Washing machines with steam processing are becoming increasingly popular, as they are a relatively new-fangled device that greatly simplifies the washing process. The peculiarity of such a machine is that the steam in it replaces washing chemicals, which should primarily be of interest to allergy sufferers. For the first time, such a washing machine was released onto the household appliances market by LG in 2006. What is the function of steam in a washing machine, and which model is better to buy, we will talk about this in more detail in this article.
Functions and operating principle
The operating principle of a washing machine with a steam function is that it does not use water to wash clothes, but treats them with steam, which comes from a special rubber tube. Steam, unlike water, penetrates deeper into the fibers of clothing than water, and due to this, the item is cleaned more effectively. Steam also dissolves powder better; however, it is not necessary to use powder and other chemicals for washing in steam mode. Steam can also be used not only for washing, but also to simply refresh laundry by setting a short cycle on the machine, and to disinfect new clothes - it destroys bacteria, fungus and will rid the item of an unpleasant odor.
The steam washing mode is suitable for any type of fabric - the steam temperature can be adjusted, and for more delicate laundry, reduce the heating degree.
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Working principle of the steam function
During the washing itself, steam is supplied to the drum through a rubber tube, which is fixed above the loading hatch. Steam enters this tube from a steam generator, which is located in the rear corner of its machine, just to the left of the solenoid valves, through one of which water enters. Steam is supplied both during normal washing and during the separate “Refreshment” function, where water supply to the tank is not needed.
The steam that enters the drum contributes to the complete dissolution of the powder. When washing with steam, the drum will have a constant temperature, reaching approximately 55 degrees Celsius, regardless of what temperature washing mode you choose.
Washing machines with a steam function were previously used in professional areas (in hotels, hospitals and laundries), and today such machines have become available to almost any housewife.
Advantages of a washing machine with steam function
The main advantage of a washing machine with a steam function is that in this washing mode there is no need to use a spin cycle, this means that hard-to-iron folds will not appear on the clothes or the clothes will not lose their shape, but will remain in their original form. Another, no less important advantage is efficiency. To create steam, the washing machine uses half the amount of water than for regular washing. Saving water also results in saving energy. Other benefits include:
- despite the fact that during operation the steam heats up to high temperatures, the laundry will not fade;
- steam treatment can be used to disinfect things;
- steam penetrates deeper into the fibers of clothing and therefore better deals with stains that are difficult to remove with normal washing;
- washing in steam mode is safe for allergy sufferers, children and people with sensitive skin, since such washing does not require chemicals;
- steam not only effectively cleans clothes, but also disinfects them;
- When washing in steam mode, the machine operates almost silently.
What is steam washing in a washing machine?
The use of steam in household appliances is common.
The properties of steam are used in irons, steam cleaners, steamers, steam cookers, vacuum cleaners, steam mops, dishwashers and other appliances. The idea of using steam in washing machines to quickly tidy up wrinkled and worn items came to the mind of one of the LG engineers.
So in 2005, the first washing machine with a steam function appeared. It was LG that became the innovator of this technology in the production of washing machines.
Washing with steam involves feeding it into the drum of the washing machine during operation.
Processing of things can be done either with water with the addition of steam, or exclusively with steam.
Steam technology
The process of steam formation when using the “Steam” or “Spa Steam” is associated with heating water with a heating element to high temperatures.
At the same time, a small amount of water is poured into the drum in steam mode. The water heats up and steam is generated, which enters the drum through the holes.
With this technology, the washing machine is not equipped with additional equipment.
True Steam technology
In modern models of washing machines, the True Steam , which means “true steam” in English.
“Real steam” is created using a steam generator during the process of heating water to boiling point. The resulting steam is supplied to the drum through special holes.
This process can occur either together with regular washing with water, or separately, that is, without water in the drum in the “Refresh” .
The difference between True Steam and Steam
The steam generator used in True Steam technology allows you to produce steam at temperatures above 100 degrees. As a result of heating water with a heating element using Steam technology, the output is steam with a temperature of about 75 degrees. Accordingly, True Steam technology is more effective than Steam technology.
In the technical specifications and instructions for machines, the “Steam function” parameter is often indicated, but it is not always specified which technology is used for this function.
Therefore, when choosing a machine, you should pay attention to technology. If the name of the technology is not indicated in the instructions, then you need to study the inscriptions on the machine itself.
