What is steam clean option on Whirlpool washer?
The Ultimate Guide to Using Steam Clean on Whirlpool Washers
Looking for the best way to deep clean your clothes and leave them fresh and sanitized? The steam clean setting available on Whirlpool washers provides an incredibly powerful cleaning method that can tackle even the toughest laundry challenges.
In my years as a home improvement specialist focused on renovations and appliance repair, I‘ve found steam cleaning to be one of the most effective technologies for cleaning all types of fabrics and eliminating odors, stains, bacteria, and allergens.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my insider knowledge and troubleshooting tips so you can get the most out of your Whirlpool steam clean setting. You‘ll learn how it works, when to use it, and how to integrate it into your laundry routines for optimal fabric care and hygiene.
What Exactly is Steam Clean and How Does it Work?
The steam clean setting on Whirlpool washers utilizes the power of steam to deeply penetrate fabrics in ways that regular detergent alone cannot. But how does it actually work?
During the steam clean cycle, the drum rotates and short bursts of concentrated steam are injected into the wash load. The steam is heated to temperatures from 212°F to over 275°F.
At these high temperatures, the steam can kill up to 99.9% of bacteria and germs living on fabrics and laundry. The combination of heat and moisture also helps relax wrinkles and soften fibers.
As the steam penetrates the fabric weave, it breaks apart dirt, lifts stains that have set into the fibers, and destroys allergens like dust mites. The steam naturally dissolves any clingy residues left behind by body oils, lotions, and detergents.
After loosening the dirt and stains, the agitation motion ensures soils are suspended in water and removed fully when flushed down the drain.
According to studies, steam cleaning can remove up to 80% more dirt than detergent alone. The steam‘s deep cleaning power makes it ideal for sanitizing laundry.
Top 5 Benefits of Using Steam Clean
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Superior stain removal – Steam cleaning removes up to 80% more dirt than detergent alone, making it excellent at tackling set-in stains.
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Allergen and bacteria elimination – According to industry testing, the combination of steam and heat kills up to 99.9% of bacteria and reduces allergens.
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Odor removal – By penetrating fibers, steam eliminates odors from smoke, pets, body oils to leave laundry fresh.
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Energy efficiency – By pretreating with steam, you can wash clothes in cool water while still removing stains. This saves energy.
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Fabric protection – Steam‘s deep cleaning is gentle on clothes. It keeps fabrics looking vibrant and extending lifespan.
When Should You Use The Steam Clean Setting?
While steam clean can be used as often as you like, here are some instances when it‘s especially helpful:
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For sanitizing bedding, towels, sports gear, and kids‘ clothes where bacteria accumulate.
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When preparing to wash clothes purchased secondhand before wearing.
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For adult clothing exposed to body oils, lotions, and perfumes that leave residue.
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For tough odors like smoke, pets, mildew that require deep cleaning.
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For heavily wrinkled loads, especially cotton and linen which benefit from steam.
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When washing heavily soiled workwear and muddy sports uniforms. The steam cleans deeply.
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For set-in stains on tablecloths, napkins, and clothing. Loosens stubborn dirt.
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Every 1-2 months to deep clean the washing machine interior and prevent buildup.
Pro Tip: Use Steam Clean to Reduce Hot Water Use
Because steam cleaning removes stains so effectively, you can actually wash clothes in cooler water when using the steam setting.
For most stains, washing with steam in warm or even cold water produces the same cleaning results as hot water but saves energy.
This is because the steam‘s cleaning power does not rely on the water temperature like regular cycles. The steam itself provides the deep penetrating cleaning.
How to Use Steam Clean – Step by Step
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Read your manual – Ensure you understand your machine‘s specific steam clean instructions. Check detergent use, temperature guidelines and loading capacity.
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Do not overstuff – For steam to circulate freely, only fill drum 1/3 to 1/2 full with 1-5 items. Overloading will inhibit steam effectiveness.
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Use mild detergent – Harsh detergents can strip fabrics‘ fibers when paired with steam. Use mild, hypoallergenic formulas.
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Select temps – Medium to hot temps allow steam to fully penetrate fabrics. Avoid extremes that could damage clothes.
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Choose steam setting – Pick a steam cycle or option that pairs with wash cycle. Runtimes range 30min – 1hr.
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Dry steam safely – Select low heat drying to avoid any moisture left behind from steaming.
Fabrics to Avoid or Wash With Caution
While most fabrics are safe with the short steam bursts, here are a few exceptions:
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Silk – The high heat can remove silk‘s luster and cause yellowing. Avoid steaming.
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Rayon – Aggressive steam may shrink or deform this synthetic fabric. Use lowest setting.
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Wool – Possible shrinkage if agitation is too rough. Use delicates cycle only.
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Linen – Can weaken fibers over time with excess steaming. Reduce frequency.
For these delicate fabrics, use steam minimally or avoid it. And as always, check clothing labels for specific instructions.
Let‘s Compare Steam Clean to Regular Cycles
How does the steam option differ from your regular wash cycles? Here‘s a helpful comparison:
| Wash Feature | Steam Clean | Regular Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Power | Steam penetrates deepest into fibers | Detergent cleans surfaces |
| Cycle Length | 30 min – 1 hour | As quick as 15 minutes |
| Temperature | Usually hot or warm | Can be hot, warm or cold |
| Fabric Care | Gentler on clothes | Agitation can be rougher |
Troubleshooting Common Steam Cleaning Mistakes
To prevent potential issues, avoid these common mistakes:
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Overloading drum which prevents steam circulation
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Using too much detergent leading to residue buildup
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Selecting delicate fabrics prone to heat damage
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Choosing extreme hot or cold water temps
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Skipping the drying cycle which allows moisture buildup
Follow care instructions and this guide to get the most from your steam clean setting!
Answers to Your Most Frequent Steam Clean Questions
Still have some lingering questions? Here I‘ll tackle some of the most common steam cleaning concerns:
Does the steam make clothes wet?
No, the interior drum heats up to dry clothes so they are ready to wear, fold or hang after the cycle completes.
Can I put all garment types in one steam load?
It‘s best to avoid mixing delicate fabrics with heavy fabrics in a steam cycle. Load similar items.
How does steam not shrink or damage clothes?
Short steam bursts don‘t over-saturate fabrics. The humidity levels and motion are controlled for fabric safety.
What detergent should I use?
For steam cleaning, avoid harsh detergents which can leave residue. Use mild, hypoallergenic formulas.
Can steam replace dry cleaning?
For some fabrics yes! Steam cleaning allows you to clean delicates at home safely without dry cleaning chemicals.
Should I steam clean after every load?
Once per month is fine for maintenance. For heavily soiled loads or sanitization, use steam more frequently.
Get More Mileage From Your Wash Cycles With Steam
As you can see, integrating the steam clean option into your laundry routine provides some major benefits! My best advice is to use it for sanitizing bed linens weekly, tackle stubborn stains as needed, and de-gunk your machine monthly.
I hope this guide gave you a comprehensive overview of how to unlock the power of steam cleaning. With a little trial and error, you‘ll be a steam cleaning pro in no time! Have any other steam clean questions? Let me know in the comments. Happy washing!