How the steam function works in an LG washing machine

How the steam function works in an LG washing machine Every day, home appliances are becoming more modern and complex, which is why it can be difficult to understand them without a detailed user manual. For example, not every housewife knows exactly how the steam function in an LG washing machine works, or why it might even be needed. Let's deal with this unusual mode, which can significantly simplify life.

How does this supplement work?

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

a steam generator installed in 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 chamber of the device, the liquid is transformed into steam, and then under pressure is sent into the tank through a rubber tube, which is why it provides the steam treatment effect. In turn, water is heated using a heating element installed inside the steam generator.

Why is there steam in an LG machine?

The steam generation mode should not frighten users, because it has been successfully used for a very long time - it first appeared in dry cleaners and laundries.In such establishments, this useful function is used with the help of special steam generators, which help employees remove particularly complex and stubborn dirt, rid clothes of unpleasant odors, plus, kill all harmful microorganisms. Due to the fact that previously steam generation was actively used only on an industrial scale, many housewives are confident that the steam function is completely unnecessary for processing clothes at home. Let us answer the question why this is not so.

Users often criticize this mode because it was unable to remove stains from dirty clothes. The key is the fact that steam treatment should not remove stains and wash dirty clothes, because it does not replace the main working cycle of the washing machine, but complements it. Steam treatment straightens the fibers of the fabric, and also gives things freshness, but does not bleach them or remove stubborn stains.

Do not load crumpled things into the “home assistant”, otherwise she will not be able to process all surfaces of the linen, since she will not be given free access to the clothes.

Why can good washing results be obtained only after an extended work cycle, which includes the main wash and steam treatment? This is due to the fact that this is the only way to ensure complete processing of products. steam function is harmless to things

Washing powder, gel or other detergent effectively removes stains from berries, fatty foods, coffee, juice, blood and other things.
Steam treatment improves the penetration of household chemicals into fabric fibers.
As a bonus, it is worth noting the thorough disinfection that clothes receive during steam treatment. This allows you to remove any germs, fungi and infections.

Finally, we will answer the common question of why steam treatment at home is inferior to treatment in the laundry and dry cleaning. The fact is that a household washing machine is unable to evenly process 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, the entire product is treated with steam for a long time, which eliminates any stains and dirt.

Pros and cons of this innovation

Of course, manufacturers promote such a useful and unusual mode with particular force. Steam generation is a feature that increases not only the value for users, but also the price, which can significantly increase company revenue. Therefore, mostly you can only hear from brand representatives about the undeniable advantages of machines with this mode, but there are also disadvantages, which we will also talk about. First of all, let's list the advantages.

Freshness. Since steam effectively removes wrinkles and creases from clothes, ironing becomes extremely easy. Moreover, wool scarves, office shirts and a number of other items made from thin fabrics do not need to be ironed at all after steam treatment.

This effect can also be achieved by using a household steam cleaner, so you should not buy an expensive washing machine with a steam generator solely for the sake of it.

Partial removal of stains and unpleasant odors. We have already written about the principle of operation - this mode is not capable and should not remove stubborn dirt, but it is capable of removing some stains even without detergents.This is especially valuable for people who suffer from allergies to household chemicals, which is why they have to wash things without powders and gels. The effectiveness of such removal of contaminants depends on the type of fabric, the load on the drum, the power of the steam generator, the selected washing program, as well as the type of contaminant itself.
Disinfection without boiling. Almost the main advantage users cite is the ability to disinfect things without using boiling water. This allows you to kill harmful bacteria, such as fungus, mold and various infections, and not damage the clothes themselves, which may lose color or shape in boiling water. A steam generator is not able to kill 100% of harmful microorganisms, nor remove all pollen and other allergens from clothes, but it effectively reduces their number on things.

For complete sterility of products, it is better to use the children's washing mode, because only it can perfectly prepare the baby's clothes in the hottest water possible.

That's it with the advantages, so only the disadvantages remain. There are only two of them, but they are worth noting.

Scale formation. This problem is relevant for cities with poor quality tap water. The harder it is, the more active salt deposits appear on water heating elements and plumbing fixtures. The heating element works very actively in washing machines, becomes covered with scale and fails, which provokes expensive repairs or a complete replacement of the element. At the same time, additional expenses cannot be avoided in any case, because in order to prevent damage to the heating element, you will have to pay for a filter that will soften tap water if you don’t already have one in your house.
Price.Machines with a similar function are significantly more expensive, because steam generation is included in the list of premium services. Don’t forget the fact that a steam generator consumes a lot of electricity, which will seriously increase utility bills. Additionally, we note that the steam generator increases the load on the power circuit, which also increases the likelihood of damage to the washing machine.

Thus, steam generation is actually worth paying extra for and will significantly improve the quality of your home wash. At the same time, it is not an absolute necessity, because it can be replaced with an ordinary iron or steamer.