes
We have lost many hundreds of dollars worth of shirts to the GE Front Loader. It snags and spins them in the door until holes burn through them.
#24 - Kevin Benedict - 02/16/2009 - 18:30
washing machine is tearing up the clothes
Our Kenmore HE 3t front loading washer is putting holes in everything. Today we actually graduated to a shark like gash in my son's flannel pjs.
If anyone knows of a class action suit let me know. It is getting expensive using this appliance!
#23 - jenn - 02/14/2009 - 16:15
Upset shredded
I have a half-button up shirt from Europe that was just torn around the bottom of the button area. I have hand washed it for months and once accidentally washed it and it was fine. This time it got shredded, but maybe I can pull it off or get it repaired. Our machine is crappy and old and the agitator loose....but looks like there's no hope even with new front end loaders :-( sticking to hand washing for now on
#22 - Joey - 02/06/2009 - 18:56
This is the short story...
I have a GE FL from 4/07 and it took me awhile to figure out where the holes were coming from. I have had 3 technician (1 was today) look at the machine and think I was making this up. Holes are everywhere and in everyone’s clothing - always jersey material. I have separated the loads so all of the t-shirts are in their own load. No bleach, very little detergent, no zippers. After the previous 2 technicians were here, I contacted the Electric Insurance Company and was notified that GE didn’t make the machine and passed it onto Frigidaire, who passed it to Electrolux. After the first claim was filed in May and the auditor came in July, I received a letter in November stating that no problem was found and no reimbursement would be given.
I am not sure where to go from here.
#21 - Michelle - 02/04/2009 - 09:22
I have a whirlpool front loader. I bought the washer and the dryer at the same time and immediately starting getting snags on all my lightweight shirts, dresses, handkerchiefs, etc. After last night, I have narrowed it down to the washer. I washed one item that has no zipper, buttons, hooks or anything else and it got the snags. It didn't go in the dryer. Can't feel anything sharp. Don't know what to do
#20 - Nancy Bedada - 01/18/2009 - 19:02
GE front loader washer rips clothes
I'm trying to find more people experiencing ripped clothese with GE front load washers. Please go to:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/edit.php?customize&gid=44790768546#/group.php?gid=44790768546
#19 - Christine - 01/15/2009 - 12:00
Holes in new sheets in GE Washer
I am also getting holes in brand new sheets and pillow cases; also in tshirts and cotton dress shirts. My washer and dryer was purchased 8/15/08 ... started shortly after, but naturally didn't think that could be the problem. The problem has worsened. I did email GE, but have received no reply.
#18 - Henri Russell - 01/13/2009 - 10:39
GE Washer
I too am getting hole but mine are actually rips where the material is getting caught between the door and the bottom of the washer rim. It is ripping my clotes up. I have tried small loads larger loads, nothing seems to matter.

Never will I own anoter front loader... Noting but problems since I got it.
#17 - Ac - 01/01/2009 - 17:42
My washing machine (electrolux) dryer unit (stacking) has begun to rip holes in my cotton garments. Mostly my baby's onsies and my shirts and underwear. I use no bleach or heavy detergents and wash on cold. Can't feel any sharp edges on drum of washer or dryer (not sure which unit is doing the ripping) and do not see any visible defects. Really frustrating and costly.
#16 - Laura Bennett - 10/27/2008 - 10:21
washing machine is cutting my shirts
My machine is a Kenmore front loader. We have only had it a year and it took us awhile to figure out what was causing the small slashes in our jersey knits. I have been all through the machine looking for metal snags but haven't found any- at first I was thinking my children had been getting carried away with scissors, but that isn't it. Then I thought maybe it was because my tshirts are old, but...My husband's brand new polo shirts, all trashed within a few weeks, my children's brand new leggings, anything jersey knit. It is just awful, and crazy expensive. The machine is just off warranty, I don't know what to do- this is ridiculous. I saw one thread that says it is the material being pushed through the holes in the machine, that makes the most sense so far since nothing else makes any sense.
#15 - Leah - 10/20/2008 - 21:22
My holes look like scissors did it and are over an inch long and arched
I have had two separate washing machines at two different times start cutting holes in my clothes. The cuts are anywhere from 1 inch to 4 inches and many times are arced or right-anglish. I don't use bleach on colored clothing and this is happening in light denim so not delicate clothes. I tuck all overall hardwear in snap pockets so not exposed. What is going on? Expensive problem. I have a Whirlpool.
#14 - Candace Sinclair - 09/03/2008 - 13:18
Oh my God! I thought that I was going crazy, and I'm not the only one I see...I have ruined 7,8 of my best new t-shirts and I'm so mad!!! My washing machine makes holes too in the stomach area--tiny ones that can't be fixed! I think its cause the machine is old?? FURSTRATING AS HELL!!!!!!
#13 - elena - 08/28/2008 - 20:09
>-(

8 month old Amana NAH6800 front loader that has started tearing holes in clothes over the past few months as well. At this point, it's ruined a couple of hundred dollars worth of shirts.

