Washers Laundering Problems

Causes of snags, holes, tears, rips, discoloration or excessive wear:

• Pins on garments or sharp objects left in pockets.
• Snaps, hooks, sharp buttons, belt buckles, zippers.
• Improper use of chlorine bleach. Holes may have random square, yellow discoloration and the fabric will be weak at edges of hole.
• Damage from chemicals such as hair preparations (bleach, dye, home permanent solution) battery acid, some toilet bowl cleaners.
• Small, unnoticed holes, tears or ripped seams may enlarge during washing. Manufacturing defects unnoticed at purchase may appear after washing.
• Fraying of collars and cuffs and other wear on Permanent Press items. This is due to the weakening of the fibers by the Permanent Press process. It is not caused by the washer.
• Roughness or burrs on agitator due to damage incurred by heavy belt buckles, etc.
• Using the Normal agitation speed for delicate fabrics.
• Garments weakened by aging or by the sun.

To prevent clothing damage:

• Check the pockets of all garments before putting them in the washer. Also check the washer to see if any objects remained in the wash tub.
• Fasten zippers, buttons and hooks, then turn the clothing inside out to prevent tearing and ripping of other articles of clothing. Remove sharp buttons and belt buckles. This is very important when washing knits, which snag very easily.
• Use only the correct, measured amount of bleach. If the washer is so equipped, use the bleach dispenser. Never add undiluted bleach to the washer tub or allow clothes to come in contact with undiluted bleach. Do not wipe up bleach spills with clothes.
• Immediately rinse towels and other articles thoroughly, which have come in contact with any household chemicals before putting them in washer. This will help avoid contaminating items of clothing with such chemicals.
• Check garments carefully before loading washer. Mend all rips and tears.
• Try using a laundry bag (purchased at a local department store) for fine washables, delicates, lingerie and small items (baby clothes and shoe strings).
• Do not wash heavy items such as towels with Permanent Press items.
• Examine the agitator for roughness or burrs, then smooth by filing if necessary.
• Refer to the garment manufacturer`s care instructions for the recommended wash cycle and wash temperature. When in doubt, use cold water and the gentlest agitation your washer offers.
• Load your washer only with the number of items that will move freely during agitation and select the correct water level for load.
• There is no way to reverse wear and tear or sun damage once it has affected your clothing.