Help ! My washing machine is putting holes in my clothes

POUNDSAVER_2 · 13 March 2008 at 12:20PM

:mad: I bought a hotpoint washing machine last July. Since probably the autumn we have been finding small holes appearing in our clothes - mainly t shirts. Firstly I put this down to maybe out cats clawing the clothes, but it has happened so much recently I know its not that. My mum suggested moths - we definately do not have moths !! The final straw was yesterday - I put on my best (and most expensive) top straight off the clothes horse and there were 2 holes in the front which I know where not there before it went into the washer. Researching on the internet it has become apparent that this is common occurence with new washing machines. I have washed everything at the right temperature and spin speed so it isn't that - its the machine at fault.

I am still within the 12 month guarantee but I'm wondering whether to insist that they replace the washer or refund me or do I give them opportunity to fix the problem first ? I seem to remember something on Watchdog about this a while back and the lady got her machine replaced and compensation for the ruined clothes. The clothes we have had ruined run into at least 3 figures already. I am not happy !! Any advice appreciated please - should I threaten them with Watchdog or is there someother consumer organisation I can refer this to ?

Thanks Moneysavers !

superscaper · 13 March 2008 at 12:38PM

POUNDSAVER wrote: »

My mum suggested moths - we definately do not have moths !!

Well you'd definitely notice. Moths don't eat clothes, only the larvae do. And of course they don't eat synthetic materials.

First approach the retailer you bought it from, they're responsible for selling you a product not fit for purpose. If you need help if that gets you nowhere then there's always the citizens advice bureau, trading standards, consumer direct. I don't honestly think namedropping Watchdog really does anything.

BillScarab · 13 March 2008 at 1:15PM

This is an excellent site with lots of advice on Washin Machines, including an article on holes in clothes

http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/topics/holes/holes-in-clothes.html

shogs · 13 March 2008 at 1:27PM

This has happended to me previously & I normally put it down to overfilling my washing machine. Try putting less in???

david1976 · 13 March 2008 at 2:14PM

i agree with Shogs, it sounds like you are over filling the machine causing the clothes to press against the holes in the drum. When the machine spins, this will catch and cause tears.

glidergirluk · 13 March 2008 at 3:51PM

I had a washing machine that ripped my clothes up and yes it was under a year old. I complained and they took the machine away and gave me a full refund so I could buy a different make if I wanted (this was very handy as I was moving back home for a year so didnt really need a new washing machine!)

jrangi · 13 March 2008 at 3:56PM

We have exactly the same problem with a hotpoint, it was down to one of the internal drum handles had broken. Have a look inside, it could be that it has broken/come off and it was taken away with a load of clothes without noticing.

Merlot · 13 March 2008 at 4:01PM

I had exactly with same problem with my Bosch, do you wear underwire bras, if so, check you drum, you may have a wire sticking up and tearing holes in your clothes, I telephoned John Lewis after 6 months of buying, they wouldn't refund but did get an Engineer out to fix it (mine needed a replacement drum, and no bra wires were found), although I am still not exactly happy with it, no longer puts holes in the clothes, but if doesn't clean as well as my 10 year Indesit.

Rub your hand around the drum and feel for sharp bits, then get a hammer and knock it down...only do that if out of warranty though, which you are not yet.

TomsMom · 13 March 2008 at 5:30PM

When I had my old Hotpoint washing machine serviced a few years ago (by a very good independent engineer - no ties to any make) we were discussing what to look for when I eventually bought a new machine.

His advice was to not go for anything above 1000rpm spin speed. Reason? Fast spin speeds force the clothes through the holes in the drum sometimes resulting in damage to clothes.

When I did buy my next machine it was in fact another Hotpoint and with a spin speed of 1000rpm. Most machines now seem to have a lot faster spin speed and possibly 1000rpm is hard to find.

Also, my d-i-l had a problem with her Whirlpool washer and holes in clothes, it took many visits by Whirlpool's engineer and a lot of "discussion" but eventually they got compensated for the damaged clothes and a new washing machine so you have to assusme that Whirlpool accepted the machine was at fault.

Fran · 13 March 2008 at 6:33PM

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Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email abuse@moneysavingexpert.com.

abwsco · 13 March 2008 at 7:58PM

There is definately a problem with some Hotpoint machines. My next door nighbour has had Hotpoint out to hers at least twice. The gap was too big between the drum and the front

Help ! My washing machine is putting holes in my clothes

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