Washing machines with a steam function are gaining more and more popularity, as it is a relatively newfangled device that greatly simplifies the washing process. The peculiarity of such a machine is that the steam in it replaces the washing chemicals, which should primarily interest allergy sufferers. For the first time such a washing machine was launched on the household appliance 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 working principle
The principle of operation of a washing machine with a steam function is that it does not use water to wash the laundry, but processes it with steam, which comes from a special rubber tube. Steam, unlike water, penetrates into the fibers of clothes deeper than water, and due to this, the thing is cleaned more efficiently. Steam also dissolves powder better, however, it is not necessary to use powder and other chemical agents for washing in steam mode. Steam can also be used not only for washing, but also in order to simply freshen up the laundry by setting a short cycle of work on the machine, and to disinfect new clothes - it destroys bacteria, fungus and relieves the thing from an unpleasant smell.
The steam mode of washing is suitable for any type of fabric - the steam temperature can be adjusted, and for more delicate laundry, reduce the degree of heating.
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Advantages of a washing machine with steam function
The main advantage of a washing machine with a steam function is that in such a washing mode you do not need to use a spin cycle, which means that difficult-to-iron folds will not appear on the clothes or the clothes will not lose their shape, but remain in their original form. Another equally important advantage is cost-effectiveness. To create steam, the washing machine uses half the amount of water than for regular washing. Consequently, the saving of water leads to the saving of electricity. Other benefits include:
- despite the fact that steam heats up to high temperatures during operation, the laundry will not fade;
- steam treatment can be used to disinfect things;
- the steam penetrates deeper into the fibers of the clothes and therefore it is better to cope with stains that are difficult to remove during the normal washing cycle;
- washing in a 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 works almost silently.
Disadvantages of steam washing machines
The main disadvantage of washing machines with a steam wash function, which repels customers 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 dirt, the technology of cleaning linen from wine or blood without preliminary washing has not yet been invented.
- The laundry remains slightly damp after a steam wash.
- The steam smoothes out some folds and prevents things from losing their shape, however, it does not eliminate the need to iron the washed laundry.
- Steam treatment may not be added to every wash cycle.
Reviews of washing machines with steam function
There is a lot to be said for the advantages and disadvantages of a steam washing machine, but it is better to rely on feedback from customers who have already decided to explore this new technology.
Reviews of the washing machine LG F14U2TDH1N
Marina, Moscow - I was pleased with the purchase:
Reviews of washing machines with steam function are different, however, I was pleased with the LG F14U2TDH1N washing machine. Most of all I liked that the machine has many auto wash programs and you can make your own. The machine is very spacious, I can wash all the laundry in it at once, and not divide it into several approaches - it saves a lot of time. Clear control and quiet operation are also nice bonuses.
Alexander, Rostov-on-Don:
I was interested in a washing machine with a steam wash function, read a bunch of reviews and decided to opt for the LG F14U2TDH1N. I was right in my choice, steam washing really saves water, the laundry looks cleaner. True, you still have to iron, but after steaming it takes much less time.
Reviews of the washing machine Electrolux EWW51685
Katerina, Kiev:
I chose the Electrolux EWW51685 washing machine after spending long hours researching possible models. I was not very pleased with the purchase, since there is no pre-wash mode here, although it would seem that this is one of the most necessary modes, and why it is not here is not clear. But there are also pluses - it is quiet and very roomy. The price was acceptable for me.
Andrey, Lviv:
I liked the Electrolux EWW51685 machine right away when I studied its characteristics. It has all the functions I need, plus steam treatment - it was interesting to try this innovation. I am satisfied with the operation of the device, however, the dimensions differ from those indicated in the technical passport, so I advise future buyers to measure it themselves before buying.
Reviews of the washing machine Electrolux EWF1076GDW
Ivan, Dnipro:
I decided to opt for the Electrolux EWF1076GDW washing machine, since I have a lot of equipment from this company at home, and it inspires confidence in me. It can hold up to 8 kg of linen, which is undoubtedly a plus, especially for such a cost. I constantly use the steam mode, it does a great job of tough creases and saves a lot of ironing time. I ventured to try it on delicate fabrics such as curtains and was pleased - the curtains did not easily survive, and even began to look better. The only drawback is that the machine does not have the ability to set the washing time yourself, this is not fatal, but sometimes it is inconvenient.
As you can see, the opinions of buyers differ, however, given all the subtleties through which they went, we can conclude that it is necessary to purchase such a device, and it is possible to protect yourself from wasting money.
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