What is the function of steam in a washing machine; when is it used and is it needed at all? – Setafi

Quite a few modern machines are equipped with an additional steam cleaning option. Thanks to this, the laundry becomes fresher, and most importantly, most allergens are destroyed. We can say about the function of steam in the washing machine that this is an additional processing that not only improves quality, but also makes the process safer.

What does steam function mean

In many modern models, an additional steam function is provided. In the instructions and on the logos, it is referred to as SteamTouch. If we consider the option, we can say about the steam treatment in the washing machine that it is a hot humidified air supply system that acts on the laundry and provides several advantages:

• refreshment;
• better cleaning;
• smoothing;
• things do not harden, so there are no creases.

The washing machine with steam turns on this mode while rinsing clothes or after the end of the main cycle. Moreover, the total duration in connection with this increases by about 20 minutes or a little more. The process looks like this:

1. After the end of the main wash, water with a volume of 4 liters is collected.
2. Next, the heating element is turned on.
3. It heats the water to 65 degrees, after which the steam enters the drum.
4. It rotates at moderate speed so that the steam penetrates well into the tissues.

After that, the washing machine with steam function can continue washing or go into spin mode with further shutdown. It all depends on the features of a particular program, as well as on the model.

Advantages of steam treatment

It is clear why the steam function in the washing machine is used. It additionally cleans the linen, refreshes it and prevents the appearance of wrinkles. This option will be especially useful in the following cases:

1. If there are small children or people with sensitive skin in the family, it is better to turn on the steam supply with every wash. Hot streams disinfect tissues well and prevent the development of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms.
2. In case of a tendency to allergies, steam also helps a lot. It destroys microorganisms, eliminates odors.
3. If there are a lot of classic clothes in the wardrobe, for example, trousers or shirts. They often wrinkle, and it is better to smooth out already during washing. That's why you need steam treatment in a washing machine.
4. Steam eliminates the need for pre-soaking and boiling. This saves time and does not waste extra effort.
5. The method is universal, since you can use any clothes, including those made from delicate fabrics. Steam is well processed things made of silk, wool.
6. You can not go to dry cleaning, since many stains are well removed with steam.

We can say about washing with steam that it is such a useful addition to the usual processing of clothes. But this option also has disadvantages:

1. It is not available on all devices. Usually you can find such an add-on only on devices of well-known brands, for example, Electrolux, Indesit or LG. And you need to clarify in advance whether a particular model has a function or not.
2. Devices are more expensive because they are equipped with a steam generator located at the back. It has a tube that carries water. It heats up and starts to float. Hot streams of steam exit through another tube connected to the tank.
3. Steaming in a washing machine lasts 20-30 minutes longer than a normal wash.
4. In addition, the use of the option slightly increases the consumption of electricity. But modern machines are classified as energy efficiency class A, so the costs will be small.

Overview of models with steam function

Among devices with this option, you can mainly find models from foreign manufacturers. If you make an overview of the best in terms of price-quality ratio, as well as taking into account customer reviews, you get the following list:

1. LG F14B3PDS7 - can work in 14 different modes, among them washing with steam is also provided. The drum rotates at a very high speed, during the spin cycle it reaches 1400 revolutions. Therefore, the laundry practically does not need additional drying. The device is capacious, allows you to load up to 8 kg of clothes.
2. LG F-12U2HCS2 - this model clearly shows why the steam function is in the washing machine. It spins clothes well, works at speeds up to 1200 rpm. But the main advantage is the availability of 14 different programs, including for down jackets and sportswear. Thanks to this, the linen is not only washed well, but also becomes truly fresh.
3. Electrolux 600 EW6S4R06BX - another washing machine with steam, the pros and cons of which can be described as follows. It washes up to 6 kg of clothes at a time, while not very large (only 38 cm deep). It has a lot of programs - 16 at once, including processing with hot steam streams. It is highly energy efficient and consumes little electricity. But you can also name such a drawback as a relatively strong noise during the spin cycle.
4. Samsung WW90M64LOPA - a fairly popular model, which provides for the possibility of reloading. It can work even at very high speeds up to 1400 for 1 minute. This washing machine with steam function allows you to choose from 14 modes. The drum is very roomy, you can put up to 9 kg of clothes at a time. Noisy not so much. Additional options are also provided, for example, self-cleaning of the drum. There is also a bubble wash technology, which makes things even cleaner.
5. Haier HW60-BP10929A - budget option at an affordable price. The unit is oversized, only 38 cm deep, with a maximum load of up to 6 kg. It picks up speed up to 1000 per minute, the noise is moderate. You can use different programs (there are 15 in total), and steam washing in a washing machine is also provided. For convenience, there is also a delayed start function - you can schedule any time within 24 hours.

Steam treatment is a very useful addition that replaces the iron in many ways and simplifies the processing of laundry. This feature is especially useful for children and allergy sufferers. You can use it both as part of a specific program, and by itself, for example, after the end of the main wash.