Can a Washing Machine Cause Holes in Clothes? A Troubleshooting Guide
Explore how washing machines can damage fabrics, the signs to watch for, diagnostic steps, and practical fixes to prevent holes in clothes.
Yes—washing machines can damage fabrics and create holes through aggressive agitation, sharp drum edges, or snagging on metal components. Most cases arise from loading practices, fabric wear, or damaged parts rather than a mysterious fault. Start by checking for obvious culprits, then adjust load size and settings; stop using the machine if you find holes forming.
Can a washing machine really cause holes in clothes? A direct answer with practical context
Yes, a washing machine can cause holes in clothes under certain conditions, especially if fabrics are loaded too heavily, if there are hidden burrs on the drum, or if fasteners like zippers snag on the interior. The question can washing machine cause holes in clothes is more than theoretical—it's a real concern for anyone laundering delicate fabrics or items with closures. According to Best Washing Machine analysis, most fabric holes trace back to loading practices, fabric weakness, or foreign objects left in pockets rather than random machine faults. To reduce risk, separate heavy items from delicates, use gentler cycles for light fabrics, and inspect garments for sharp hardware before washing.
Keep this guidance in mind as you troubleshoot any holes: remember to check for obvious culprits first, then work your way through a systematic inspection of the machine and the load.
The main culprits: drum abrasions, agitator wear, and sharp edges
Fabric holes aren’t always the result of a single issue. The strongest suspects are: (1) a rough or damaged drum interior that rubs against fabrics, (2) a protruding agitator or worn fins that snag threads, and (3) sharp internal components or burrs around the door seal or screws that can cut fibers on contact. Foreign objects like metal snaps, zipper teeth, and even broken jewelry can leave puncture-like holes if they migrate into the drum. Based on Best Washing Machine Analysis, 2026, many incidents stem from items left in pockets or overloading rather than a manufacturing defect. Regularly check pockets, zip closures, and the interior for rough edges, and consider using a mesh laundry bag for small garments and delicate fabrics.
How to tell if the damage came from washing vs wear
Distinguish machine-caused holes from general wear by looking for patterns. Holes that appear in random spots across various garments, especially near seams or along edges, suggest an internal issue or a snag with the drum. Holes that correspond to specific fabrics (like knits) or to garments with rough closures might indicate wear or improper loading rather than a machine fault. Track when holes appear: after a strenuous wash cycle, after loading with heavy items, or after washing with items that have metal hardware. Identifying the pattern helps you target the right fix and avoid unnecessary repairs.
Diagnostic flow: symptom → diagnosis → fix (summary narrative)
If you notice holes after a cycle, start with the simplest checks: inspect pockets and closures, remove any jewelry, and run a light load on a gentle cycle. If the problem persists, assess the drum interior for rough edges, inspect the door seal for tears, and examine agitator components for wear. Should you find sharp edges or damaged parts, stop using the machine until you replace or repair them. As a rule, always unplug before any inspection, and avoid running cycles when you suspect a part is compromised.
Prevention and practical fixes you can implement now
- Load smaller, balanced loads and separate fabrics by weight and texture.
- Remove all items with zippers, hooks, or metal embellishments, or place them in laundry bags.
- Use gentler cycles for delicate fabrics and avoid high agitation modes for wool or synthetics.
- Regularly inspect the drum interior, door seal, and agitator for burrs or wear; smooth rough edges with the appropriate tools or replace the part as needed.
- Clean filters and lint screens; a clogged system can indirectly cause snagging and damage.
- If you must wash items with hardware, consider pre-checking and protecting with a garment bag.
When to seek professional help and what to expect
If you observe persistent holes despite addressing loading and obvious hardware, it’s time to call a technician. A professional can inspect internal components, verify drum integrity, and check seals, hoses, and fasteners for wear. Expect diagnosis to include a careful exterior and interior inspection, a test run to reproduce the issue, and a clear repair plan with parts cost estimates. The Best Washing Machine team emphasizes safety; never attempt high-risk fixes beyond basic cleaning and inspection.
