Why Your Clothes Keep Getting Tiny Holes — The Surprising Laundry Mistake That Could Be Destroying Your Wardrobe

Another common source of damage is metal hardware. Open zippers, jean buttons, belt buckles, bra hooks, and decorative fasteners can scrape delicate fabrics during washing and drying. Cotton T-shirts, sleepwear, athletic clothing, and lightweight knits are especially vulnerable. What starts as minor friction eventually turns into noticeable holes after repeated wash cycles.

Overloading the washing machine makes matters worse. When clothes are packed too tightly, they cannot move freely through the water. Instead, they rub aggressively against each other, creating extra tension and wear. High dryer temperatures can further weaken fabric fibers, making them more likely to tear.

Fortunately, preventing this damage is usually easy. Turn clothes inside out before washing, zip up all zippers, use mesh laundry bags for delicate items, and avoid mixing heavy garments like jeans and towels with lightweight clothing. It also helps to avoid overloading the washer and to use lower dryer heat settings whenever possible.