6 Benefits of a Steam Dryer

The latest trend in high-end laundry (as well as dishwashers and ranges) is steam. While some of the benefits of steam are obvious, there are some added qualities that you may have not thought of.

1. A conventional dryer applies heated air to your wet clothes. This causes the moisture to evaporate. A steam dryer uses hot air to dry clothes, but takes it one step further with steam. The steam cycle allows the moist air to penetrate the clothes and soften the fabrics reducing wrinkles.

2. There is a wrinkle release cycle which is similar to the steam refresh cycle, but it happens at the end of the cycle and will periodically tumble the load until you take the clothes out. This helps prevent wrinkles that caused by your clothes to sitting in the dryer for a while.
3. Steam is used to sanitize items. This works great for killing germs in kid's toys, dog beds and toys, or just to keep your family safe during the flu season.

4. Steam is used to freshen up items that should not be washed. Things like shoes, hats, pillows, camping equipment, and sports equipment. This can also be used as a way to freshen a shirt up without having to do a complete load of laundry.

5. Purchasing a new laundry pair with steam technology is a little more expensive, but it can save you time. If you use steam, you won't have to iron ever again.

6. Using steam cycle can actually make your clothes last longer. With all the benefits, including refreshing your clothes without using detergents and skipping the ironing board can actually help for fabrics not break down as easily and keeping strong and less likely to rip and separate.

Steam allows you more flexibility and improve the drying quality. All of these benefits make steam the hot new feature and is a great option when selecting your new laundry set.

Self-Cleaning Ovens VS Steam Cleaning Ovens

These two types of cleaning options are the most popular methods for cleaning ovens today.

According to most reports, less than half of the consumers who own a self-cleaning oven actually utilize the self-cleaning feature.

Self-Cleaning Ovens:

This type of oven utilized extreme heat to clean the oven; temperatures can reach up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme heat allows the residue in the oven to be carbonized and literally turn to ash. The ovens smooth enamel coating makes it very easy to wipe away the left over ash created from the self cleaning cycle. While in the self-cleaning mode the range will become very hot to the touch and you need to make sure to keep kids away. The amount of energy required for this type of cleaning is extremely high and time consuming because the cleaning cycle will last around 4 hours where the oven is unusable until the oven temperature drops to a safe temperature. This cleaning method also gives off a very strong smell that many consumers dislike.

Pros:

• This is a very effective cleaning process that leaves the oven very clean.

Cons:

• Utilizes high energy to clean
• Extreme heat required for the job
• Long processing times
• Undesirable odors / smell from the process

Example:

• GE 27" Built-in Double Convection Wall Oven

 Steam Cleaning Ovens:

Like self-cleaning ovens a steam cleaning oven also utilizes heat to clean but only requires around 250 degrees Fahrenheit to do the job. This type of oven adds water to create steam that helps release the residue from the oven surface. This oven also uses a smooth enamel coating that makes removal of the leftover residue easy to wipe away. The cleaning cycle for this type of oven is usually around 1 hour making it easy to clean with more frequency. 

Pros:

• Very short time required for the cleaning (usually less than 30 minutes)
• No odor / smell
  
• More energy efficient due to utilizing lower temperature to clean
• This is a very effective cleaning process that leaves the oven very clean

Cons:

• Effectively cleans the bottom of the oven but struggles with the walls and back of the oven.
• My preference is the steam option but depending on your desires both have their pros and cons because who really wants to get on their hands and knees and scrub the inside of an oven with toxic chemicals?  

Example:

• Whirlpool 5.0 Cu. Ft. Single Wall Oven

Here is a detailed checklist about the proper way to use the Steam Clean feature:

• Do not use oven cleaners with Steam Clean.

• Use the Steam Clean feature as soon as possible after spills occur. The longer you wait the more difficult it may be to remove.

• Always allow the oven to cool before using the Steam Clean feature

• Do not open the oven door during the cleaning cycle because the water in the bottom is hot.

• Once the Steam cycle is complete, remove all remaining water and debris in the bottom of the oven.

• Wipe any remaining moisture from the oven door interior, oven cavity interior sides.

• For harder stains use a soft brush or nylon scrubber to wipe the oven interior.