LG washing machines with the "Refresh with steam" function

The very first washing machine with a steam function was released in 2005 from LG.
Similar models with this new function began to appear on the Russian market much later.

The latest True Steam technology at that time was borrowed by other manufacturers who liked to introduce new technologies into the development of their devices.

Let's take a closer look at the analysis of this technology, and also look at which LG models have this function.

Benefits of the steam function

The steam function is presented in different ways in washing machines. For some brands, steam treatment is an additional option to standard programs - at the end of the cycle, items are sprayed with hot air to smooth and disinfect. For others, the steam generator is activated in a separate mode, which allows you not only to smooth and refresh your laundry, but also to remove dirt from the fabric.

When the special steam mode is started, the clothes are “washed” without water. Humidified air heated to high temperatures pushes dirt out of the fibers and eliminates bacteria and allergens. Hot steam is absolutely harmless to fabric, which allows you to load delicate materials into the drum: silk, lace, satin and much more.

The “Refresh with steam” function on LG washing machines is a separate mode for complete cleaning of laundry.

A fair question arises: is washing powder needed when using the “Refresh with steam” program? The answer is clear - no. To remove stains, humidified hot air is sufficient.

As a result, this type of processing has several advantages:

no detergents required;
fast cycle (the machine does not waste time collecting and heating water);
dry items without spinning;
stains are removed without boiling, soaking or aggressive cleaners;
Delicate cleansing, suitable for all colors and types of fabric.

Using the built-in steam generator is simple: just load the washer and press the appropriate button. It remains to figure out which models from LG are equipped with a steam function. A brief overview follows.

Advantages and disadvantages

An LG washing machine with steam is an expensive technique (about a third more expensive compared to washing machines of similar power, but without steam).

But the high cost of household appliances is fully compensated by many positive properties:

The steam washing mode allows you to save water and electricity (compared to a conventional washing machine, consumption is halved).
Steaming clothes is a salvation for people with severe respiratory diseases who are prone to allergies (the risk of particles of powder and other detergents getting from clothes into the human body is completely eliminated).
The temperature of the steam is several times higher than the temperature maximum of water required for normal washing. As a result, all pathogenic bacteria, mold spores and other allergens are destroyed in the fabric fibers.
Steaming helps restore softness and fluffiness to terry items.
Steam treatment completely eliminates unpleasant odors of mustiness and dampness, which regular washing cannot always remove.
Using a steam washing machine helps you save on dry cleaning services (any clothes can be cleaned at home).
Steaming dry laundry greatly simplifies the ironing process.
Delicate treatment with hot “fog” helps preserve the original appearance of clothing for as long as possible.

Despite the many positive properties of steam washing machines, several negative points can still be noted.

The first is cost . Not everyone can afford to buy such expensive household appliances (for comparison, a regular washing machine can cost two to three times less).

The second point is the limited range. LG began producing steam washing machines not so long ago, so the range of such household appliances is very limited. But the manufacturer is constantly improving its product, replenishing the line of steam washing machines with new, improved models.

LG F1096MDS0

The cost of washing machines with a steam generator from LG starts at approximately RUB 23,990. This is the price of the cheapest model – LG F1096MDS0. This is a front-facing machine with a maximum drum load of 5.5 kg.

Main characteristics of the equipment:

intelligent control;
character display;
inverter motor;
maximum spin speed – 1000 rpm;

The body depth of the LG F1096MDS0 is 44 cm, and the machine has a classic design - white. Electricity is consumed economically, according to energy consumption class “A”. There is no Aquastop system, but you can block the dashboard from accidental key presses. There are also sensors that automatically monitor imbalance and foaming.

Steam supply is one of 13 standard programs on LG. Also included are Gentle and Fast, Anti-Wrinkle, Double Rinse, Wool, Baby and Pre. If desired, you can delay the start of the machine for a day and set up an automatic dosage of the powder. For user convenience, a cycle sound is provided to notify you of the start and end of the wash cycle.

How to use?

In order to start washing with a steam cycle, it is necessary to carry out a number of sequential actions:

Prepare the washing machine for washing (load sorted laundry, pour the required amount of powder into the special compartment, set the desired washing mode, temperature and spin speed). To wash with steam, you must select programs marked “Steam Cycle” on the control panel.
To activate the steam treatment function, you must press the “Steam wash” button.
To activate the steam softening function, press and hold the “Steam softening” button for three seconds.
After setting the necessary parameters, you need to start the washing process (press the “Start/Pause” button).

For different models of LG washing machines with steam, the symbols of the required buttons on the control panel may differ. A full explanation can be found in the instruction manual for the household appliance.

LG F12M7WDS1

The LG F12M7WDS1 washing machine costs a little more, in the range of 25-29 thousand. The model is a free-standing machine with horizontal loading and a 6.5 kg drum. There is also a steam generator, with which you can both refresh the fabric and remove difficult stains.

