Holes in underwear?

[FoxintheSnow]

Ive noticed that after I wash my 100% cotton underwear a couple times (all different brands and all pretty new) they get tiny little holes in them. I dont use bleach. What could be causing this?

[LDSmomma6]

I've noticed this with my kids' undies as well. Makes me mad!! Hope someone can tell us what's up with that!

[Breathless Wonder]

Well, I have two possibilities:
If you are bleaching your undies, or using oxygen bleach, or if they are sitting a while before you wash them, urine could be weakening the fabric fibers, so when you wash them, with bleach or not, holes form.

Also, dermastid beetles (the are black, with a brown stripe around their middle) or other insect larva may be eating your clothing. Do you notice holes in other cotton items? You can run a Google search for more information.

[weebitty2]

Try hanging them to dry, instead of putting them in the dryer.. same with socks and undershirts. Heat helps dry them, but dryers do a MAJOR number on cotton fabrics, especially cotton jersey.

[number572]

I use those lingerie mesh bags for all of our unders & anything else that is more delicate. Cotton doesn't seem so delicate but ???

(side: eww btw, larvae! in our underwear??!! what about cedar blocks, do those deter bugs? & is it harmful to put near/in undwerwear? j/c)

[Breathless Wonder]

http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/bimg154.html

[Bellasmom]

Are they getting washed with anyting that has zippers or velcro? A little snag from a zipper or velcro can turn into a hole pretty quickly. Just a thought...maybe check the agitator and inside the drum for a sharp spot that could snag?

[PikkuMyy]

I don't know. DH's underwear have the same problem. I, personally, think it's because he's been wearing the same pack's worth for more than 4 years. He thinks they're just fine though...It's become a running gag with us where he makes sure to put on the really holey ones with his butt facing me while wiggling it. Yeesh!