Cleaning force, sanitizing capacity, energy savings - these are only some of the main benefits of a steam washer. Here is how it works and what fabrics can be washed in it.
Sanitizing your laundry and clothes is essential to free the fibres from micro-organisms and harmful bacteria. Steam washing in the washer is one of the best ways to do this, as it sanitizes your clothes completely, without damaging them. What fabrics are best suited to be steamed washed?
Steam washer technology and functions
Steam washers work like traditional washing machines. In addition, they also have a special steam cycle: how does this washing method work?
The basket is connected to a mechanism that, during the washing cycle, releases tiny quantity of water as steam, at controlled temperature and pressure. Since they are smaller than water, steam molecules get perfectly inside the fibres, sanitizing them and destroying germs and bacteria. Moreover, detergent, when it touches the humidity, becomes a spray that penetrates the fabrics better, and removes dirt without wasting any soap on the clothes.
Not all washers have a steam cycle. For instance, Candy RapidÓ features a steam treatment - Steam Hygiene Plus - tested and approved by the BAF (British Allergy Foundation), and it helps you reduce folds, making ironing easier, and eliminate odours and allergens. You can even choose between 3 intensity levels, designed for dry or wet clothes, depending on the kind of fabric.
Steam washer and cycle: fabrics and programs
New-generation steam washers can sanitize your clothes even at very low temperatures (30°), making them perfect for the majority of fabrics. Here is how to wash the most common fabrics:
- Cotton and mixed fabrics: after the spin cycle, steam can reach high temperatures without damaging your clothes. Use a washing cycle at 90°C (for whites) and at 60°C (for coloured items).
- Synthetic, polyester, viscose and acrylic clothes: in this case, steam can be used to sanitize wet clothes (after washing them) and dry ones (before washing them), using a 40°C cycle.
- Wool, silk, chiffon and delicate fabrics: steam allows you to freshen up and stretch the folds on your clothes, and is perfect for dry clothes. In this case, choose a program that does not exceed 30°C.
What fabrics shouldn't be steam washed?
- Leather or faux leather;
- Chamois;
- Feathers;
- Clothes containing PVC;
- Clothes with pearls or sequins.
Energy savings: how can steam be useful in the washer?
Apart from removing germs and bacteria, another advantage you shouldn’t forget is energy savings. In order to create steam, the washer uses less water, with lower water consumption. As mentioned earlier, the latest washer can generate steam already at 30°C, without having to reach high temperatures, and this reduces electricity consumption.
In short, steam washers are perfect to save water, energy and have sanitized clothes. To obtain optimal results, remember to use a professional limescale remover, by Care+Protect: this way, the parts of your washer will remain clean, and you’ll prevent limescale build-ups during your steam cycles!
