Steam generator on Electrolux washers

[georgect]

Just wanted to share some info. (from a different forum) on the steam generator in Electrolux washers.

After the wash cycle, water will be drained, then new water is added...just enough to cover the heating element at the bottom of the tub.
The element creates steam and no water is actually in the tub, therefore the clothes are tumbled in the steam for about 10 minutes.

You can use the Steam option in any cycle except Heavy Duty and Sanitize and with any water temp. (hot, warm and cold). Using the Steam option DOES NOT default the wash water temp. to only a hot wash.

Below is a video link of the Electrolux steam generator vs. seperate steam generator.
(the machine shown in the video is not the same as the machine we are accustomed to in America but the concept is the same.)

 

[mrb627]

Sopping Wet?

So the sopping wet clothes are tumbled in a humid compartment? What is the purpose of this function?

Malcolm

 

[xanx22]

Steam cycle

The Aeg protex model I have has two steam cycles. One to refresh and a longer de wrinkle cycle. You can use either cycle with both dry clothes or just washed wet.
The refresh is designed to freshen up garments when lightly worn and can be used on dry clean items. It is therefore ideal to use in between trips to the dry cleaners.
The longer de wrinkle cycle is great for smoothing out an item that may have got crushed in the wardrobe or something that has been over dried and therefore creased like damask table cloths. It makes ironing easier. It is also great for just washed items. I used to spin my work shirts after a minimum iron ( perm press) cycle at 400 rpm and drip on hanger but now spin at 1000rpm then steam cycle and straight onto hanger to finish with excellent results. I also weekly wash my dry clean only work suit with willies delicates on handwash cycle followed by steam then straight on hanger with fantastic results and much more convient and cheaper than dry cleaning!!
So in answer to the question the benefit is it can remove odours / kill bacteria and can de wrinkle!!!

 

[xanx22]

iPhone auto correct

Willies = Woolite

Oops should have spotted that before posting

 

[qualin]

This is a very good demonstration as to why steam generators are failing in LG machines...

We have very hard water here, so these steam generators only last a few short years before they fail... and for that very reason.. The sad part is, there isn't any easy way to clean them so they are designed to fail.

When they fail, all that happens is that it looks like the LG is taking a leak on the clothing, which makes it fairly ineffective and very pointless.. not to mention somewhat humorous because it's not everyday you see a washing machine taking a leak on clothing... but I'm just being juvenile here...

Anyway..

I like this design much better, it also seems very efficient to me as well. The big problem is, I doubt this is something we could have in North America because we need wattage to drive that big element, something you can't get a lot of from a 120 volt plug..

 

[logixx]

I doubt this is something we could have in North America

This very system is also used on the Electrolux and Frigidaire washers for the American market, actually.

 

[mattl]

I have a Whirlpool Duet Steam machine torn down at the moment, really need to get busy on it, but unlike the other Duet Steam machine I have this one has two elements in the sump and no outboard steam generator.  I ave a hunch that it does exactly what the Electrolux does, heats a small amount of water to form steam. 

 

Now I'm kind of anxious to get it back together and try it out....

 

[qualin]

OK, now I know....

 

[chestermikeuk]

Steam

Utilising the element in the sump which heats the water to also activate for the steam programme is perfect.....the main design flaw with injected systems is that unless the jet has the power of a karcher the the steam coming out of the jet is lost almost immediately as

a - it hits the first item of clothing
b - its not powerfull enough to reach all tub areas
c - steam rises so will dissipate up top straight away
d - finer jets will clog with scale easily

Wheras, the sump element system

a - steam can penetrate every inch of the tub
b - all clothing in the drum receives steam
c - steam rises naturally, no effort needed
d - no extra pumps, containers & jets required
e - cheaper to build & run