LG direct drive washing machines are a reliable and economical assistant for washing clothes and linen

What is direct drive in a washing machine

LG is an innovator in the development of machines with direct drive technology.
She owns the patent for this technology. And the first models made according to a similar scheme were presented in 2005. The drive is one of the main structural elements of the washing machine. But in the traditional version, the belt plays the role of propulsion. The use of a belt drive, which is connected to the motor through a large pulley, transmits torque to the drum shaft.

The weak link in this case is the belt, which wears out over time and can simply break, which will lead to the need for repairs. An additional negative feature of traditional units, in comparison with washing machines with direct drive, according to experts, is increased vibration and noise that occurs during the spin process.

LG direct drive washing machines do not have any elements (brushes, belts) in contact inside the body, which increases the reliability of the motor and reduces the likelihood of breakdown, and also reduces the noise and vibration produced by the device during operation.

Equipping with a direct drive allows you to increase the usable space inside the device, which leads to the possibility of increasing the drum capacity.

If in a standard washing device the process of removing dirt is carried out only from things located in the lower half of the drum, then in LG washing machines with direct drive the cleaning process occurs evenly due to reverse rotation.

Direct drive washing machines use a rotor and induction coils to convert energy.

LG washing machine with direct drive

Direct Drive or Direct Drive is a technology that uses the principle of converting electromagnetic energy into linear or rotary motion. The design features of the engine ensure that the generated force is transferred to the rotor using an air seal, which eliminates the contact of moving parts from the operation process. This helps prevent premature wear of the motor and failure of the washing machine.

The rotor acts as part of the drum, which can perform reverse movements to improve washing efficiency.

LG direct drive machines attach the motor directly to the drum without the use of belts or pulleys. A coupling is used as a fastening element, playing the role of a moving part of the gearbox. The absence of a large number of transmission elements makes it possible to achieve a compact form for such devices.

Most LG direct drive washing models are equipped with a three-phase brushless motor, which consists of a rotor or permanent magnet and a stator with 36 inductive coils. The rotor is attached directly to the drum shaft. It turns out that the rotor shaft simultaneously sets the drum in motion, becoming part of it. The engine control process is carried out by generating an electrical signal from the controls.

LG direct drive washing machines: general technical specifications

The presence of the Direct Drive system has virtually no effect on the technical characteristics of washing machines. The only important difference is the structural feature of the motor used, which is called an inverter.

Inverter motor

What is LG Direct Drive Inverter Washing Machine? The invention of this type of engine is credited to an engineer from a famous Korean company. This type is used in all machines with direct drive.

The operating principle of the motor is that the rotation speed is formed through the use of a private converter called an inverter. Its task is to convert alternating current into direct current, which allows the output to achieve alternating current again, but at a certain frequency.

The use of such technology helps to obtain the most accurate adjustment of the rotation speed and ensures that the frequency is maintained at the proper level.

The advantages of this technology include:

• reduction of energy consumption – increase in efficiency due to reduction in the number of rubbing parts;
• increasing service life;
• reduced noise and vibration levels;
• high spin speed due to increasing the number of drum revolutions to 2000 per minute;
• smoother starting, preventing engine wear.

Washing modes

In the line of direct drive washing machine models from LG, there are samples that offer unique washing modes associated with an increase in the number of drum rotation options. Their number can reach six.

1. Standard type.
2. Reverse, the purpose of which is to better dissolve the detergent.
3. Pumping, which is needed when soaking dirty laundry.
4. Twist suitable for normal washing.
5. Saturation, during which the uniform distribution of the detergent composition over the loaded laundry is ensured.
6. Smoothing. A mode that ensures proper stretching of items, which subsequently simplifies the ironing process.

As for the laundry washing modes, LG direct drive washing machines (see photo) use standard programs:

• “cotton” for washing thick fabrics made from cotton threads. It uses elevated temperatures for heat treatment;
• “quick clap”, in which the cycle time is shortened and the temperature drops;
• "fast 30". A program that allows you to refresh things with a cycle duration of only half an hour;
• “synthetics”, used to clean things made of nylon or acrylic at a temperature of 40ºC;
• “delicate wash” for processing items at a temperature of 30ºC for an hour;
• “wool” or “hand wash”, characterized by a slower drum speed;
• “children's clothing”, which is distinguished by more abundant rinsing and increased washing time.

Additional options

LG includes additional options in its washing machines that may not be used as often, but are required for special care of laundry. Among them are:

• bio-care, which is used to remove stubborn stains (chocolate, wine, blood). During the washing process, the special enzymes contained in the powder are completely broken down for a better effect on dirt;
• Steam cleansing – True Steam option. When washing clothes, steam is mixed with water, which allows for the complete elimination of household allergens and bacteria. This program also smoothes out wrinkles and removes odors;
• TurboWash. A mode in which the washing time is reduced to 59 minutes, while saving water and electricity;
• hypoallergenic. An option that uses abundant rinsing to completely remove powder residues, dust, hair and other allergens.

The “refresh” option, which differs from regular washing, is used when it is necessary to refresh items that have been lying around for a long time. The washing time is reduced to 20 minutes.

Unit programs

The presented washing machine has a large number of functions and programs. Therefore, it is important to choose the right one that will allow you to optimally cope with the task of washing clothes.

