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Housekeeping

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Original poster

Those strange little holes that randomly appear on the front of tops???

123 replies

PuppyMonkey · 25/05/2011 13:30

I'm sure we've talked about them on here on numerous occasions. Did we ever solve the mystery?

The teeny tiny ones on the front of light/cotton tops, just at belly button level. Never anywhere else on the garment.

Not moths.

I'm getting bleddy fed up of them. Angry

OP posts:
DorisIsAPinkDragon · 28/05/2011 23:51

I have these too, but I think mine is a combination of things, cleaning products spray (not rubbing contact) as they are such perfect round holes (most of them) they look like droplets from the spray gun. (I use quite a strong product Cillit bang) so damge to the fabric is more likely. (my mum always used really old clothes to clean I'm trying to get into the habit too).

I also had a prolem wih a belt snagging (don't use that anymore.

enidroach · 30/05/2011 13:52

had this for a few years now - same belly button type place - hate it! as it costs so much money replacing tops (and not only cheap ones). I too have come to the conclusion that it is caused by leaning against worktops (maybe wet from the sink involved too) especially GRANITE ones. Have started to wear an apron when cleaning/cooking and my new tops have not got holes. It seems to happen on thinish cotton and very fine cotton knits but not thicker tops.

Deaddei · 30/05/2011 14:02

I was ironing yesterday and found 2 tops with these damn holes in...but mine were at the back.
Not cotton/wool items, but viscose tankers and cardis.
Gap clothes are pretty good (or bad) for this.

Deaddei · 30/05/2011 14:03

Tshirts not tankers...why did my iPad predict that for Christ's sake?

SixtyFootDoll · 30/05/2011 14:06

It can't be woktops as DSs get them in their t shirts too. If it was worktop their holes would be chest height not belly button. Also ahppens on some of their good quality 'Quiksilver' t shirts. Most odd. Haven't noticed them on any of DHs tops.

GreenTeapot · 30/05/2011 14:20

I love this thread! I have this problem. Mostly in cheap t-shirts (though that's all I wear Blush, mostly Matalan and George), always belly level. I blame worktops too because if I look carefully in the light the area's also got a sort of patchy bleached sheen. I also have got loads more this year than ever before. What sort of washing up liquid do we all use? I used to use Morning Fresh and didn't have this trouble. Maybe there's something to the "fairy" theory after all!

TheEarthIsFlat · 30/05/2011 22:22

I'm much more cynical than all of you. I think it's the plastic tags they put through everything nowadays, either the ones we cut off and completely forget about, or something else earlier on in the production line. It definitely didn't used to happen as much.

ja9 · 30/05/2011 22:25

Brilliant thread! Some crackers 'causes' listed. Grin

hillyhilly · 30/05/2011 22:30

I have granite worktops and the problem definitely got much worse when I got them. The chemicals thIng makes some sense too.

Bellagio · 30/05/2011 22:40

Grrrrrrrrr! These drive me mad! I remember the last thread on the subject, not sure I'm convinced on the worktop theory but we do have granite and some of my tops are flimsy.
It is only me that it a victim in this house though.
Do you reckon they're some kind of virus? A sort if MN-pox that appears from too much timewasting on here?
Grin
Just a theory...

SixtyFootDoll · 30/05/2011 22:57

Well my work tops are wood....

MrsFlittersnoop · 30/05/2011 23:02

Schmokerrs have this problem all the time. Blim burns.

Original poster
PuppyMonkey · 31/05/2011 16:01

If only Arthur C Clarke's Mysterious World was still on. Grin

OP posts:
DorisIsAPinkDragon · 31/05/2011 20:14

my work tops are wood too, that's why I think it's more likely to be chemical based.

Maybe I need to write to simon mayo's (Radio 2) help with homework spot (most of the things on there aren't really homework..)

SixtyFootDoll · 31/05/2011 22:49

Ok ds had one of these holes appear today at chest level on a new t-shirt. Worn once, into machine, noticed small hole on ironing at chest height. Odd.

celadon · 31/05/2011 22:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

michelleseashell · 01/06/2011 15:41

I sew them up. If you look closely at my favourite tops, most of them have little bits sewn up. Mend and make do!

seemsiwasntloved · 03/06/2011 21:56

Oh dear! I got lairy with M&S Customer Services & caused a right old scene until they promised to refund me on FIVE tops over the last fortnight.

Seems I owe them an apology. Thought I was the only this happened to.

shodatin · 03/06/2011 23:33

Taking washing from machine yesterday, had to remove bra from front (waist level) of tee-shirt as a hook was actually in a small hole there, with another few small holes nearby, so I definitely know how these happened, but no idea why at that specific place.

doodledaisy · 03/06/2011 23:41

Does anyone else get them on their bottoms also? No? Just me then!

fusspot66 · 03/06/2011 23:49

I've had this this last year. First on a nice very new White Stuff top which had been a gift. Blamed my belt. Then several more tops went. Blamed carrying clingy baby boy around. The thought of moths... ugh...

FebreezeYourJeans · 03/06/2011 23:55

LBC came to the chemicals on worktops conclusion too.

MrsDmitriTippensKrushnic · 04/06/2011 00:08

I get them, but I know where mine come from - they're from standing too close to the BBQ and getting red hot ash flicked on me when DH fans the coals. I've put the little smoulders out far too many times Smile Are any of you smokers? Maybe it's fag ash...

spamm · 04/06/2011 01:45

Just to let you know that it s not just a UK phenomenon - I have this in a few tops which i have bought since moving to the USA. My soft Gap t-shirts all are developing those holes at belly button height - grrrrrrrr.

And I do not smoke, BBQ is gas....

IdontknowwhyIcare · 04/06/2011 10:14

I think its washing powder. Maybe you get a little grease mark or something and then the washing powder goes to work and dissolves the grease leaving the fabric a bit weakened? Although I do in theory agree with the chemical droplets but I use wipes not sprays and it still happens to me and on some quite thick cotton jersey tops.
I do try using an apron now for all kitchen and cleaning work.