If you’ve been shopping for a washing machine lately, you’ve no doubt seen the steam-cycle feature prominently displayed on some models. It’s not just a lot of air: experts agree that steam makes for a much better wash. How exactly does it work? Here’s what you need to know about steam and the benefits it brings to washing machines.
A little history
LG was the first to introduce the steam washer to the consumer market back in 1997. The technology was an immediate success, and other brands followed shortly with their own models. Since then, LG has continued to innovate and maintained its position as the leading brand in steam technology with its cutting-edge TrueSteam system.
Getting steamy
TrueSteam use a combination of water and steam to clean better over three different stages of the washing machine cycle. During the pre-wash phase, the steam works with the water loading into the wash tub to help soak the fabrics more thoroughly. During the washing phase, the steam boosts the temperature inside the wash tub to improve the cleaning power and activate the laundry detergent. Finally, steam added after washing softens the clothes and removes wrinkles.
Cleaner than ever before
The feature that makes steam so powerful is its high temperature. When certain fabrics get very hot and wet, their properties actually change. Using TrueSteam results in a much more thorough clean that lifts stains and sterilises fabrics far more efficiently, and allows for the cleaning of previously unwashable garments.
Sneeze no more
High temperature steam particles don’t just help in lifting baked-in stains; they’re proven to break up allergens that regular washing can’t eliminate. LG’s exclusive Allergiene allergy reduction cycle has been praised by allergy and asthma advocates for its ability to remove at least 95 percent of allergy enhancers such as pet hairs, pollen and dust mites.
A wrinkle in the story
When some fabrics get very hot, they have the tendency to get hard and wrinkle. Therefore, any effective steam wash needs to end with a post-wash phases to counteract the hardening. LG washing machines include Wrinkle Care in their drying cycles in order to provide a deeper clean while remaining gentle on fabrics.
A quick refresher
Steam makes for a quicker wash than just hot water. LG Steam Refresh takes advantage of the fast-acting capabilities of steam to offer a detergent-free freshening cycle that significantly reduces wrinkles and odours in just 20 minutes.
A greener wash
The more steam a washing machine uses, the less water it needs. Because steam washing machines use less power and consumer less water than more conventional models, they are the most energy-efficient way to clean your clothes. As an official ENERGY STAR partner of the year, LG has made sure all of its TrueSteam washing machines are as eco-friendly as possible.
