How does the ironing function work in a washing machine?

A washing machine with an ironing function not only washes, rinses, and spins, but also smooths out laundry. Thanks to special technology, clothes become softer in the drum, and creases and folds are smoothed out. The result is clothes that are ready to wear or store. But don't rush: it's best to first learn how the ironing function works in a washing machine. We suggest exploring the features of this option, exploring its advantages, and considering several ironing models.

"Easy iron" instead of an iron?

Not everyone irons their clothes, but in some cases, an iron is essential. For example, baby diapers are ironed primarily for hygienic purposes—to ensure sterility. Ironing work shirts is a dress code and common sense dictates. But can a machine's "easy iron" function kill bacteria and remove stubborn creases?

The Easy Iron function on your washing machine does not replace ironing – it only softens the fabric.

The answer is "no." In fact, it's hard to call it ironing. The catchy name is just a marketing ploy, just to attract customers. But the feature does have some utility, as it prepares washed clothes for ironing. The fabric is softened, preventing the appearance of new wrinkles during washing and spinning.

The essence of the algorithm

To appreciate the effectiveness of this feature, it's important to understand how it works. The technology uses a large volume of water during washing and selects a delicate cycle, which protects items from the rapid rotation of the drum. Also, when "Easy Iron" is activated, the spin intensity and duration are automatically reduced. As a result, laundry remains slightly damp and is less wrinkled.

The remaining creases in the fabric are less noticeable and easier to iron out. Steaming can often be avoided, saving time, effort, and electricity costs. Some items are completely ironed out and ready to wear immediately after washing.

For light ironing, the drum is loaded to half its permitted capacity.

But whether this feature is worth the money is a separate question. If you're resourceful, you can manually adjust your washing machine to reduce wrinkles during washing. Here are some tricks:

• load less laundry into the drum;
• use more water when washing;
• reduce spin intensity;
• repeat rinse cycle.

If you rinse your laundry again with plenty of water after spinning, it will remain damp and soft. This will result in an easy-to-iron effect without the need for a special, expensive option. Is it worth paying extra for these advanced features? To answer this question, we need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of this technology.

The pros and cons of the program

The washing machine's special "Easy Iron" feature frees the user from unnecessary hassle. There's no need to manually adjust the spin cycle or monitor the tank's fill level—the system handles everything automatically. This expanded functionality also offers the following benefits:

• After washing, dense fabric softens, which makes it easier and faster to iron;
• Frequent activation of the special mode protects the fabric, it rubs less against the drum and stays soft longer;
• The iron is used less often, which saves energy.

When the Easy Iron function is activated, the program duration increases.

Light ironing also has its drawbacks. These include the following:

• at the end of the cycle the laundry is very damp, sometimes even wet;
• the function increases the cycle time;
• the machine consumes more water and electricity (as a result, it will not be possible to save on heat treatment);
• During rinsing, the drum rotates slowly, which does not ensure complete washing of the detergent from the fabric;
• You can't load more than half a tank of things.

In reality, heavily damp items require longer drying times or additional ironing, which defeats the purpose of this feature. It also doesn't save money: the program duration is extended, and a half-load forces a repeat cycle. But each manufacturer implements the ironing function differently. In some machines, ironing actually works, while in others it only adds to the cost of the equipment. To avoid overpaying for an "empty" option, it is necessary to consider and evaluate the characteristics of specific models.

LG F1496ADS3

The LG F1496ADS3 washing machine features an easy-iron function, or more accurately, an anti-crease function. This freestanding front-loading machine has a capacity of up to 8 kg, electronic controls, and an inverter motor. It also offers drying capabilities, handling up to 4 kg per cycle. Other performance features include:

• direct drive;
• spin – up to 1400 rpm with manual adjustment;
• 10 modes including Wool, Delicate, Baby, Mixed, Rapid, Steam and Pre-Wash;
• Delay start timer.

The model is also excellent from a safety standpoint. Users can optionally lock the appliance when starting a cycle, protecting the program from accidental changes. The washing machine also features automatic foam control and a sound system that provides feedback during the wash cycle.

The LG F1496ADS3 supports Smart Diagnosis, a unique technology. This feature allows you to independently perform remote diagnostics of your washing machine without calling a technician from a service center. Simply run the program and later discover the exact cause of the malfunction or breakdown.

Bosch WGA242XVOE

The Bosch WGA242XVOE front-loading washing machine from the Serie 4 line is a freestanding full-size machine. The presence of the “Anti-crease” function is only one positive point. Thus, this model will delight the user with a long list of advantages:

• drum capacity up to 9 kg;
• washing clothes using the bubble wash method (the machine generates bubbles that can remove dirt from the inside);
• Inverter motor with 10-year warranty;
• the possibility of adding laundry through the main hatch;
• stylish silver case;
• A serious approach to equipment safety (full leak protection, panel locking, imbalance and foam level control).

The Bosch WGA242XVOE also boasts standard modern features. These include a digital display, low energy consumption rating, and a spin speed of up to 1200 rpm. It also features a 24-hour delay timer and a sound system. It offers over 10 washing programs, including economy, mixed, and super rinse.

Weissgauff WMD 6160 D

The Weissgauff washing machine can hold up to 10 kg of laundry. Thanks to the large capacity of the Easy Iron mode, you can wash up to 5 kg of items in one cycle, eliminating the need to restart the program. The model also offers:

• drying up to 7 kg (timed drying with three programs);
• digital display with timer;
• BLDC inverter direct drive motor;
• energy consumption class A+++;
• high-speed spin with a maximum of 1600 rpm;
• night program, providing quiet washing;
• function for adding laundry (through the main hatch);
• Power Memory option with memorization of selected settings in case of sudden shutdown of the cycle;
• delay the start for 24 hours.

The Weissgauff has 14 modes, including "My Program," which allows you to save a cycle with your own settings. The model also features a 15-minute quick clean, as well as "Economy," "Mixed Fabrics," "Soak," and "Quiet" settings. The "Wash and Dry in 1 Hour" technology, which delivers clean, dry laundry in 60 minutes, is a convenient feature.

   

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