The operational parameters of the model are as follows:

case depth – 44 cm;
energy consumption according to class “A”;
spin – up to 1200 rpm;
protection from children;
automatic control of drum balancing and foam level;
delaying the start of the cycle;
varying the washing duration;
hatch diameter 30 cm;
noise level within 55-74 dB;
support for “Smart Diagnosis” technology (automatic self-diagnosis system).

“Smart Diagnosis” technology allows you to monitor failures and malfunctions in the washing machine and signal them through the display or indication system.

Using the LG F12M7WDS1 washing machine is easy thanks to 13 built-in modes. In addition to steam treatment, they include gentle, quick and pre-wash, as well as “Children’s”, “Sports”, “Mixed fabrics” and “Easy iron”.

Externally, the washing machine looks standard: a white body with a digital display. The “zest” is added by the presence of a second color, gray, in the design of the hatch door and programmer. The user will also be pleased with the “pumped-up filling” – improved firmware and direct drive with an inverter motor.

LG F14B3PDS7 and LG F12U1HBS4

Speaking about the first unit, it is worth saying that the “steam washing” mode of the washing machine is also available in it. This model has an electronic control panel as well as a display. The dimensions of the washing machine allow it to hold about 8 kg of dry clothes. The dominant color is grey. The spin is quite powerful. It can reach 1400 revolutions per minute. If you break down washing, spinning and energy consumption into classes, then all components of the process belong to the highest - A. There are 14 programs in total. The average cost is 60 thousand rubles.

LG F12U1HBS4 has an interesting function besides steam. It can be controlled using a smartphone. Users will read more detailed information about this in the instructions. It also has touch controls. It costs less than the previous one - about 30 thousand rubles.

LG F-1296HDS0

The LG F-1296HDS0 washing machine, a free-standing front-facing unit, is also equipped with a steam generator. Its drum is designed for simultaneous loading of up to 7 kg of dry laundry, while the body remains narrow, with a depth of 44 cm. As for power and technical “potential”, the model offers the following:

drum acceleration up to 1200 rpm;
profitability due to low energy consumption "A";
presence of a display showing time and cycle settings;
blocking the panel from accidental pressing;
control over tank balancing and foam formation;
support for mobile diagnostics “Smart Diagnosis”.

Due to the absence of a belt drive and an inverter motor, this LG model operates almost silently. When washing, the maximum noise reaches 55 dB, and when spinning - no more than 74 dB. There is a delayed start timer, with which you can start the system remotely within 19 hours.

There are 13 preset programs on the machine. Among them are delicate, children's, sports, accelerated and intensive washing, as well as steam treatment and light ironing. The “Mixed Fabrics” mode present on LG, in which different types of fabric are washed simultaneously, is also considered convenient in everyday life.

“6-movement care” technology: delicate and high-quality washing

Thanks to the special 6 Motion drum rotation technology, high-quality washing occurs. Various types of centrifuge movement are maximally adapted to a specific type of tissue. This means that by choosing a mode, you get a special algorithm for washing clothes. In addition to the basic one, there are the following options for rotating the centrifuge:

reverse (used to better dissolve detergents when pouring water);
saturation (involves the uniform distribution of powder and other chemicals over the entire surface of the clothing, even despite the huge volume of loaded laundry);
smoothing (after spinning, wrinkle-free laundry awaits you at the exit, so when ironing you will use a minimum of effort or even be able to do without post-processing);
rocking (designed to ensure that the laundry is constantly in the water - this will allow for delicate washing of items such as silk, wool, underwear and children's clothing);
torsion (clothes gently roll inside the bubble centrifuge, touching its convex walls, which ensures proper washing; in addition, during the operating cycle, movements are almost silent).
The “6 care movements” function - to guard the cleanliness and delicate washing of things

LG F1296TDS1

A program with hot air supplied to the drum is also present on the LG F1296TDS1 front-facing washing machine. Here the drum can hold up to 8 kg of laundry, which allows you to steam even bulky items - blankets, pillows and down jackets. In addition to capacity and a steam generator, the model boasts:

economical consumption of resources (about 0.19 kW/h and 45 liters of water are consumed per cycle);
engine acceleration up to 1200 rpm;
the ability to manually lock the “tidy”;
built-in sensors that monitor balancing, water and foam levels;
an expanded set of programs (13 items, including steam treatment, quick, mixed and pre-wash);
silent operation (up to 74 dB at maximum acceleration of the machine).

Otherwise, the washer is not inferior to its “colleagues”. The entire “basic set” from LG is present: intelligent control, character display, delayed start and support for Smart Diagnosis technology. The model is also capable of delaying the start of the cycle and signaling the end of the program with an audible signal.

The principle of operation of the steam generator in a washing machine

Washing machines with the function of steaming laundry are structurally different from conventional models. At the back or top of the device there is a generator - a special heat exchanger. On one side, water is supplied, which is converted into steam in the generator and enters the drum through a tube.

According to experts, the built-in steam generator provides more efficient processing of things. Steam penetrates deep into the fibers of the fabric and easily overcomes even stubborn stains of various types. It also kills allergens and disinfects things without using any laundry detergents.

