What Glue to Use to Secure the Paddle Inside a Clothes Dryer

Role of the Baffles

• Front-load clothes dryers usually have three large plastic baffles arranged at equal points around the inside of the drum. As the drum spins, the baffles cause clothes to tumble instead of sticking to the sides because of centrifugal force. This action allows warm air to pass over the laundry evenly, reducing the chances of damp patches at the end of the cycle.

Securing a Baffle

• The baffles are not glued to the outside of the drum. Manufacturers use screws instead, sometimes in combination with metal clips. Glue is not suitable for use in a dryer because of the high temperatures and the risk of glue being transferred to clothes. And if the glue is flammable, it could also pose a fire risk.

Attaching a Baffle

• Most dryers need to be partially disassembled to attach a baffle. How you disassemble the appliance depends on the model you own. To access the baffle, unplug the appliance and remove the top panel. Spin the drum until the baffle socket lines up with the access hole. Have an assistant hold the baffle in position while you clip it into place and replace the screws.

Replacement Baffles

• All of the major appliance manufacturers, including Whirlpool, General Electric and Frigidaire, sell replacement parts for their appliances online. To obtain a replacement baffle and the hardware necessary for attaching it, visit the appropriate site and enter your dryer's model number. Parts are shipped to your home with specific installation instructions.