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

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 a washing machine that it is an additional treatment that not only improves quality, but also makes the process safer.

What does the steam function mean?

Many modern models have an additional steam function. In instructions and logos it is referred to as SteamTouch. If we consider the option, we can say about steam treatment in a washing machine that it is a system for supplying hot, humidified air, which affects the laundry and provides several advantages:

• refreshment;
• better cleaning;
• smoothing;
• things don't harden, so there are no creases.

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

1. After the main wash is completed, 4 liters of water 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 speeds so that the steam penetrates well into the fabrics.

After this, the washing machine with the steam function can continue washing or switch to spin mode and then turn off.It all depends on the features of the specific program, as well as on the model.

Advantages of steam treatment

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

1. If the family has small children or people with sensitive skin, it is better to turn on the steam supply with each wash. Hot streams disinfect fabrics well and prevent the development of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms.
2. If you are prone to allergies, steam also helps a lot. It destroys microorganisms and eliminates odors.
3. If you have a lot of classic clothes in your wardrobe, such as trousers or shirts. They often wrinkle, and it is better to smooth them out during washing. This is why you need steam treatment in a washing machine.
4. Steam eliminates the need for pre-soaking and boiling. This allows you to save time and not waste extra effort.
5. The method is universal, since you can use any clothing, including delicate fabrics. Steam works well on items made of silk and wool.
6. You don’t have to go to the dry cleaner, since many stains can be easily removed with steam.

What can be said about steam washing is that it is such a useful addition to regular clothing treatment. But this option also has disadvantages:

1. It is not available on all devices. Typically, you can only find such an add-on in devices from well-known brands, for example, Electrolux, Indesit or LG. Moreover, you need to clarify in advance whether a particular model has a function or not.
2. The devices are more expensive because they are equipped with a steam generator located at the back. A tube comes out to it, through which water flows. It heats up and begins to steam.Hot streams of steam come out through another tube connected to the tank.
3. Steam treatment in a washing machine lasts 20-30 minutes longer compared to regular washing.
4. In addition, using the option slightly increases electricity consumption. But modern cars belong to energy efficiency class A, so the costs will be small.

Review of models with steam function

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

1. LG F14B3PDS7 – can operate in 14 different modes, including washing with steam. The drum rotates at a very high speed, reaching 1400 rpm during spinning. Therefore, laundry practically does not need additional drying. The device is spacious and allows you to load up to 8 kg of clothes.
2. LG F-12U2HCS2 – this model clearly shows why a washing machine has a steam function. It spins clothes well and operates at speeds of 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 laundry not only washes 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, although it is not very large (depth is only 38 cm). It has a lot of programs - 16 at once, including treatment with hot steam streams. It is highly energy efficient and consumes little electricity. But one can also mention such a disadvantage as relatively loud noise during spinning.
4. Samsung WW90M64LOPA - a fairly popular model that provides the possibility of additional loading.It can operate even at very high speeds up to 1400 in 1 minute. This washing machine with steam function allows you to choose from 14 modes. The drum is very spacious, you can put up to 9 kg of clothes at a time. It doesn't make that much noise. Additional options are also provided, for example, self-cleaning of the drum. There is also bubble washing technology, which makes things even cleaner.
5. Haier HW60-BP10929A – a budget option at an affordable price. The unit is oversized, only 38 cm deep, with a maximum load of up to 6 kg. It gains speed up to 1000 per minute, the noise is moderate. You can use different programs (15 in total); 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.

Steaming is a very useful addition, which largely replaces the iron and simplifies the processing of laundry. This function is especially useful for children and allergy sufferers. It can be used both within a specific program and on its own, for example, after the end of the main wash.