You’re Probably Not Cleaning This Part of Your Washing Machine, but You Really Need To
Ever heard of washing machine baffles? Me neither, but apparently you have to clean them or they’ll get extremely disgusting. TikTok is abuzz over a viral video of an unsuspecting mom and her grimy washing machine, and when I saw it, I knew I had to investigate. I mean, what’s social media good for if not shaming us into doing something no one’s ever heard of before?
Screwdriver in hand, I opened my washer to get started. After staring blankly at the basin for a few minutes, I decided I better get an actual pro involved. James Fleming is a 25-year appliance technician who now helps people fix their own appliance problems at Frontdoor, the home-maintenance app that’s like telehealth for your house. And he knows how to clean a washing machineincluding this often-overlooked spotthe right way.
Read on to find out what baffles are, what they do and how to clean them so you can be confident your clothes are getting clean, not picking up gross, TikTok-worthy slime from your washing machine.
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What is a baffle, exactly?
A baffle is a hard plastic or metal protrusion on the inside of your washing machine’s drum. “The baffle’s main function is to move and rotate clothing inside the drum while the unit is in washing mode,” Fleming says. “This causes friction between the clothing, allowing items to get clean.” Baffles help your laundry appliances work betterand believe it or not, dryers have baffles too.
“Most washer baskets will have three baffles, which are removable,” Fleming says. They slide or lock into place and are usually held down by screws. But not all baffles can be easily removed: Mine screw in from the outside of the drum, not the inside. (Hence my earlier confusion.) I can’t remove them without taking my washer apartnot happening!
What happens when you don’t clean your washing machine’s baffles?
@alanalpc Replying to @not_azalea Front loader washing machines are so high maintenance #cleaningmotivation #clean #deepcleaning #cleantok #washingmachine #cleaninghack #cleaningtips #satisfying #satisfyingcleaning original sound – Alana | Messy SAHM
They get super gross and grimy, for one thing, as you can see in that viral TikTok video that started this whole deep dive into my washing machine. “The buildup underneath the baffles is mainly soap scum and, if you use it, fabric-softener residue,” Fleming says. Baffles have holes in them to allow water to pass through as your machine washes your clothes. If you use a lot of detergent and softeners (which you actually shouldn’t be doing for a variety of reasons), excess can build up inside the baffles.
You could also get mold, which loves the dark, damp confines of your washer. A funky smell won’t be far behind, and that means smelly clothes. If you have hard water, waiting too long between cleanings can cause the holes on the baffle to clog, trapping even more stinky scum.
And while cold water is more efficient than hot, Fleming says that never using hot water, or the cleaning cycle, contributes to smelly, grimy baffles.
Do all washing machines have baffles?
No, but most front-loaders do because baffles lift and agitate clothes for better cleaning. In front-loading machines, baffles are attached to the sides of the drum.
Top-loaders tend to have fins on the agitator instead of removable baffles, but impeller-driven top loaders could have baffles on the drum, similar to a front-loading machine, or on the impeller itself. (An impeller, FYI, is the low, rotating disc at the bottom of some washing machines; it is an alternative to an agitator.)
How to clean your washing machine’s baffles
- Read your washing machine manual to verify the baffles are removable, or just look: “The best way to confirm is to check for a screw located somewhere in the baffle,” Fleming says.
- Remove the attachment screws. You may need a Phillips, flathead or Torx screwdriver. Place the screws in a bowl or other safe spot so you don’t lose them.
- Pull or push the baffles, depending on how they’re seated in the drum, to remove them from the machine. Fleming says a rubber mallet can help, but be careful: “Damaging a baffle while removing it will require replacement of the baffle.”
- Fill your sink or a bucket with hot, soapy water. Dish soap works great, or use a mild cleaning solution like vinegar and water.
- Scrub the baffles with a nylon scrub brush or toothbrush to remove grime and soap scum. Rinse well.
- Now turn your attention to the inside of the washing machine. Scrub the baffle housing (where the baffles were attached), getting into all the crevices with a toothbrush. Once you put the baffles back, any crud that loosens in the wash might get stuck inside, so this step will ward off problems like the one the TikTokker encountered.
- Rinse well and reattach the baffles.
- Run an empty self-cleaning or hot-water cycle to get rid of any clinging residues before washing your clothes.
- Wipe down the drum and baffles with a damp cloth to ensure nothing’s been left behind.
How to clean baffles that aren’t removable
If your baffles aren’t removable, don’t worryyou can still clean them. Run a self-cleaning cycle or, if your washer doesn’t have one, a hot-water cycle. Give the machine a boost too: “I highly recommend using products such as Affresh washing machine cleaner for cleaning cycles,” Fleming says. Another alternative: Use a handheld steam cleaner, preferably one with a long nozzle, to direct steam into the baffles to loosen the crud before running the cycle. (Be careful not to burn yourself in the tight quarters.)
Check for buildup around the baffle, especially where the baffle meets the drum. Scrub with soapy water (or vinegar) and a toothbrush. Pipe cleaners, or those long brushes used to clean straws, can help remove soap scum and hard-water deposits from the holes in your non-removable baffles. Poke the pipe cleaner through to loosen the deposits before running the cleaning or hot-water cycle.
Just be aware that Affresh may leave a residue, especially if you haven’t used it before. After the cleaning cycle, grab a damp microfiber cloth and wipe down the drum and baffles. Follow the directions on the package for best results.
How often should you clean a washing machine’s baffles?
You should clean your washing machine baffles every 30 to 90 days, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Check your manual: “If the washing machine has a dedicated ‘clean washer cycle,’ use it as often as the manufacturer requires,” Fleming says. (Don’t forget the Affresh, especially if your baffles aren’t removable.)
All that said, removing the baffles every time may be excessive, according to Fleming, so use your judgment. “If the washing machine has a strong odor, or if the baffles are noticeably dirty or grimy, then that indicates that they may need to be removed for cleaning,” he says.
If you’ve never cleaned your baffles, start now! After a few rounds of cleaning your washer and baffles, you’ll get a sense of how quickly they get gunky.
About the expert
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AtReaders Digest, were committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on how to clean your washing machine’s baffles, Ally Childress tapped her experience as a journalist who covers home and cleaning for Reader’s Digest. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, ourcontributorsand oureditorial policies.
Sources:
- James Fleming, virtual appliance expert at Frontdoor; email interview, Oct. 7, 2024
- TikTok video by Messy SAHM
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