For this model there are two options for turning on the machine:

1. Automatic washing in normal operating mode.
2. Selecting the required program in manual mode.

The normal or simple mode contains a basic wash, a triple rinse, when the water has a temperature of about 60 degrees Celsius. The laundry spinning procedure takes place at 1000 drum revolutions per minute. This machine operating mode is the most favorable when washing items made from cotton.

In a situation where the user manually selects a program to perform the washing process, it is necessary to select the desired mode from the list provided by the manufacturer. The contents of washing programs can be found in the instructions for using the unit, which comes with the washing machine.

Advantages and disadvantages of direct drive machines

Like any other equipment, washing machines that use direct drive technology have their strengths and weaknesses. The advantages of this technique can be considered:

• the minimum number of contacting parts ensures long-term operation without the need for repairs;
• low noise and vibration levels due to balanced drum operation;
• no need for frequent engine maintenance;
• higher dynamics of drum rotation increases washing efficiency;
• increased tank width due to free space inside the housing.

The disadvantages of direct drive machines, according to users, are:

• higher cost, which is almost twice the price tag of a conventional device;
• expensive repairs, especially if the electronic unit breaks down.

Washing machine care

It is necessary to properly care for the machine, which will significantly increase its service life.

Basic tips:

1. The panel located at the front of the machine body must be wiped with a cloth previously moistened in a soap solution. Then you need to wipe it with a dry cloth with a cotton base. It is recommended to do this once every seven days.
2. There are situations when it is necessary to wipe the internal parts. This must be done with a solution containing half a kilogram of washing powder and a quarter kilogram of bleach. Then the parts are wiped dry.
3. It is necessary to ensure that there are no breakdowns or errors.
4. There is no need to load the drum more than normal.
5. To clean the body of the machine, it is necessary to use special products that are available in specialized stores.

Which direct drive washing machine from LG is better to buy?

The line of models from the famous Korean brand contains dozens of samples, each of which is a quality product. But among them the best representatives can be distinguished.

LGF-12U2HDM1N

The machine is small in size, with a depth of only 45 cm. This model is considered one of the best in the company’s line. The spin speed is 1200 rpm, there are 14 washing programs for the user's needs, TurboWash and True Steam technologies are also present. An additional advantage is the presence of the Tag On function, which allows you to set the program through a mobile application. Disadvantages include the absence of a power button lock and the possibility of high-quality drying only when the drum is not fully loaded.

Price: ₽ 30,000

LGF-4J9VS2S

In the category of full-size devices, the leader in the rating is the LGF-4J9VS2S model, the maximum load of which is 9 kg. There are 14 washing programs and a steam cleaning function. The presence of a bubble drum ensures the most gentle treatment of laundry. The spin speed is 1400 rpm. The device also has the option of control from a mobile device. The only drawback can be considered the high price.

Price: ₽ 41,000

LGF-2J7HS2W

Another leader in the user rating, but now in the category of narrow machines with a width of up to 45 cm. Maximum load - 7 kg, spin speed - 1200 rpm. There is a bubble drum, steam treatment, and the “Add laundry” option. The device can be controlled via Wi-Fi. The large loading hatch allows you to wash large items. Additional advantages include a self-cleaning drum, a convenient display, and intelligent washing with water dosing. The model has one obvious disadvantage: the inability to spin clothes without pre-rinsing. The appearance of hum, noise, or strong vibration may indicate bearing failure. In this case, qualified repairs in a workshop are required.

Price: ₽ 34,000

LG direct drive washing machines: common faults

Despite the almost perfect technology, which has many advantages, devices from the Korean brand can break. Here is a list of the most common faults.

1. Pump failure. Most often, this is the fault of the users themselves, who do not take small items out of their pockets, which leads to clogging of the pump and drain.
2. Problems with the heating element. The causes of problems with the heating element are poor water quality, voltage fluctuations, and the use of low-quality descaling agents.
3. Damage to the electronic unit. A rare and very expensive problem to repair. The most common cause is power surges. To prevent damage, it is recommended to entrust the installation to a specialist and operate the equipment carefully.
4. Bearing failure. When your LG direct drive washing machine hums, the noise may be caused by broken bearings. At the same time, the drum also stops rotating, washing is not performed, and an error is recorded on the display. The only way to repair is to replace parts.
5. Engine problem. The first reason for its damage is leaks, since it is located in close proximity to the drum.

As preventative measures that will help increase the life of equipment and prevent breakdowns in the future, experts recommend the following.

1. Installation should only be carried out with the assistance of a professional.
2. Use a separate outlet to connect the machine to prevent power surges.
3. Install the device only on a smooth and level surface.
4. Install a special water filter.
5. Get rid of scale using quality products.
6. Before each stowage of linen and clothing, check pockets for small items.
7. After every 15 operations, start the drum cleaning mode.

Machine malfunctions

During operation of the machine, the following malfunctions may occur:

1. Ringing or rattling noises may be caused by objects left in clothing. Therefore, you need to check your clothes before washing.
2. In a situation where the drum is full, there may be a slight knocking sound.
3. If vibration occurs during washing, the machine is not positioned correctly. It is necessary to check the horizontality of the unit.
4. If a lot of foam forms and there is a water leak, then the tightness of the hose is broken.
5. Slow water flow is typical when the hose is bent or there is insufficient pressure in the system.
6. The machine may not work when there is no power.
7. The time period for washing may increase when the amount of laundry is higher than expected in a given cycle.