The advantages of the steam processing function include:

High-quality disinfection - steam treats not only clothes, but also the entire inner surface of the drum;
Effective washing;
Economical - the device consumes less water, no powder or gel is needed for washing;
You can wash items made from any fabric – from coarse to delicate;
Soft smoothing – clothes require almost no ironing;
Compatible with other washing programs or use the function as the main mode.

Among the disadvantages of devices with steam processing are:

Limited selection. Not all manufacturers equip devices with a steam generator.
High price. Good washing machines with steam treatment start at 30,000 rubles, and the average cost reaches 40,000 - 50,000 rubles. You can find several budget options on the market, but these are single copies.
The steam function provides smoothing, but does not fully replace ironing. Home textiles can be used immediately, but office clothes or suits must be ironed.
According to buyers, not every washing machine effectively removes stubborn stains - they have to be washed. The disadvantage is subjective, but some owners noted it.

LG Steam F4M5VS4W

There is a steam function in larger machines as well. A striking example is the LG Steam F4M5VS4W front camera, the drum of which is designed for simultaneous washing of up to 9 kg of laundry. True, such a model cannot be called narrow, since its depth reaches 56 cm.

Despite the large capacity of the drum, the washing machine is quite economical to operate. About 45 liters of water are consumed per cycle, and in terms of electricity consumption it is assigned class “A” - practically the lowest of the existing ones. The remaining characteristics are:

direct drive;
spin up to 1400;
locking the device by pressing special keys;
protection against imbalance and increased foam formation;
possibility of additional loading through the main hatch;
the presence of a special cuvette for liquid detergents;
metal tank;
easy-to-use hatch with a diameter of 35 cm;
noise level within 53-74 dB;
support for mobile diagnostics “Smart Diagnosis”.

On the LG Steam F4M5VS4W washing machine, you can add things to the drum even after the cycle has started!

The equipment has 14 factory programs installed. Non-standard ones include steam supply and stain removal. The user will also be pleased with the mode for washing children's clothing, sports shoes, dark fabrics, woolen items and items filled with down.

Interesting:

What is the steam function in a washing machine?
Review of LG washing machine with steam function
Steam washing function in LG washing machine
“Refresh with steam” mode in the washing machine
“Steam wash” mode in the washing machine
Steam washing function in Haier washing machine

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How this option works

During the washing process, steam enters the drum, passing a rubber pipe, the end of which is fixed above the filling hatch. Steam follows from the steam generator. The position of this device is on the left side near the solenoid valves. And through one such valve, water enters the steam generator. Steam can be supplied both in standard washing mode and when starting the “Refreshment” option without the use of water.

Thanks to the flowing steam, the powder actively and completely dissolves in water. With this type of washing, stable temperature values are maintained throughout the entire drum. And water temperature data does not matter here.

Machines with this option were initially used only in professional areas (hospitals, hotels, laundries, etc.). Today, anyone with the right budget can buy them.

Advantages of such a system:

Under the influence of steam, contaminants are more effectively removed. After all, even tiny droplets of water penetrate very deeply into the fibers. And the efficiency of the washing itself increases by 21%.
Steam is generated much faster than water is heated to the required temperature. This saves electricity significantly.
Linen and things are treated with steam. And this process resembles boiling. Only it goes through more delicately. This allows you to wash items made from thin fabrics efficiently and without harm.
The steam option can be a substitute for soaking. After such exposure, things are washed more efficiently.
The steam option disinfects things well.
This option gives an aesthetic appearance to wrinkled clothes and prepares very dry items for ironing.
Thanks to steam, almost 90% of harmful bacteria and various allergens are eliminated from clothes.

Flaws:

Steam treatment is not possible in all washing modes.
Not all stains are completely eliminated. So, wine stains need to be washed out in advance.
Steaming does not replace ironing, but only simplifies it.
Dry items still need to be dried after such treatment, because they still retain some moisture.

Thus, the steaming option works well. But it is not suitable as a complete replacement for standard processes: drying, ironing, etc.

Also, the price of models with this option is higher than the price of modifications without this option. Although there are models of both medium and high price levels. Which model to purchase is a purely individual question. But if you want to buy a steam model from LG, then information about the most popular machines in this category will not hurt you.

Caring for the machine

Every appliance in the house requires care and maintenance. And the new washing machine will be no exception. After all, if you do not start care from the first days, the service life may be reduced several times. What a housewife must do to prolong the life of her assistant:

The powder dispenser (the tray into which you pour the conditioner and add the powder) should always be clean. Firstly, a dirty tray does not allow powder to pass into the machine well. Secondly, germs from stagnant water will feel great on your clothes.
Do not close the hatch after washing until the drum is completely dry and cool. Despite the stainless steel parts, residual water can cause irreparable damage to the equipment and leave a persistent odor.
Before washing, all items should be carefully inspected for the presence of unnecessary items that could damage the drum and the machine as a whole.
At least once a month the machine should be run idle with powders at high temperature. This will solve the problem of the most common breakdown - scale.
It is advisable to use Calgon with each wash to protect against premature wear of parts.

These simple rules of care will give your machine a long life, and will save you time and beauty.