Even the best washing machines can get dirty if not properly cared for, but as one viral TikTok reveals, you may be neglecting one essential cleaning step when cleaning your washing machine I've been writing about homes for years, including how to clean a washing machine, but I didn't know I was neglecting an important part of cleaning until I saw this video on social media No wonder my laundry wasn't as shiny as it used to be

TikTok user @Alanalpc revealed that only 18% of her followers knew the name of this neglected part of the washing machine drum, ironically called the “baffle,” in a video that has received over 4 million views Also, 99% of her followers did not even know that the baffle of the washing machine needed cleaning [This part of the washing machine plays an essential role in the laundry routine, moving clothes and sheets around the drum, spinning and agitating them to ensure that every part of the laundry is washed Not all washing machines have removable baffles, but if yours does, you may need to clean the baffles

Commenters pointed out that not all washing machines have removable baffles, and noted, “Mine is part of the drum and made of stainless steel

Another said, “I guess they are called ‘baffles’ because everyone feels that way when they know they have to clean the baffle”

I can certainly sympathize

One thing to keep in mind is whether the baffle is made of plastic or not If the baffle is made of stainless steel, it is most likely a component built into the drum, which would be cleaned during routine maintenance

Since the baffle on my machine is plastic, I needed to do a little more research to find out if it is removable First of all, look for screws or other mechanisms designed for easy removal I could not find them, so I consulted my manual which stated nothing about removing them

Always refer to your owner's manual before attempting to remove the internal parts of your washer; when interviewed by Wayfair, Dr Gareth Nye, microbiologist and Medical Science Program Lead, said, “The baffles inside your washer can become clogged and reduce the effectiveness of your washer but the baffles in a washing machine are very fragile and are integral to the mechanism inside the machine,” he warned Baffles can be easily damaged, so it is always advisable to seek professional help when cleaning appliances, especially the inside of washing machines”

However, after seeing the stuck-on dirt in a viral TikTok video, I knew I should clean the baffle gently, without trying to remove it I used a spare straw cleaner to get my hand inside the hole in the baffle, and to my dismay, sludge fibers emerged Perhaps it was my beloved gray linen bedding, which always leaves fibers behind when I clean the washer

As shown in the TikTok video above, if the washer baffle can be removed and the manufacturer recommends removing it for cleaning, both the removable parts and the area under the cap inside the washer drum must be cleaned To do this, we recommend using a strong antibacterial cleaner and a scrubbing brush to scrub off any stuck-on dirt, and a sponge with dishwashing detergent to wash the freshly cleaned baffle

Leave it to dry and then use a scrubber to clean the inside of the machine Something like vinegar or antibacterial spray works best Wipe off excess with a microfiber cloth and do a quick self-cleaning wash once the baffle is installed