What Does a Steam Feature on a Washer Do?

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Washing clothes and home upholstery is a chore.  The good news is that you can always buy a washing machine with steam features that will clean, deodorize, and sanitize the laundered fabrics while you wash them. 

This feature makes the cleaning process easier for everyone who owns such washers. If you want to make your life easier when washing clothes and other materials, consider buying a washer with steam features. Steam helps remove dust, dirt, allergens, and other contaminants from your laundry items as they get washed during this process. 

Keep on reading to learn more about the work of a steam feature on a washer.

What Is a Steam Feature on a Washer?

A steam washer uses a combination of steam and water to clean your clothes and other fabrics. This feature provides you with the option to replace dry cleaning once in a while and revitalize certain types of clothes such as curtains and upholstery. 

Stain removal is made easy with steam washers because they eliminate the most common stains by using hot steam to loosen them up before washing. The steam also helps to remove wrinkles, make detergent work more efficiently and sanitize fabrics.

How a Steam Washer Works

Before the washing cycle begins, a steam cycle loosens wrinkles, stains, and dirt from your clothes. Steam is very effective in removing the dried-on gunk, so this process will likely improve the cleanliness of your clothing. The steam doesn't stop there. 

How a Steam Washer Works
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During the wash cycle, the steam continues to work with water to clean your fabrics. The steam helps to remove germs and dissolve detergent better than water while heating the cycle. When the detergent is mixed with water, the steam increases the temperature of the wash tub to improve the cleaning power.

If you opt for steam dryers, the steam during the dry cycle will get rid of wrinkles and sanitize your clothes. If you have pets at home or any of your family members have allergies, a steam washer and a steam dryer will be perfect for you.

If you want a steam washer and dryer, it can be hard to decide which one comes first in the household. The good news is that they both do a lot of similar functions. They both sanitize your clothes and remove odor-causing bacteria while freshening up your laundry with the help of steam. Both of them also have a cycle that lets you remove wrinkles from your clothes.

If you want to buy both a steam washer and dryer, the steam washer is usually placed first in the household because it has more functions than a dryer. A dryer needs a couple of minutes to remove small wrinkles from your clothes, while a steam washer uses the power of steam to freshen up your laundry and remove all bacteria that can cause bad odors.

There is an article on steam clean cabinets on our site.

How Washing Machines Apply Steam

Washing machines can apply steam in many different ways. Some may heat water in the tub directly to create steam, while others may utilize a steam generator that sends the steam into the tub. But it will still allow you to use water instead if you would like. 

The steam will permeate your clothes to remove dirt and bacteria that may be in your clothing. It also releases wrinkles to make sure that your clothes look great before you put them on. After converting the water to steam, the steam generator then heats the water back up and sends it to the tub for another cycle.

Advantages of a Steam Feature on a Washer

Reduce Ironing

Ironing can take a lot of time and effort, especially if you don’t know how to iron clothes properly. If you don't like to iron your clothes, then this feature is perfect for you. It will eliminate the need to use an ironing board because it removes wrinkles and creases in clothing so that you can wear them without having to press them first. 

Reduce Ironing
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However, not all steam features are the same, they vary in intensity and temperature achieved. So, it's important to check the type of steaming function your washing machine has.

Steam Wash Cleans Hygienically

How often do you wash your bedding, baby clothes, or do you have extra sensitive skin? If you're facing these elements, consider a washing machine that washes hygienically in your laundry rooms. The washing machine adds steam during the cycle and removes bacteria and allergens.

The washing machine uses steam to sanitize fabrics of dust mites, pet dander, pet hair, and pollen. It can do this because the high temperatures of the steam break the allergens effectively.

Steam Washing Machines Saves Money

A steam washing machine uses less power and consumes less water than conventional models. A small amount of water can produce steam. When you consider the savings on water and power, a steam washing machine offers greater cost-effectiveness than other models. Steam washers don't need as much energy to heat as many gallons as other models.

Steam Washing Machines Saves Time

A conventional washing machine can take an hour or more to complete its cycle. It’s even more challenging to do laundry on items with heavy stains, especially for those just learning how to do laundry.

But with a steam washing machine, there are very rapid spin cycles that can reduce time in the dryer, making up for some lost energy savings. Many steam washing machines also offer a range of different wash cycles, which you can use to customize the process according to your specific needs.

Freshen up with Steam Washing Machine

If you have a smelly laundry room or your clothes stink, you can always add to the wash cycle from steam washing machines a detergent with a natural odor eliminator. This enables clothes in laundry rooms to maintain a fresh smell.

FAQs on the Function of a Steam Feature on a Washer

Is the steam function on a washer worth it?

The washing machine freshens up with steam without adding water. This can save you money on detergent and energy. Plus, your clothes will last longer and won't wear quickly.

Is it better to have a steam washer or dryer?

Steam washers clean clothes that may be hard to clean by hand, machine-washable drapes and other delicate clothes. They also preserve the fabric, so there is less need for ironing.

Final Thought on Functions of a Steam Feature on a Washer

Finally, opt for a washer and a dryer that will give you more benefits in your laundry room. If having perfectly sanitized clothes is your concern, or you're worried about allergies and skin sensitivity. In that case, a washing machine with a steam function is what you need to invest in.

 

 

Ryan Copley

Ryan Copley

Having spent years participating in bathroom, kitchen, and home renovations, Ryan uses this experience to write informative blog posts on a wide variety of home renovation and kitchen topics.

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