Ripping/Tearing holes in clothes

ComplaintsAppliancesWhirlpool Duet Washer

Complaint

0
Frustrated in River Ridge
Country: United States
TERRIBLE! Bought the washer in December of 2010. We began finding holes in clothes in March of 2011. We found that we had a small crack in our dryer. After trying to fix it ourself, the crack came back. So, we replaced the dryer. After we replaced the dryer, we began to find MORE holes in clothes. It was NOT the dryer causing the holes, but our DUET Whirlpool washer. We had several drain error instnances as well. We have had the service repair man out several times for the drain error problem. Ranging from a Mardi Gras bead in the drain pump, to several baby socks to a large adult tube sock. I'd say it's been at least 7 times. We had finally had enough of our clothes, which I would estimate to be at LEAST $500 worth of clothing, the service repair man said he had never seen anything like it. This was in November of 2011. They said they would replace the tub and drum system but it would take several weeks to get the part in, which took us past our warrantee. After numerous complaints, Whirlpool offered the best they could do was extend our warrantee 6 additional months. The first drum was broken upon delivery, so another would have to be ordered. There goes another week. Finally it came in. We were all but assured the problem would be fixed. TWO days later, same drain error code! 3 more socks caught in the drain pump! Took the socks out myself after watching them do it so I didn't have to call them out again and pay the fee. Next day...MORE HOLES in clothes! Call and they say they can't get a service guy out for at least a week! This is all during the Christmas and New Year's holidays! January 9th the service repair man comes and says, yep, it's the same problem. We need to replace the tub and drum AGAIN! The part would be guaranteed to be in by Friday, January 13th! Guess what? Today I get a call...the parts are on BACKORDER and it won't be until January 24th until they can become available!! Seriously...SERIOUSLY??!! I have a family of 6...me, my wife, a 8 year old girl, a 7 year old girl, and 5 year old boy and an 18 month old girl. The piles upon piles of laundry are limitless waiting for empty promises. In the meantime, we have had to wash essential clothes (school clothes, socks, underwear, etc.) at laundromats, and friends and other family members' houses. Whilpool doesn't give a care about ANY of our problems. I come from a HUGE family, as does my wife. Together, we probably have 100 family members. I will crusade against Whirlpool for any and ALL appliances if this matter is NOT fixed and their customer service is not better!

Comments

  • 0
    LK
    | 21 replies
    I purchased a Whirlpool Duet Sport about 2 years ago, and after a few months I noticed some small holes at the bottom of one of my knit tops.  I thought it was a fluke and didn't report it.  However over the past year I have found more and more shirts with holes.  The holes are almost always along the bottom for some reason and they are small, but there are a number of them.  I have also noticed that the fabric which covers the zipper in jeans and pants has become very frayed and thread-bare very quickly on a number of pants.  I haven't contacted Whirlpool yet (I intend to do so but wanted to see if others were having the same problem).  Unfortunately my warrantee has expired.
    • 0
      Ducky replies to LK
      | 2 replies
      I too have small holes in the bottoms of any knit shirt I put in the dryer, I think it's caused by the huge bolt in the back of the dryer for the steam....
      • 0
        Diane replies to Ducky
        | 1 reply
        I have been having problems with my Whirlpool washer as it tears clothes and leaves a grease mark.  I also have many shirts with very small holes at the bottom front of the shirt.  This I have discovered is caused by pants that have a front zipper when I sit in the car with my seatbelt, it rubs the shirt against the zipper and causes holes.  I am very conscious now of pulling my shirt up so that it is not trapped between the seatbelt and the zipper.  I haven't noticed any new holes of late.  Hope that works for you.  Now I wish I could solve my washing machine problem, these are good size tears and twisted fabric with grease marks.  I know it is from the clothes  being trapped between the gasket and drum but no matter how careful I am every 3-4 washes, it happens again.
        • 0
          Zippy replies to Diane
          Amen sister.   I have the same problem.  Getting worse every load I wash.  Today tore the sleeve  almost off the top shirt and another  ragged hole the size of a measuring cup in the bottom of another.
          I keep an eye on the washer and never visually see the shirts in the Crack between the drum and seal but somehow they must be getting in there.  Today I noticed the rim around the water collection area worn smooth.  It use to have a rim there.
    • 0
      Peggy replies to LK
      | 2 replies
      I'm having the exact same problem with a Whirlpool Duet Sport that I purchased and the warranty has run out.  At first a few small holes in some clothes but now all my bloused get the same little holes in the front bottom.  I wash all my delicates separate in garmet bags with no zippers and still get these holes.  I buy good brand names and they are all ruined.  I tried to see if it was my seatbelt (that's smooth) I don't wear belts, I checked the drum...smooth...and this all started when we bought this Whirlpool.  It's very upsetting that my beautiful clothing lands up with these little holes ALL THE TIME!!!!!
      • 0
        BW replies to Peggy
        Contact the BBB, if enough of us do it than hopefully they will resolve the issue.
      • 0
        BW replies to Peggy
        Contact the BBB
    • 0
      kt26 replies to LK
      | 8 replies
      Exactly the same problem!!! My husband finally believes me as my sons shirt sleeve has come out shredded!
      Never owned a whirlpool before & can't wait to get rid of it...have them coming to check the machine in a few days, visit no 3! Had pump problem before that.
      • 0
        stricklyc replies to kt26
        | 6 replies
        I am in the middle of doing laundry and AGAIN the washer is stuck and beeping..... I just took a load out of the dryer AND yet again more torn items....... This time my son's baseball jersey..... And baseball starts in an hour!!! I have had this happen numerous times and thought it was the dryer, when they came out to service the dryer 6 months ago they 'determined' the problem was with the washer and had to order the part.... It hasn't stopped since and I decided to start keeping the torn clothing since last time the service guy was out he asked to see the victims.... Which I already threw out! I now have a garbage bad FILLED with torn items! I will be contacting the service department again but has anyone found a solution to make this go away for real this time?
        • 0
          BW replies to stricklyc
          Same here, contacted the BBB , I suggest everyone else do the same in regards to this issue.
        • 0
          B replies to stricklyc
          Contact the BBB
        • 0
          BW replies to stricklyc
          Contact the BBB
        • 0
          BW replies to stricklyc
          Contact the BBB-It is one of the few ways to save on frustration, this is what my hubby had to do-still waiting for response.
        • 0
          Charlie replies to stricklyc
          We corrected the problem immediately by buying a Samsung Direct Drive washer.
        • 0
          Corey replies to stricklyc
          Save yourselves the trouble of paying an expert when it comes to drain problems.  If the washer stops mid cycle and will not restart, it's likely that a piece of torn clothing or other items have
          found their way down into the coin catch and are not allowing the drum to drain.  

