Use a mesh laundry bag for delicate items (lingerie, thin cotton shirts, sweaters).

Turn clothes inside out before washing. This protects the outer surface from abrasion.

Zip zippers and fasten hooks before washing (prevents snagging).

Don’t overload the washer. Clothes need room to move freely.

Use the gentle cycle for delicate fabrics.

Use cold or warm water (hot water weakens fibers over time).

Skip the fabric softener (it coats fibers and can make them more prone to snagging).

Remove clothes from the dryer promptly while slightly damp. Finish drying on a rack.

In Your Closet:
Inspect your washer’s agitator for rough spots.

Store wool and silk items in airtight containers (prevents moths).

Hang delicate items (don’t fold them where they can rub against each other).

Rotate your wardrobe (don’t wear the same shirt every week).

In Your Daily Routine:
Tuck in your shirt when wearing pants with rivets or belts.

Remove jewelry before changing clothes.

Trim your pets’ claws.

Sand down rough edges on furniture.

When to Replace (Not Repair)
Some holes aren’t worth fixing. Here’s when to let go.

Repair if:

The hole is small (less than ¼ inch)

The fabric is otherwise in good condition

The garment is expensive or sentimental

Replace if:

The fabric is thin or threadbare around the hole

There are multiple holes

The garment is cheap to replace

You’ve repaired the same hole multiple times

Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my shirts always get holes in the same spot?
That’s a clue. A consistent hole location points to a specific cause: bottom hem holes likely come from belt buckles or agitators; chest holes likely come from bra underwires or leaning on counters; underarm holes likely come from friction or poor fit.

Do front-loading washers cause fewer holes?
Yes. Front-loading washers don’t have agitators. They’re much gentler on clothes.

Can fabric softener cause holes?
Indirectly. Fabric softener coats fibers, which can make them weaker over time. It can also cause buildup on the washer drum, which can create rough spots.

Are expensive clothes more resistant to holes?
Not necessarily. Expensive clothes may use higher-quality fabric, but they can still be damaged by sharp edges, abrasion, and heat.