Could washing gel be causing holes??

[Losingthewill8]

Hi. I use Ariel excel gel and have discovered little holes in 6 tops !

The holes are all in the same area, below the waist, further down than where the button of jeans/trousers sit.

Anyone have a similar problem?

Or can anyone shed any light on to what could be causing it?

If on your tops rather than dc, I think it is leaning against kitchen worktops or similar - rubs.
I used to get this a lot when I worked at a bench in a lab

Another vote for worktops (or similar).

Same thing happened to me after we got a new kitchen with granite worktops.

Now I wear an apron like a sad 1950s housewife...

or Moths in the wardrobe...remove all clothes hot wash and clean out wardrobe - hot iron as far as possible to kill any eggs/grubs which cause the holes

It probably isn't ruining your clothes but it will wreck your machine. Gel causes gunky build up and can cause your machine to smell. Most washing machine engineers / plumbers advise against it and advocate powder instead.

I get this too. I think it's when I wear a belt. It's really annoying.

Hi. Thanks for the replies.

Sad that I am, I always wear an apron, blame home economics in school!

Belts, don't wear them.

Moths, hmmm, I don't think so, cause how would they know to eat the same area in each top?! Clever perhaps, but doubt that clever.

Perhaps I throw all affected tops, change the liquid.....and watch to see if it stops.

Thanks again

I lost a bunch of tops to moths last year - the little holes were in similar places on each top as it was the most accessible bit for the moths based on how I had them folded in my cupboard.

What are the tops made of? Moths don't really go for synthetic fibres, only natural ones.

I wouldn't rule it out. Laundry detergents have been discontinued before for this reason. I'm not familiar with it but "excel" sounds potentially like one of those souped up, extra powerful versions that have caused problems in the past.

You could try a standard bio detergent for a couple of weeks to compare?

I have had moths destroy clothes for the first time. I got some natural lavender sachets from Lakeland. I didn't know about the ironing technique, thanks.

My family buy me funky aprons, I am a short person which makes it harder to avoid touching work tops with my stomach when I have to reach over on tippy toes to wipe things at the back or above.

I got this for a while too, tiny hole just around the waistband. Never got to the bottom of what was causing it but it stopped. Lost a few of my fav tops to this issue!

There have been many threads about this on mumsnet over the years and the consensus is that the holes are caused by friction against your garments.
Having worked in the laundry industry for many years I can categorically tell you that Ariel Excel Gel is not causing the holes.

I'll get lavender sachets just in case.

Tops are a mix of fabrics. The one at the moment is viscose and elastin.

I think I'll change soap powders/liquid and keep an eye on the friction thing!

Again, thank you.

Bras!!! We used to get this all the time and it drove me mad! Checking the washer, wardrobe, belts etc. Started doing my bras up in the wash and it stopped, the little hooks were clicking the tshirts etc.

Seat belt in car where it goes across the waist. Also sitting at a desk at work, if you lean against the edge.

I get these, it's caused by friction from my jeans button!

Seatbelt and jeans button! My OH gets them really badly off centre, he drives and wears a belt. I used to get them on my work tshirts when he regularly drove me to work and back.

It could be the zip on jeans, where the teeth catch on anything tucked in.

If you have small DC I think it's off the velcro on Thier shoes when you carry them !!

I have this. I'm convinced it is friction - rubbing can happen against anything, even just the waistband of your jeans is quite a hard surface - combined with modern t shirt fabrics being weaker than they used to be. The rubbing weakens the threads and then the washing process finishes the job and breaks the weakened thread creating a hole. It is always the slubby or very drapey t shirts, usually the more expensive ones grrr, that go first. The more old fashioned thick cotton t shirts (think Fruit of the Loom) are fine.

DH has these on his T shirts, none on mine. I blame sparks from the BBQ.

Worktops or safety belt in car does it with mine.

Catching top in jeans zipper, IMO.

I get these on my clothes too in exactly the same place & it's driving me nuts.

Definitely not to do with detergent though, as I use non-bio powder.

Going to try fastening bras from now on & see if it makes a difference.