Help -pin head holes in thin cotton tops

[haggis01]

This is driving me mad! I keep getting pinhead holes in only my very thin cotton or cotton/lycra mix tops sometimes after only one wear. The holes always appear just below my belly button region on the top and are not linear in pattern.

At first I thought it was moths and had huge clear out and put month retardent in drawers but it doesn't affect my DP who shares the chest of drawers. Also when I have had moths in the past they chomped on my cashmere and lambswool and never touched lycra mixes.

Searched on the web and found others with this problem but no idea as to its source. My DP suggested my zips were doing it or perhaps leaning against the kitchen counter (maybe after using cleaning products).

As the tops are washed the holes get larger so the cost is a frustration also my DD (18) has now had it happen to two tops she only bought last month.

Any thoughts gratefully received.

Argh, this happens to me too. Could it be bags/zips catching or something?

Wouldlove to know how to stop it though, some of my favourite clothes have gone this way.

I get this too - I am very short and always having to lean against the sink, kitchen worktops so I have put it down to the cleaning products being the cause. It isn't nice for you but I am reassured to know that I am not the only one!

Your belt catching and making a tiny hole?

If it's always around the waist area it is mostly likely caused by a belt.

Hi sis - I am short too 5'2" but my DD is 5'8". It never used to happen to my clothes (perhaps the tops were thicker cotton)but the fact the holes are always in the same place discounts bugs etc and does seem to point towards chemicals. Have to wear an apron religiously from now on!

I get this mostly on thin cotton tops - Next tops are often affected.

I am also in the chemicals on the worktops camp.

Other suggestions for this on previous threads have been belts, car seat belts or a mixture of them all.

I don't wear belts and mostly walk or have a cardigan/coat on in the car. Scary thought if it is cleaner as I tend to use the Method and Ecover ones

I have this too; usually with slightly "better" brands. i.e. never a problem with Asda tops, but a few items from White Stuff and Debenhams/M&S have suffered.

Some of the WS labels say not to use biological powder. I try to use woollite or similar on delicate tops.

I only put them in the tumble dryer for a few moments to remove creases/start off the drying process but I wondered if the dryer balls were causing a problem so I remove them now.

Also until recently I had a very old washing machine and I wondered if it was a bit rough on the fabric?

I am fairly vigilant re chemical; i.e. hardly use any and am very cautious re bleach etc. If it was bleach/harsh chemicals would that not be more likely to leave a mark/discoloration rather than holes?

My sister had this problem and she eventually discovered (via the powers of the internet) that it was her washing machine.

The washing machine theory is very interesting - will try handwash or putting in washbags for delicates. This problem has got worse since I moved into my house a year ago and there was an integrated machine here.

Large holes appearing in clothes has definitely been because of my old washing machine. These holes appeared on my clothes anywhere.

But the small holes that I am talking about here are just a the front of some tops, around belly button height. I think are caused by chemicals on work surfaces weakening the fabric and then the roughness of the edge of the work surface gradually working away at the fabric.

I don't wear belts, so it can't be that on my clothes.