Steam Refresh mode in the washing machine

Many modern washing machines are equipped with a steam generator. This allows them to fill the drum with hot steam, significantly improving cleaning results. Sometimes washing isn't even necessary – dry items can be disinfected with heated, humidified air. The "Steam Refresh" function is one of the most important steam features in a washing machine. Let's explore its benefits and how it works.

How does this algorithm work?

Steam washers have many unique features that help combat stains more effectively and safely. One of these is the "Steam Refresh" function. This unique technology allows you to restore freshness and cleanliness to your clothes without washing them.

The "Steam Refresh" program generates a stream of hot, humidified air. It fills the drum, penetrates fabric fibers, dislodges fine dirt, and eliminates unpleasant odors. Furthermore, the high temperature smoothes and softens laundry.

With the “Steam Refresh” program, the washing machine does not fill with water – the laundry remains practically dry.

When you start the "Steam Refresh" mode, the machine operates according to a non-standard algorithm. The machine does not fill with water or take detergent from the dispenser – the items in the drum do not get wet, but are only moistened by the hot air. The cycle time is also reduced to 20-25 minutes.

After the steam function, items don't need ironing or drying. You can take them out of the drum and put them on immediately.

Other modes involving steam

A washing machine's steam features aren't limited to just one program. Modern machines offer users a range of other functions and algorithms. The most popular of these are Fresh Care+ and Steam Hygiene technologies. We'll describe each in more detail.

• Fresh Care+. This technology keeps your laundry fresh for up to 6 hours after washing. Steam treatment and a special drum rotation smooth out fabrics, eliminate unpleasant odors, and protect fibers from re-soiling. Important: this feature is not available in the "Delicates" and "Blankets" programs.

When Steam Hygiene technology is activated, up to 99.9% of bacteria are removed from fabric.

• Steam Hygiene. The literal translation is "Steam Hygiene." The name reflects the essence of the mode: after starting, the washing machine drum is filled with steam heated to 70-80 degrees Celsius. This high temperature is maintained for 20 minutes, completely disinfecting fabrics, killing up to 99.9% of bacteria. This eco-friendly option is ideal for washing clothes of allergy sufferers and newborns.

Some models of washing machines with a steam generator have additional modes and options or modified variations of popular ones. To understand the machine's capabilities, it is recommended to carefully study the manufacturer's instructions. In it, the manufacturer lists and describes all the provided “goodies”.

Advantages of steam machines

Some users avoid washing machines with steam generators, believing steam functions are too expensive and useless. In reality, such conclusions stem from ignorance of the benefits and effectiveness of hot air. Steam cleaning has the following "advantages":

• Steam molecules are lighter and more active than water molecules, so they penetrate deeper into the fabric and more effectively remove dirt from the fibers;
• Steam takes up 1700 times more space than water, which means fabric is cleaned better;
• Heating the air requires less electricity than boiling water, making the cycle more economical;
• Steam treatment is more delicate and safer than regular boiling – fabric fibers wear out more slowly, and the color is preserved;
• With steam, stains are removed faster and more effectively (if soaking in water requires at least 30-60 minutes, then hot air copes in a matter of minutes);
• using steam treatment you can disinfect laundry without washing (the laundry remains both clean and dry);
• steam programs save detergent - it is not needed here;
• steam smooths things out, removes creases and wrinkles;
• Thanks to the steam generator, you can prepare over-dried laundry for ironing;

Knowing how to use steam can help you organize dry cleaning at home. All this will allow you to clean even items that cannot be washed, keeping them in perfect condition. What is important is that the family budget will remain untouched.

The effectiveness of steam has long been appreciated in hospitals, restaurants, and hotels. Heated air can quickly remove stubborn stains, eliminating bacteria and unpleasant odors. Now, with steam-powered machines, this option is available to homeowners as well.

   

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