Real-world scenarios and myths debunked
There are myths that all holes come from the machine itself. In reality, most incidents involve user behavior (heavy loads, rough fabrics, forgotten items in pockets) or worn parts that become hazardous with repeated cycles. Separating loads by fabric type and performing routine inspections can significantly reduce the risk. If you’re unsure, treat visible damage as a warning sign and consult a professional before continuing to wash affected garments.
Steps
Estimated time: 60-90 minutes
- 1
Power off and inspect the visible load
Unplug the machine and remove all clothes. Check pockets for coins, zippers, or sharp hardware. Rebalance the remaining items to reduce movement during the wash.
Tip: Always unplug before inspecting or handling internal parts. - 2
Check for obvious drum roughness
Visually inspect the drum interior for burrs, sharp edges, or loose bolts. If you feel rough spots while turning the drum by hand, stop and pursue a professional assessment.
Tip: Do not attempt to sand or file metal parts yourself. - 3
Inspect the door seal and hoses
Look for cracks, tears, or hardened areas on the door seal. Check hoses for bulges or cracks that could snag fabrics during cycles.
Tip: Wipe seals clean to prevent fabric catching on residue. - 4
Run a non-load test cycle
Run an empty or very light-weight cycle on a gentle setting to observe if the drum spins smoothly and without catching.
Tip: Stop the test if you hear grinding or see abnormal movement. - 5
Remove and replace worn parts
If you identify worn agitator fins, a damaged drum, or a faulty seal, schedule replacement with a qualified technician or order OEM parts.
Tip: Use manufacturer-recommended parts for compatibility. - 6
Document and monitor
Keep a note of when holes occur and after what loading conditions. This helps in diagnosing recurring issues and prevents blind repairs.
Tip: A simple log can save time during service visits.
Diagnosis: Visible holes or snags in clothes after washing
Possible Causes
- highOverloading causing excessive fabric rubbing
- mediumRough drum interior or burrs
- mediumProtruding agitator or worn fins
- lowForeign metal objects (zippers, snaps) in cycle
Fixes
- easyReduce load size and balance items; use gentler cycles for delicate fabrics
- mediumInspect drum interior for burrs, smooth or replace damaged parts as needed
- mediumCheck agitator for wear; replace if loose or damaged
- easyRemove items with metal hardware from pockets; use garment bags for protection
FAQ
Can a washing machine really cause holes in clothes, or is it just wear?
Holes can result from a combination of factors including overloading, rough drum surfaces, or worn agitators. It’s not just wear; improper loading and hardware can contribute. Inspect the machine and adjust loading practices to reduce risk.
Holes can come from several issues, including overloading and rough drum parts. Check your loading and inspect the drum to reduce risk.
What are the signs that a drum edge is damaging clothing?
Look for nicks or burrs on the drum interior and feel for rough spots with your fingers (carefully, with the machine unplugged). If you notice damage, stop using the cycle and seek replacement or professional service.
Run your finger along the drum edge with the machine unplugged to feel for rough spots; stop using it if you find damage.
What should I check first if holes appear after a wash?
First check pockets for metal items, inspect the door seal, and assess load size. If the machine looks clean, review whether you ran a heavy cycle on delicate fabrics. These steps catch common causes before seeking repairs.
Check pockets, inspect the seal, and review the load and cycle settings to identify common causes.
Should I stop washing delicate fabrics if holes appear?
Yes—cease washing delicate fabrics in aggressive cycles until you identify and fix the cause. Use gentler settings or hand wash delicate items to prevent further damage.
If you see holes, switch delicate items to gentler care or hand wash them for safety.
When should I replace the machine due to damage?
If multiple components show wear, or if the drum or seals repeatedly cause damage after professional servicing, replacement may be more economical than repeated repairs. A technician can provide a cost estimate and options.
If repeated repairs are needed or damage recurs after service, replacement may be the wiser choice.
How can I prevent holes in future washes?
Preventive steps include proper loading, removing hardware, using protective bags, and regular maintenance. Following best practices reduces the likelihood of fabric holes and extends appliance life.
Load properly, protect delicates, and maintain the machine to prevent future holes.
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The Essentials
- Load smaller, balanced batches to reduce fabric rubbing
- Inspect for drum burrs and sharp edges regularly
- Remove metal hardware from pockets before washing
- Use gentle cycles for delicate fabrics and knitwear
- Seek professional help for persistent or uncertain damage
