Why does the washing machine tear things when washing? Causes, consequences and solutions to the problem

If the washing machine tears things during washing, the reasons are related to various factors, and sometimes they are related only to the clothes themselves. The first action in such cases should be a careful inspection of the drum. It may have nicks, but if not, the problem is due to worn bearings. A description of the main reasons and methods of repair is presented in the article.

For what reasons do things tear?

The reasons why clothes tear are not necessarily related to the washing machine itself. If this is observed for the first time, the linen probably has certain metal inserts and other sharp elements. However, there are other explanations for why the machine tears the laundry:

1. There are damages on the inner surfaces of the drum that the fabrics are clinging to. They are usually small and difficult to see, but can be felt if you run your hand over them.
2. Another explanation why the washing machine tears things is due to the fact that the drum is loose and unstable, especially during intense rotation.
3. If the unit is equipped with a vertical loader, there may be protruding parts or jagged plastic in it - this is the reason why the washing machine tears the clothes.
4. Finally, in some cases the reasons are objective and related to the characteristics of the wash itself, for example, high temperature and strong rotation of the drum. Some delicate fabrics or fabrics may not withstand these conditions.
5. Also, the washing machine tears things in cases where a “powerful” powder is used, which contains many active ingredients.
6. Finally, why a washing machine tears things can be explained by foreign objects that sometimes get into the drum (for example, small locks, rhinestones, fasteners, decorative elements).

What to do if things tear

First you need to figure out the reason why the machine tears things when washing. If the problem is exclusively related to clothing, you need to wash it in special bags. This is especially important in the case of bras, shoes and other non-standard items.

However, the explanation of why the machine tears things can be constructed in another way. If the reasons are directly related to the malfunction of the device, you can solve the problem yourself, following the instructions described.

Foreign objects have entered the drum

Getting extra things into the drum can lead to quite serious consequences. Such items can damage clothes, that is, cause the washing machine to tear things. There is no problem if they remain in the drum, but it also happens that they end up in the tank. Then you will have to remove the top panel and carefully inspect the interior space, removing things.

To prevent such a situation, before each wash you need to inspect the clothes, open each item, and especially carefully check the pockets, including the inside ones.

If the clothes do not have any sharp objects, and the washing machine spoils things, then you need to inspect the unit itself. For example, a small bolt or other objects with sharp edges may get stuck in the drum or rubber cuff, which led to a malfunction.

You need to inspect the cuff and drum very carefully, using a bright flashlight. The stuck items may be very small. Therefore, the cuff is unbent and felt with your hands. If there is a hole or a stuck bolt, the seal will have to be replaced.

Malfunction of drum, hatch

Very often, a washing machine tears things in cases where there are protruding parts or other defects on the surface of the hatch or drum. To solve the problem, you should carefully inspect the drum. This is quite simple to do if the machine is of a horizontal loading type. For inspection, they also use a flashlight and carefully feel the surface with their hands to make sure there are no chips or burrs. You need to understand that even minor damage leads to tissue damage.

If you can’t detect a chip, and the washing machine tears your clothes, then you can use a stocking stretched over your arm or take tights. The hand is drawn along the entire inner contour. If there is a burr, they will be damaged - a tightening will appear, which clearly indicates a malfunction.

Such damage, which leads to the washing machine tearing things during washing, can be eliminated with regular sandpaper. Cleaning is carried out not too fast, so as not to scratch the surface of the drum itself.

If the machine is vertical type

If the washing machine tears things, the reasons are most often associated with various types of defects.Moreover, this phenomenon is observed both in classical models and in devices with vertical loading. In the latter case, the problem may be caused by slamming the door too hard.

Over time, this can lead to partial damage to the plastic layer and the appearance of chips. The laundry will cling to these small burrs - then it’s clear why the machine tears things when washing. In such cases, it is necessary to replace the blocker. Moreover, it is better not to use the device during repairs, so as not to damage your clothes.

Wrong mode selected

If holes appear on clothes after washing, but the surface of the drum is ideal, the reason is probably due to the fact that the user has set the wrong mode. For example, if you wash silk fabric in the “Synthetic” mode, this will definitely have a bad effect on the clothes. Intensive spin cycles are not suitable for some types of fabrics, for example:

• silk;
• woolen;
• nylon;
• polyester;
• cambric;
• cashmere;
• microfiber.

Items with decorative elements and trim, such as lace, rhinestones, ruffles and others, may also be damaged. They need to be washed on a delicate cycle or even by hand. Spinning in such cases is not allowed.

Bearings are worn out

Finally, why a washing machine tears clothes can be explained by wear of the bearings. Even if the drum itself looks fine, it may not rotate properly and cause a lot of misalignment that the rubber band cannot compensate for. Things get caught in this gap, causing them to tear.

In such cases, bearing repairs will be necessary, you need to proceed as follows:

1. Remove all machine panels from the front, back and top.
2. Remove the parts, including the shock absorber and counterweight.
3. Remove the tank.
4. Remove the bearings and install new ones.
5. Install each spare part in place and check how the unit works.

If the washing machine tears things, you need to figure out what the reason is. As a rule, this can be done independently, without inviting a specialist. But if the repair is quite complex, it is better to contact a professional.