Finding holes, snags, or tears in your clothing after washing is frustrating — and sometimes expensive if it’s on favourite items. The good news is the cause can almost always be identified and fixed.
Our Winnipeg appliance team diagnoses what’s damaging your clothes and repairs the machine-related causes.
The Nylon Stocking Test
Before calling for repair, do this simple test:
- Take an old pair of nylon stockings or pantyhose
- Slowly rub them all around the inside of the dry drum
- Check the door seal area carefully
- Test the drum paddles (baffles)
- Check the agitator in top-loaders
If the stocking snags, catches, or tears: there’s a rough spot in the drum causing fabric damage.
Common Causes of Clothing Damage
1. Damaged Drum Baffle (Paddle)
Drum baffles (the fins inside the drum that lift clothes) can:
- Crack, leaving sharp edges
- Break partially, with exposed sharp ends
- Come loose, causing fabric to catch on fasteners
Symptoms:
- Consistent small tears or holes
- Snags concentrated on specific items
- Baffle visibly cracked or damaged when inspected
Solution: Replace drum baffle(s).
2. Worn or Torn Door Seal
The rubber door gasket can:
- Develop small tears that catch fabric
- Accumulate debris in folds that acts like sandpaper
- Have exposed metal retaining wire after seal damage
Symptoms:
- Damage concentrated on items near the door opening
- Stocking test catches on seal area
Solution: Door seal replacement or cleaning.
3. Sharp Drum Edges
The drum is welded or formed, and over time:
- Welds can corrode and become rough
- Drum seams can develop burrs
- Enamel coating can chip, exposing sharp metal
Symptoms:
- Damage on random items
- Stocking test catches on drum wall
Solution: Professional drum inspection — may require filing or drum replacement.
4. Drum Hole (Perforation) Damage
The many small holes in the drum wall can:
- Develop rough edges as the drum ages
- Corrode to create burrs
Symptoms:
- Small consistent snag marks on fabric
- Usually on thinner, more delicate items
Solution: Drum replacement in severe cases.
5. Damaged Agitator (Top-Loaders)
The agitator can:
- Develop cracks that catch fabric
- Have fins that have become rough
- Have a loose cap that catches clothing
Symptoms:
- Damage concentrated in the agitator area
- Twisting or tangling of clothes around agitator
Solution: Agitator inspection and repair/replacement.
6. Debris in the Drum
Hard objects in the drum:
- Coins with rough edges
- Metal objects that escaped pockets
- Foreign objects that wedged in the drum openings
Solution: Locate and remove debris.
7. Overloading
Too many clothes:
- Items can’t circulate freely
- Fabric rubs against other items and drum
- Clothing gets caught and strained
- Buttons and zippers damage nearby items
Solution: Reduce load size.
8. Incorrect Cycle Selection
Using the wrong settings:
- High-spin speed for delicate fabrics
- Hot water for heat-sensitive items
- Long cycles for items that need gentle treatment
Solution: Use appropriate cycles with delicate items.
9. Mixing Problem Items
Heavy items with delicate:
- Jeans with silk blouses
- Towels with knitwear
- Items with zippers against items without
Solution: Sort laundry properly by fabric type and weight.
Protecting Different Fabric Types
Delicates and Silk
- Use mesh laundry bags
- Gentle or delicate cycle only
- Cold water
- Low spin speed
Knitwear and Wool
- Gentle cycle
- Cold water
- Short cycle
- Dry flat — not in the dryer
Shirts with Buttons
- Turn inside out
- Button all buttons
Items with Zippers
- Close all zippers before washing
- Turn inside out
- Use a laundry bag for protection
Professional Clothing Damage Diagnosis in Winnipeg
If your drum or seal is causing damage, our Winnipeg repair team fixes it:
- Complete drum inspection
- Baffle and paddle replacement
- Door seal replacement
- Agitator inspection
- Drum assessment for burrs or damage
- All brands and models
Contact us today if your washing machine is damaging clothes in Winnipeg.