Baffled? Here's a hint: This often-overlooked feature is essential for keeping your clothes clean. Ever heard of washing machine baffles? Me neither, but apparently you have to clean them or they’ll ...

It can be easy to overlook cleaning the things we use to clean other things, but major appliances like washing machines do need to be cleaned and properly maintained to optimize performance and ensure ...

Pour vinegar in, run a hot cycle, then sprinkle baking soda and run another—say goodbye to funky smells and gunky residue. Give the drum baffles and rubber seals some love with a toothbrush and soapy ...

Lindsey Ellefson is Lifehacker’s Features Editor. She currently covers study and productivity hacks, as well as household and digital decluttering, and oversees the freelancers on the sex and ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. In this guide, we’ll explain why your washing machine filter matters, if and how often you should clean it, and how to do so ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Rawpixel / Getty Images Even if we do laundry almost every day, it’s easy to forget that the washing machine itself needs regular ...

It can be easy to overlook cleaning the things we use to clean other things, but major appliances like washing machines and dryers do need to be cleaned and properly maintained to optimize performance ...

Dr. Elizabeth Yuko is a bioethicist and adjunct professor of ethics at Fordham University. She has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, CNN & Playboy.

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› By Andrea Barnes Andrea Barnes is a writer covering large cleaning appliances.

For many households, the washing machine is one appliance that's impossible to live without. Used multiple times a week, it's essential for keeping your clothes, towels and sheets clean and fresh.