Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Liudmila Chernetska / Getty images A washing machine that isn't working properly results in musty, odor-ridden clothes at the end ...

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Wash, dry, fold, repeat. That’s all there is to laundry, right? Not so fast. Did you know that, just like the items you put in it, your washing machine needs a little TLC, too? As the unsung hero of ...

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 ...

If you're like most people, you probably assume that your washing machine is the cleanest appliance in the house. After all, it spends all of its active time agitating away with hot water and soap!

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...