Whirlpool FL model #WFW85HEFC w/steam

[seeitrun2006]

Does anyone use the steam settings on their FL washer and clothes dryer?

If so what is the advantage of adding steam to wash and dry clothes? Is it a gimmick?

Still trying to make up my mind which duet set to purchase.

As always any info will be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks!
David

 

[yoblount]

Longer & Hotter cycles

Steam cycles generally benefit wash performance by increasing water temp with an on-board heater. Time to heat the wash water to target temp also increases cycle time allowing enzyme detergents to break down soils more completely.

My LG and Samsung washers use a shorter tumble motion during the wash portion of the sanitize cycle and cycles using the "steam" modifier which should mitigate wear to clothing subjected to the longer wash times.

 

[logixx]

From watching YouTube videos, steam on the current models kicks in after the wash water has been spun out and before the first rinse, adding like 20 minutes to the cycle. I don't know if it forces the heating element to come on durimg the wash, as it was the case with Bob's Duet.

 

[johnb300m]

I will use the Steam Refresh cycle on my Maxima dryer periodically to freshen lightly used clothing items, or to de-wrinkle clean clothes that need it, or that I forgot in the dryer overnight.

Works pretty good.

 

[golittlesport]

Selecting "steam" option on my LG heats the water to create the steam. I use it occasionally on loads of whites or extra gross work out clothes. It does add some time to the cycle to heat the water, but the results are worth it.

I recommend getting a machine that has an on-board heater.

 

[johnb300m]

The steam has A LOT more thermal energy to get work done in a certain amount of time.
I took a full recording with the clear door of the Normal/Steam cycle on my GE dw (posting soon) and the actual steam portion is only a few minutes, but that steam is HOT! Hotter with more energy than just the hot water.

 

[lakewebsterkid]

YES!

We use both frequently. The washer will perform a warm wash and heat the water up to a higher temperature. After that water drains, it performs the steam phase which rapidly heats water in the sump. I have found that I can add a gallon of water and it will basically provide a very hot first rinse. At least this is what my Duet does. I use it frequently on loads with blood. It works great.
The dryer also has steam. It is used all the time for wrinkled clothes that simply need freshened up before wearing. It actually can replace ironing in some light cases. It is a feature that I find I wouldn't want to live without.

 

[imperial70]

My GE PFWS4600 front load washer has steam refresh and ability to add steam to wash cycles. I use the steam refresh when I break out clothing during seasonal changes. This gets the wrinkles out and refreshes them after months of storage. I also use it if something is wrinkled after drying to get the wrinkles out. usually in under 15 minutes. I don't think I could go back to a top loader because I would miss the steam refresh in particular.

 

[appnut]

I have had a front loader without an integral heater and my current one does have one, plus steam, and sanitize.  It's a whole different level of clean.  I have cotton/terry cloth napkins as well as my kitchen cleaning cloths.  they accumulate over a 4-6 week time, enough for a nice sizer load.  I use my equivalent of extra hot, steam, and depending upon my mood, Heavy Duty, Whites, Towels and heaviest soil level.  I use Tide w/Bleach powder.  I am never disappointed.  My personal whites, I haven't used chlorine bleach in years since getting this washer.  Whites, hottest water, and longest cycle time.  Maybe almost two  years ago, I ended up getting quite a bit of blood on a pair of light colored kakis after an injection.  The stain sat for almost two weeks.  I put all my similar colored slacks n the wash, selected Normal/Casual, heaviest soil, warm water, and steam for stains.  Tide w/Bleach.  Even I was amazed, not a trace.  Eventually I will be invaded with 3 dogs and 2 cats and I will have a Duet Steam dryer by then.  Inbetwe3en regular laundering of all their blankets, I'll use the steam refresh on the dryer to freshen all of them up.  I cannot imagine owning a front loader without an integral heat3er.  I don't subscribe to cold water washing.  I also use the steam for stains option to be assured I obtain a real warm, hot, or extra hot temperature in a load.  Duets have incredible flexibility with choice of cycles with steam as well as extra hot water temps if needed. 

 

[toploader55]

My Miele 4842 has the on board heater.

I too as Bob have not use LCB in 6 years. Hot water rules.

I do not have the Steam though. I'd like a dryer with steam. But then again, I'd rather have vintage and just run the load on Spray Rinse and then re dry.