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Caution:
Please read our safety
information before attempting any testing, maintenance
or repairs.
 Before inspecting the baffles, unplug the clothes dryer or shut off the
power at the fuse box or breaker panel to avoid an electrical
shock hazard.
As the dryer drum turns, the clothing inside
roll around over and over. That tumbling tends to bunch up the laundry. If the laundry bunches up, it dries very
slowly. To prevent bunching, baffles are added to the drum. The baffles are ridge-like devices that protrude toward the center of the drum. The
baffles reduce bunching by breaking up the ball of laundry. That results in better airflow contact with
each piece of laundry and reduces the drying time.
The baffles are often made from
molded plastic, although metal is still used too. Plastic baffles can crack or break and snag laundry as it tumbles. Metal baffles can also become damaged or rust and damage the laundry.
Another problem that can occur is for small items, such as coins, to
slip inside the baffles. When that happens the dryer can make a noisy racket as the objects rattle about in the rotating drum.
Visually inspect the baffles and
then reach inside the dryer and feel for cracks or damage on each
one. Turn the drum by hand and listen for debris tumbling inside
the baffles.
If any of the baffles are damaged or missing,
they should be replaced. If you hear debris inside the baffles,
remove the baffle and empty out the debris.
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