Silly Laundry Problem

Parent Cafe
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<p>I’ve noticed that a number of my cotton tees and tank tops come out of the washing machine with tiny, tiny holes, usually a small cluster of 4 or 5 that are located just above the edge of the shirt (probably just below the belly button area). This has happened with tees and tanks from places like the Gap and Banana Republic as well more expensive brands like–Three Dots and James Perse that I’ve purchased at Bloomingdales or Nordstroms. I find that it’s more likely to happen with the tees that are 95% cotton with 5% spandex. I’ve got a few tees from Eddie Bauer that are fine. Also, it never happens with thicker cottons, like hooded sweatshirts.</p>

<p>I use Tide Free and Clear or Method detergent–I don’t use bleach and for drying I’ll use the fabric softening sheets from these two brands as well. I use warm water and I’ve got a fairly new (4 year old) washing machine (front loading Neptune Maytag) and dryer. </p>

<p>A friend thought it might be moths, but I don’t have the problem with any of my other clothes–just the cotton tees and tanks. </p>

<p>Anyone know what the problem might be???</p>

2

<p>Have you started wearing a belly button ring? :)</p>

<p>Seriously, check the pants that you most often wear with those shirts - I had a pair of jeans that the button in the front had a little sharp piece of metal sticking out… when I tucked in the shirt, it would get snagged.</p>

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<p>I had the same thing happen to two of my new shirts. They were from Gap or Old Navy. I was wondering if it was my belt somehow, but I never had a problem with the belt before. I’m glad to know it’s not just me!</p>

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<p>I would suspect the spandex as the main culprit (it is the main cause of swimsuit degradation), but you are saying you have the same problem with purely cotton tees. Hmmm… I second checking the buttons and zippers on the pants.</p>

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<p>It happens to me, too, I think it is the metal button on jeans</p>

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<p>Spandex dissolves in bleach.</p>

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<p>I also have this problem with my tanks and my daughter does not. I wear a belt, she doesn’t. I just assumed it was a combination of my belt and the fabric.</p>

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<p>Any rough spots on the inside of your washer? Though that wouldn’t explain the location of the holes…</p>

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<p>Do you wash the shirts in a load with zippered pants? It took me a little while to catch on to the fact that the open zippers could snag the material in t-shirts, tanks, etc. Now I always zip up all zippers before doing laundry.</p>

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<p>^ Oh, that’s interesting CBB. I’ll have to remember that.</p>