[Anne]

We bought a new washing machine 3 yrs ago. Middle of the road, name brand ,Home Depot kind. It is an energy efficient top loader. I swear that it’s ruining our clothes.

Almost every shirt we have now looks worn and is all pilled. We never had a problem before.

I have tried everything. Different cycles, different detergent, used vinegar, fabic softner, no fabir softner, etc.

So first question, am I crazy to think it could be the actual washer that is the problem?

Secondly, any way to help save the clothes, at least for a bit longer?

[Julie]

When I’m able to get a new W/D, it will be a Speed Queen set. A bit more money but dependable and US made, specifically in Wisconsin.

[Patty]

Yup, got one of those low water use machines. Sorry but you can’t actually wash clothes in 2 TBS of water! OK a little exaggeration.

I wash small loads on deep water cycle with extra rinse.

[Diane]

I hate these new “water saving” devices. The extra large cycle does not even cover what used to be a “normal” size load of clothes.

One of the requirements for designing a washer should be “former oil field worker” then they might understand the need for a real cleaning machine.

[Murphy]

New HE washers are junk. Bought 2 in just over two years. They do not allow nearly enough water. Do not wash or spin well.

Service tech told me everyone uses way too much detergent in these machines.

I use a Tide liquid. He said never use more than the Number 1 level in the measuring cap. That’s only maybe 2 to 4 tablespoons.

Perhaps you are using too much detergent and or filling the tub too full like you did with the old machines.

Try half tub loads with tiny amout of detergent.

[Natalie]

When my washer went out last year after 23 years of using (it came w/ the house) & no telling how long with previous owner, I purposely replaced w/ the older style top loader.

I’m so glad I did.

[Barbara]

I think the problem is compounded by the flimsy fabric also. My tops are lasting longer if I do not wash/dry them with pants.

The zippers, buttons, etc.

on the pants were also causing rubbing, pilling, and wearing out the shirt fabrics faster.

[Martha]

Have you checked to make sure it fills up with water? I’ve come across washers that I’ve had to cut my loads in half because they don’t fill up with enough water (on purpose in the name of saving water, usually in the rinse cycle) to clean or rinse the clothes.

Drove me crazy.

This can cause extra friction, maybe add to your problem?

[Diane]

You are not crazy. I had the same issue. After 6 months of trying everything and tons of frustration, I got rid of it.

It was worth the loss.

I now have an old machine that I love and dread the day when I have to get another one.

[Nesha]

Do you put them in the dryer? The dryer is really hard on fabric. But polyester fabrics just really wash poorly, and are often poorly made.

Do you turn things inside out before washing?

[Catherine]

Vinegar is bad (I don’t care what people say) I had clothes come out looking a little more worn than they should and little by little got worse and finally not looking as clean, not knowing that my washer was being eaten away by the vinegar slowly.

The drum on TWO of my washers ( because I didn’t realize the first time that it was the vinegar) broke into pieces while in the wash cycle with clothes in it.

NEVER AGAIN.

[Anna]

I put my clothes in lingerie bags They come in different sizes
They protect my clothing from pilling,

You can also buy a shaver for clothing and it works.

If you get new clothes yearly (like kid’s clothes) the shaver is great to start with

If you like your clothing to last for a few years, the lingerie bags are reusable for a long time

The finer the mesh on the bags the smoother your clothes stay

[Annmarie]

I think the reason clothes are getting beaten up & worn from the new HE washing machines is that the clothes aren’t being washed in enough water to stop/reduce the friction of the clothes rubbing against each other.

[Jocelynn]

I have a speed queen, would never go back, worth every single dollar spent BUT, I started having the same problem as you…I FINALLY found out it was wool dryer balls…I stopped using them, washed the “ pilled”clothes, and also the “ linted” ones…literally re washed all of our clothes in the closet…took me days!

They are normal looking now…who knew it would be the wool dryer balls..but, in my case..it was…I threw mine away.

[Author]

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