How does the steam function work in an LG washing machine?

Every day, home appliances become more modern and complex, making it difficult to navigate them without a detailed user manual. For example, not every housewife knows how the steam function on an LG washing machine works, or even what it's for. Let's explore this unusual feature, which can significantly simplify your life.

How does this add-on work?

The operating principle of this algorithm is simple. Pair generation is at the core of the function and occurs due to just the following three elements:

• a steam generator installed at the rear of the washing machine body near the tank;
• valve tube;
• an elastic hose needed to connect the steam generator to the steam chamber, which looks like a small tank.

On one side of the generator there is a valve for filling, on the other side there is a rubber tube that goes directly to the generator chamber. Inside the device's chamber, the liquid is transformed into steam, and then sent under pressure into the tank through a rubber tube, which is what provides the steam treatment effect. In turn, the water is heated using a heating element installed inside the steam generator.

Why is there steam in an LG washing machine?

Steam generation shouldn't be a concern for users, as it's been successfully used for a long time, first appearing in dry cleaners and laundries. These establishments utilize this useful feature with specialized steam generators, which help employees remove particularly stubborn and ingrained stains, eliminate unpleasant odors from clothes, and kill all harmful microorganisms. Because steam generation was previously used only on an industrial scale, many homeowners believe that steam is completely unnecessary for treating clothes at home. Let's find out why.

Users often complain about this mode because it fails to remove stains from dirty clothes. The key point is that steam cleaning isn't supposed to remove stains or clean dirty clothes; it doesn't replace the main washing cycle, but rather complements it. Steam cleaning relaxes fabric fibers and leaves clothes feeling fresh, but it doesn't whiten them or remove stubborn stains.

Do not load the "home assistant" with crumpled items, otherwise it will not be able to process all surfaces of the laundry, as it will not have free access to the clothes.

Why is it that good washing results can only be achieved after an extended cycle, which includes a main wash and steam treatment? This is because this is the only way to ensure complete washing of the garments.

• Washing powder, gel, or other detergent effectively removes stains from berries, greasy foods, coffee, juice, blood, and more.
• Steam treatment improves the penetration of household chemicals into fabric fibers.
• As a bonus, it's worth noting the thorough disinfection that clothes undergo during steam treatment. This removes any germs, fungi, and infections.

Finally, let's answer a common question: why steam cleaning at home is inferior to cleaning at the laundry and dry cleaning. The fact is that a household washing machine is not capable of evenly treating 100% of the surface of the clothes placed in the drum, because steam can only reach those items that are on the surface. In industrial enterprises, products are treated with steam for a long time, which allows for the removal of any stains and dirt.

Pros and cons of this innovation

Naturally, manufacturers promote this useful and unusual mode with particular vigor. Steam generation is a feature that not only increases user value but also the price, which significantly increases company revenue. Therefore, brand representatives generally only talk about the undeniable advantages of machines with this mode. However, there are also some disadvantages, which we will also discuss. First, let's list the advantages.

• Freshness. Since steam effectively removes creases and wrinkles, ironing becomes incredibly easy. What's more, wool scarves, office shirts, and other delicate items can be ironed without any need after steam treatment.

This effect can also be achieved using a household steam cleaner, so it's not worth buying an expensive washing machine with a steam generator just for this purpose.

• Partial stain and odor removal. We've already described the operating principle—this mode isn't and shouldn't remove stubborn stains, but it can remove some stains even without detergent. This is especially valuable for people with allergies to household chemicals, which requires them to wash their clothes without powders or gels. The effectiveness of this type of stain removal depends on the type of fabric, the load in the drum, the power of the steam generator, the selected washing program, and the type of stain itself.
• Disinfection without boiling. Users cite the ability to disinfect items without boiling water as one of the main advantages. This allows you to kill harmful bacteria, such as fungus, mold, and various infections, without damaging the clothes themselves, which can lose color or shape in boiling water. A steam generator can't kill 100% of harmful microorganisms or remove all pollen and other allergens from clothing, but it effectively reduces their presence on items.

For complete sterility, it's best to use the baby wash cycle, as it's the only way to perfectly prepare baby clothes in the hottest water possible.

That's it for the advantages, so all that's left are the disadvantages. There are only two, but they're worth noting.

• Scale buildup. This problem is common in cities with poor-quality tap water. The harder the water, the more likely salt deposits are to form on water heating elements and plumbing fixtures. Heating elements in washing machines work very hard, becoming coated with scale and failing, leading to expensive repairs or complete replacement. However, additional costs are inevitable, as preventing damage to the heating element requires purchasing a filter to soften tap water, if you don't already have one.
• Price. Machines with this feature are significantly more expensive, as steam generation is a premium feature. It's also worth remembering that a steam generator consumes a lot of electricity, which can significantly increase utility bills. It's also worth noting that a steam generator increases the load on the power supply, which also increases the risk of damage to the washing machine.

Thus, steam generation is truly worth the extra cost and significantly improves the quality of home laundry. However, it's not essential, as it can be easily replaced with a regular iron or steamer.

   

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