2. Your Washing Machine May Be Catching the Fabric
Laundry can be surprisingly rough on clothing.
A small snag or tear can occur when fabric catches on a rough edge, damaged component, zipper, hook, or other object inside the washer.
Before blaming the machine, check your clothing carefully.
A Few Simple Laundry Habits Help
- Turn delicate clothing inside out.
- Close zippers before washing.
- Fasten hooks and other closures.
- Use mesh laundry bags for delicate items.
- Don’t overload the washer.
- Separate delicate fabrics from rougher garments.
If you repeatedly discover holes after washing, inspect the inside of the washer drum carefully for anything sharp or rough.
3. The Dryer Can Contribute to Damage
The dryer can also put stress on clothing.
High temperatures, tumbling, and repeated drying cycles can weaken some fabrics over time.
This doesn’t mean you have to stop using your dryer altogether.
Instead, check the care label and choose a gentler temperature when appropriate.
For delicate clothing, air-drying can be a simple way to reduce unnecessary wear.
4. Zippers and Fasteners Can Snag Clothes
Sometimes the culprit isn’t the washing machine at all.
A zipper from another garment can catch on a shirt and pull the fabric during washing or wearing.
Bras, hooks, Velcro, metal buttons, and other fasteners can cause similar problems.
Try This
Before putting clothes in the washer, close zippers and fasten hooks.
Turn garments with delicate fabrics inside out.
When possible, wash fragile items separately from clothing with rough hardware.
A few extra seconds of preparation can prevent a surprising amount of damage.
5. Moths and Other Fabric Pests
Of course, insects can cause holes in clothing—but they’re not always the explanation.
Certain clothes moth larvae can damage natural fibers such as wool and other animal-based materials.
If you suspect fabric pests, look for additional clues rather than focusing on one hole.
You might notice:
- Multiple irregular holes
- Damage to stored clothing
- Shed larval skins
- Webbing or debris in dark storage areas
- Damage to wool, cashmere, fur, or other susceptible materials
Closets and drawers that remain dark and undisturbed can provide favorable conditions for fabric pests.