Steam programs
The list and names of programs may differ in different machine models. For each model, you need to study the instructions for use and select programs individually. But in a number of models the programs have the same name.
For example, LG F2J7HS2S, LG FH6G1BCH6N machines with True Steam technology have the following programs using steam:
- “Refresh” (the laundry is steamed for 20 minutes without washing);
- “Cotton” and “Cotton +” (regular washing of linen made from cotton fabrics at temperatures from 40 to 95 degrees with the ability to turn on the additional “Steam” option);
- “Hypoallergenic” (designed for washing children’s clothes, bed linen; during washing, allergens are removed from the surface of the fabric, you can turn on “Steam”);
- “Mixed fabrics” and “Casual” (for washing items made of synthetic and other fabrics at a temperature of 40 to 60 degrees, you can connect steam);
- “Wash-dry” (laundry is washed and dried using steam).
Machines with Steam technology most often have the following steam programs:
- "Baby's clothes";
- "Hypoallergenic";
- "Cotton + steam".
The benefits of steam washing
Steam washing has a number of advantages over regular washing.
- Items washed using steam practically do not need to be ironed, since hot air helps straighten the fibers. To achieve the ironed effect, the steam function must complete the wash cycle, for example, as in the “Wash + Dry” program.
- Hot steam helps disinfect laundry. During washing, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi are destroyed. This is relevant for children and people who suffer from infectious or skin diseases. It is recommended to wash their clothes at high temperatures and iron them on both sides. If you use steam, you can iron things only when necessary. For disinfection, the “Baby’s Clothes”, “Cotton” programs with the connection of the steam option and the like can be used.
- The steam treatment process also removes allergens from fabric fibers and evaporates any remaining detergent. To do this, use the “Hypoallergenic” programs with the additional option “Steam” or “AntiAllergy + Steam”.
- In addition, steam will very quickly help bring a slightly worn item into complete order without washing or ironing. To do this, use the “Refresh” program. To achieve the desired effect, just put the item in the drum, turn on the program and wait 20 minutes. The treated item will look clean, ironed, tidy and will smell pleasantly fresh.
Please note: During steam washing, the amount of washing powder and other detergents can be reduced. Thus, the negative impact of chemicals on the human body is reduced.
In addition, after washing using steam, things become softer and more pleasant to the touch.
Disadvantages of steam washing machines
The main disadvantage of washing machines with a steam wash function, which repels buyers and does not allow them to experiment with this innovation, is the high price. Other cons:
- Although a steam washing machine can cope with difficult stains, the technology for cleaning clothes from wine or blood without first washing has still not been invented yet.
- After washing in steam mode, the laundry remains a little damp.
- Steam smooths out some wrinkles and prevents things from losing shape, however, it does not eliminate the need to iron washed clothes.
- Steam treatment cannot be added to every wash cycle.
Reviews of washing machines with steam function
There is a lot that can be added about the advantages and disadvantages of a steam washing machine, but it is still better to rely on reviews from customers who have already decided to explore this new technology.
Reviews of the LG F14U2TDH1N washing machine
Marina, Moscow - I was pleased with the purchase:
There are different reviews about washing machines with a steam function, however, I was satisfied with the LG F14U2TDH1N washing machine. What I liked most is that the machine has many automatic washing programs and you can create your own. The machine is very spacious, I can wash all the laundry in it at once, rather than dividing it into several washes - it saves a lot of time. Clear controls and quiet operation are also pleasant bonuses.
Alexander, Rostov-on-Don:
I was interested in a washing machine with a steam wash function, I read a bunch of reviews and decided to opt for the LG F14U2TDH1N. I was not mistaken in my choice, steam washing really saves water, and the laundry looks cleaner. True, you still have to iron, but after steaming it takes much less time.
Reviews of the Electrolux EWW51685 washing machine
Katerina, Kyiv:
I chose the Electrolux EWW51685 washing machine after spending many hours studying possible models. I was not very pleased with the purchase, since there is no pre-wash mode, although it would seem that this is one of the most necessary modes, and it is not clear why it is not here. But there are also advantages - it is silent and very roomy. The price turned out to be acceptable for me.
Andrey, Lvov:
I immediately liked the Electrolux EWW51685 machine when I studied its characteristics. It has all the functions I need and, in addition, steam processing - it was interesting to try out this innovation. I am satisfied with the operation of the device, however, the dimensions differ from those indicated in the technical data sheet, so I advise future buyers to measure it themselves before purchasing.
