How Does Steam Wash Clothes?
Some new washers and dryers inject steam into the drum -- where you add the clothes -- to help clean the fabrics. Manufacturers have different ways of adding steam to the wash or dry cycle, but the effects of steam on the wash can be beneficial. Even some dryers can use steam to sanitize and remove odors from clothes without technically "washing" them. Does this Spark an idea?
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Pre-Wash Cycle
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As the washer fills up with water in preparing for washing the clothes, the addition of steam helps the water penetrate the fabric better. This in turn helps release stains and soil from the clothes. Steam also raises the temperature inside the wash drum and helps open the fabric so less soap and water is needed during the wash cycle.
Wash Cycle
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During the washing cycle, the injection of steam also works to raise the temperature of the water, helping remove soil and stains. Steam is much hotter than water from the hot water heater, where most washers draw their hot water supply, and so steam can raise the temperature of the washing water much higher than hot tap water with less energy. Hotter temperatures help activate the detergent and remove dirt more effectively.
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Sanitizing
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Some washers use a special steam bath to kill allergens such as dander and bacteria, since the hot steam will break up the allergen molecules. The allergen cycle is particularly effective for those with bothersome allergies, but also important for sanitizing clothes. Sanitizing the fabric may not always be required, but it can help clean fabrics used in areas with lots of pathogens, such as veterinary clinics and medical facilities.
Steam Dryers
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Some dryers use steam to help relax wrinkles and soften clothes. Additionally, an injection of very hot steam can remove odors in clothes without washing them. A major advantage of this special cycle is that it's safe for dry-clean-only clothes since it does not immerse them in water.
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References
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