Why steam dry in a tumble dryer?

Today, more and more dryers with a steam function are coming to the market. This feature is much more common in washing machines—users are already accustomed to it. But why add such a feature to a machine that's supposed to dry clothes, not dampen them?

Let's take a look at how steam drying works in a tumble dryer. What are the benefits of this feature? What other features do modern dryers offer?

Why does a dryer need steam?

On the control panel of a modern dryer, you'll see buttons for "Steam Smoothing," "Hygiene," "Steam Drying," "Steam Refresh," and "Refresh." This means your dryer is equipped with a steam generator. These options serve different purposes.

Steam in dryers is often used specifically for smoothing out clothes.

How do the "Steam Smoothing" and "Steam Drying" options work? During the cycle, the steam generator blows hot, moist air onto the laundry. The steam penetrates the fabric fibers, smoothing out wrinkles and creases. After steam treatment, items do not need to be ironed – they can be immediately put away in the closet or worn.

Dryers also have other options, such as "Hygiene" or "Refresh." These are designed specifically for cleaning laundry. Steam in this case combats bacteria, removes dirt, and eliminates unpleasant odors.

The "Hygiene" function is ideal for drying children's clothes or items for allergy sufferers. Steam removes up to 99% of bacteria and allergens from fabric fibers. This treatment also helps remove detergent residue.

Steam can be used to treat items that shouldn't be washed in a washing machine. The "Steam" function is also useful for refreshing clothes that have been sitting or hanging in the closet for a long time. Thus, a steam generator is a very useful addition that expands the capabilities of your dryer.

Useful dryer options

In addition to steam treatment, modern dryers have other useful options that make caring for clothes much easier. A description of all additional functions is available in the dryer instructions. Therefore, it is essential to read the user manual and understand the capabilities of your “home assistant”.

Almost every modern dryer can detect the moisture level of laundry. This is essential to avoid overdrying the fabric. The sensor monitors the appropriate stage of the cycle to stop.

The residual moisture level determines the cycle's outcome. Therefore, this feature is extremely useful. Without this sensor, the machine will not be able to ensure high-quality drying.

A machine without a residual moisture level detection function does not dry clothes thoroughly, and often overdries them.

Some models have specialized humidity levels. Typically, there are three such modes:

• "Standard";
• "Maximum";
• "Extra".

It's advisable to choose dryers that display the current moisture content of items loaded in the drum. This makes it easier to monitor the condition of clothes and prevent them from becoming overdried. If you plan to iron your laundry after washing, it's best to leave it slightly damp.

Another useful feature is the Anti-Wrinkle function. It's not always possible to remove items from the washing machine immediately after the cycle ends. The longer clothes sit in the drum, the more creases they develop. Enabling this feature helps minimize this unpleasant effect.

How does the Anti-Wrinkle function work? At the end of the cycle, if clothes are left inside, the dryer continues to rotate the drum periodically. This creates the illusion that the program is continuing. This prevents items from becoming compacted or wrinkled.

Rotating the drum is especially important during the first hour after the cycle ends. The items and the washing chamber itself are still hot, so creases form more quickly. If you know you won't have time to unload the machine in time, it's best to turn on the Anti-Crease function.

Housewives also appreciate the low-temperature drying feature. It's a real lifesaver when loading delicate items into the machine, which aren't suitable for standard cycles. Some models also feature a cool air setting, which is another useful feature.

Another popular feature is "Quiet Mode." This feature is typically enabled along with a delayed start. For example, if you're scheduling a dryer for the night, the quiet mode is activated to prevent the machine from disturbing your family while they sleep.

When the "Quiet Mode" option is enabled, the drum spins more slowly. The cycle itself is quieter, but drying takes longer than with the standard algorithm. If the machine is used overnight, the slight increase in cycle time is usually unnoticed.

Some machines have a warm-up function. This is a short cycle, lasting on average 10-15 minutes. This option provides a pleasant warmth to your clothes. For example, when getting ready to take a shower, you can throw a clean towel and robe into the dryer to be used later.

Another useful option is "Static Drying." The washing machine comes with a special stand. This shelf is placed in the drum and remains in one position throughout the cycle. This makes it easier to dry shoes, toys, and hats.

Modern tumble dryers are multifunctional devices. They can not only dry clothes but also steam, refresh, and disinfect them. Additional options help you customize the cycle and achieve the best drying results.

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