Getting this front loader was a serious mistake.
#12 - Milo - 08/23/2008 - 10:45
holes in t-shirt
We have a new front load, GE washer and are having the same problem of holes in mainly cotton t-shirts. The holes are generally oblong about 1/8 to 1/4" in size. I have talked to GE and they haave no reports of this occuring. Have checked the machine and there are no snags;the garments are washed seperately, no zippers, buttons, wires etc. Max spin speed on this machine is 1000 rpm. Anyone have any ideas??
#11 - Richard Carver - 08/08/2008 - 10:20
Kenmore goind Downhill
My Sears Kenmore top loader 700 had oil stains then they replaced it with a 800.
Thought all was ok bu tthen saw tears in expensive cottons and also then white bleach spots in the colored clothes!
Can it be retained in the tub or that silly bleach dispenser?

Anna
#10 - Anna - 07/14/2008 - 08:20
Sun
I have the same problem with my Kenmore Elite HE3 - it made holes in my new clothes and goose-down blanket in winter time. We should start a class action suit.
#9 - J - 07/11/2008 - 01:22
Holes in t-shirts
I, too, am constantly getting small holes in the stomach area of my good t-shirts. I have ruined brand-new shirts because of this. My washer is an old Kenmore top-loader, too. I don't use bleach,I can't find any snags in the tub, and I don't wash large loads.
#8 - Lynn - 06/29/2008 - 11:14
washer model
I was wrong about the make. Bought washer at Sears but this time I went with Whirlpool model WTW53208Q0. Always bought Kenmore in the past and forgot that I switched.
#7 - Doug - 06/26/2008 - 05:30
rips and tears in shirt armpits
I do not have the model number handy but yes, I have a Sears Kenmore washer and the problem started immediately after purchasing it. I will look up the model number later. I have brand new shirts ruined over and over. I thought it was my cat so I quit leaving shirts on the floor. I thought it was my laptop bag strap so I removed the strap and quit slinging it over my shoulder. I thought it was the downy ball so I quit using it. Still have ruined shirts. Problem can be either armpit and rips are always similar.
#6 - Doug - 06/25/2008 - 05:23
I wonder if any one has a Sears Kenmore Washer Model 119.26742500. It does the same thing. I believe it's a design flaw in the agitator thats causing the problem.
#5 - Ed - 05/20/2008 - 12:26
washing machine holes in clothes
I am also getting holes in clothes. I have tried reducing the load. Only washing clothes where there are no zips of buttons. I have just handwashed 2 t-shirts and spun on 800rpm and I now have 2 holes in one of the t-shirts. This is crazy.
#4 - Allsion - 05/18/2008 - 03:27
washing machime tears and holes in clothing
Since the purchase of our german made washing machine I have discovered that my shirts are now showing small holes in the sleeves - both sleeves in almost identical positions/sizes. I had thought that this was caused by the garments being pegged on the clothes line, but this still occurred when garments were not hung to dry outside. I blamed the Iron, thinking that these holes were predominantly opposite the buttons on the sleeve - but great care has since been taken to ensure this is not the case. It must be the washing machine, although no obvious defects have been detected.
It is costing me a fortune in replacing my business shirts!
#3 - Colin - 04/30/2008 - 02:46
washing machime tears and holes in clothing
I'm getting the same problem too and wonder if my machine is bad? I've checked the inside for snags and like you guys have said, the holes are always in the same spot. It doesn't matter if it's a big load, small load, darks, lights, bleach, no bleach...new shirts or old, they are all getting those annoying, tiny little holes. I would love to know how to prevent them or better yet, what is causing them!!!! Any ideas?
#2 - Maria - 04/22/2008 - 19:44
washing machime tears and holes in clothing
I am getting the same exact problem
the holes are always in the same area
about 1/16 in diameter 2 or 3 of them

please let me know if you find out
#1 - jason - 03/16/2008 - 17:38
washing machime tears and holes in clothing
Why am I geting washing machime "holes" in clothing, both that are washED with and witout any bleach?
It is always on t-shIrts right in The stomach area of t shirts and are like small 1/16th of an inch holes- about 6 scattered in THAT SAME AREA IN A 5 INCH SPAN.
?????
HELP PLEASE!
#0 - patrick tenore sr - 09/09/2007 - 11:17
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