          Be sure to unplug the washer before getting started!
          It's best elevate the front of the washer with blocks, allowing you better access to the bolts as you remove the front lower panel beneath the drum.   Be ready with two large, low-lying containers because once you unscrew the coin-catch (white, circular screw cap) under the front panel, any water that is left in the drain line will come pouring out.  The cap is very tight and will seem as though it shouldn't be opened, but use a wrench to loosen , being careful not to strip the threads.  Remove all debris, clean, then be careful not to cross-thread when tightening cap back on.  

          We typically have to do this about once every 3 months.

          As for the clothes tearing, I typically pull the back lip of the seal up so it's flush against the metal rim bs tucked down when clothes can get pinched but will use it no longer sits very flush and still happens on occasion.  Best advice is to put your favorite items or small items in a lingerie bag.  $2.00 at your local grocery or hardware store.
      • 0
        BW replies to kt26
        My hubby bought ours in 2011. First the basement flooded but because we have a sump pump, tiled floors and a huge squeegee we did not concern ourselves too much. Immediately after, however the torn clothes began. First a beautiful bedspread that his Mom had gifted us in addition to one of the few
        expensive dreses that I own.Unfortunately, the problem has only gotten worse ruining everything from work clothes to undergarments,the rubber from the washer had even melted onto my clothes. After calling whirlpool we were of course,  given the run around, eventually requesting to speak to a supervisor. After hours of frustration, this individual agreed to send a repairman for diagnosis. All new parts were sent to our house of which whirlpool agreed to pay for labor and repair. Unfortunately,we still paid out for a part that was not sent because whirlpool said the part had broken due to user error. I am sorry but I have been doing laundry for many, many years and regardless of what the  whirlpool people tried to say, that is just nt the case. We are still having issues with the washer tearing our clothes regardless of load size or cycle. All my good clothes have been destroyed along with many of my daughters favorite clothes.I am absolutely disgusted!!!!
    • 0
      hrplady1 replies to LK
      | 3 replies
      I'm having the same problem with my Whirlpool washer/dryer.  Small holes in the bottom of my shirts.  It's ruined most of my work shirts.  Did you ever find out how the clothes were being torn?
      • 0
        Dave replies to hrplady1
        | 1 reply
        They were getting stuck behind the rubber lining of the washer door.
        • 0
          Vicki replies to Dave
          Did you find a  way to resolve the issue?
      • 0
        Diane replies to hrplady1
        I have been having problems with my Whirlpool washer as it tears clothes and leaves a grease mark.  I also have many shirts with very small holes at the bottom front of the shirt.  This I have discovered is caused by pants that have a front zipper when I sit in the car with my seatbelt, it rubs the shirt against the zipper and causes holes.  I am very conscious now of pulling my shirt up so that it is not trapped between the seatbelt and the zipper.  I haven't noticed any new holes of late.  Hope that works for you.  Now I wish I could solve my washing machine problem, these are good size tears and twisted fabric with grease marks.  I know it is from the clothes  being trapped between the gasket and drum but no matter how careful I am every 3-4 washes, it happens again.
    • 0
      Diane Fitzsimmons replies to LK
      | 1 reply
      I have been having problems with my Whirlpool washer as it tears clothes and leaves a grease mark.  I also have many shirts with very small holes at the bottom front of the shirt.  This I have discovered is caused by pants that have a front zipper when I sit in the car with my seatbelt, it rubs the shirt against the zipper and causes holes.  I am very conscious now of pulling my shirt up so that it is not trapped between the seatbelt and the zipper.  I haven't noticed any new holes of late.  Hope that works for you.  Now I wish I could solve my washing machine problem, these are good size tears and twisted fabric with grease marks.  I know it is from the clothes  being trapped between the gasket and drum but no matter how careful I am every 3-4 washes, it happens again
      • 0
        Vicki replies to Diane Fitzsimmons
        have you found a way to resolve this we are having the some problem.  I am ready to just replace the washer with a top loader.

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