Fabric Damage - Causes and Prevention Although fabric damage can occur during the laundering process, it is very unlikely for the damage to be the fault of the washer. Fabric damage is most often caused before the item is laundered or due to oversights in laundering procedures. There are a number of ways clothing can become damaged with holes, tears or fraying, including: Age and Normal Wear Under conditions of normal use and wear, fibers eventually age and become more easily torn or frayed under stress. Items such as towels, washcloths and bedding are most often frayed due to age and normal use. Collar tips and cuffs are usually damaged due to abrasion during normal wear. Chemical Damage Contact with strong chemicals such as undiluted chlorine bleach, battery acid, hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl peroxide (found in acne medications), hairdresser solutions, etc., can cause holes and tears. In many cases the tearing will not occur immediately, but after a period of time and/or several washings. Edges around the hole will be weak and tear very easily. Misuse of chlorine bleach is the most common cause of tearing. Recommendations for bleach use in washers are approximately 1/2 cup for a small load, 3/4 cup for a medium load and 1 cup for a large load. Dilute bleach in 4 parts of water before adding to a washer without a dispenser. Models with a bleach dispenser do not need to have bleach diluted. However, add the bleach before placing clothes into the washer to avoid accidentally spilling it on the clothes. If bleach is inadvertently spilled while pouring, use a paper towel to wipe up the spill. Poor Construction Examine the construction of items closely before purchasing. Seams, hems, buttonholes, etc., may start to show wear before the rest of the garment due to unfinished edges or poor construction. In addition, holes and tears not mended before laundering may get bigger. Snagging Snags in cotton knits may happen during wear. Often they are unnoticed prior to laundering, but become small holes after washing or drying. Zippers and hooks may also snag items if left open during the laundering process. Close all zippers, hooks and eyes. Unremoved pins, ornaments or trim may damage fabrics in the same manner. Remove any such items before laundering. Improper Loading On occasion, small items with straps or lace can become caught under the agitator or snagged by other items. Using a mesh bag for these items is recommended. Overloading If too many items are in the washbasket, they cannot circulate freely. This can result in excessive abrasion or snagging. For best results, a top loading washer should be loaded loosely with dry, unfolded clothes, not to exceed the top row of holes in the tub. In addition, it is important to use plenty of water for the size of the load. Front loading washers can be loaded completely full of dry clothes, but not packed tightly. Sunlight Damage Tearing and discoloration can also occur over time to items exposed to sunlight. Because the fibers are weakened by the sunlight, the stress of laundering or dry-cleaning may then cause holes and tearing. This damage is generally irreversible.