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Steam. Is it all it is cracked up to be?

16 years ago

Steam in either the washer or dryer. For those of you who have had washers and dryers without it and have 'upgraded' to steam machines... is it really that beneficial? One of the claims is stain removal in the washer. Since steam is basically 212 degrees one would think it could remove stains due to the high temperature; however lots of machines heat their wash water to high temperatures. Just wondering if this is just marketing hype.

Jayme

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Comments (3)

regus_patoff
16 years ago
we've had the LG steam washer a few months, but haven't used the steam, yet.

"lots of machines heat their wash water to high temperatures"

They MAINTAIN the (input) hot water temperature, but there is not much time to INCREASE the water temperature using electric heating on a 120v machine.
hittlets
16 years ago
I have had my LG steam washer since October and I have to say I love the steam feature. Do I use all the time and can't live without it? No, but it has been a true convenience on many occasions.

I use the steam feature mainly to re-fresh clothes. I can put clothes, like pants, sweaters - more outter wear items - that don't need to be submerged in water in the steam cycle. They become refreshed and have fewer wrinkles. I save on detergent, time and energy. Plus, my clothes are being saved from over washing, which makes them last longer.

I also used the steam cycle for freshening up table linens over the holidays.

I haven't used the steam setting for stain removal, but I don't get that many stains. I do think it is a great feature and works for my laundry needs.

Hope this helps.
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gordonr
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For some the freshening feature of steam seems to be useful. Others have commented that it's no big deal. Can understand both viewpoints.

Regarding steam as a cleaning agent...

When the 212F steam is injected into the washer, what do you think the temperature of the washer drum/water/clothing is at that point? Maybe 120F give or take? The zeroth law of thermodynamics would say the injected steam and the existing drum/water/clothing would come into equilibrium with each other. Anotherwords, the steam has the net effect of raising the temperature of the drum/water/clothing a little bit. I'm guessing that any increased cleaning capability comes from this incremental increase in wash temperature. This can be a real effect, but it's not clear it's anymore effective than if the water heater did that work rather than steam. Still find it far fetched to believe that there is some magical fabric - steam interaction that enhances cleaning when relatively low temperature "steam" coming in near contact with lower temperature water logged clothing. Steam does have a very nice marketing ring. Also, some of the steam machines are very nice equipment anyways and you might have to get steam to get another feature you want.

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