How the ironing function works in a washing machine?

Have you ever wondered how certain washing machines have an ironing feature? Though it may sound magical, clever engineering is the key. In summary, this feature helps you spend less time ironing after washing and reduces wrinkles.

In order to relax fabric fibers during the last stages of the wash cycle, the ironing function uses steam. Your clothes will come out less crumpled when the machine releases a burst of steam at the end of the cycle, which helps to release wrinkles and creases.

For this function, many machines also have a specific setting. All you have to do is choose, and the machine will handle the rest. This translates to spending more time enjoying your day and less time using an iron. It’s kind of neat, huh?

"Easy ironing" instead of an iron?

While not everyone irons their items, there are situations in which an iron is a necessity. Thus, baby diapers are ironed more for sterility and hygienic reasons. According to the dress code and banal neatness, ironing work shirts is mandatory. But can bacteria be destroyed and prominent creases removed using the machine’s "easy ironing" feature?

A washing machine’s "Easy ironing" feature merely softens the fabric; it does not take the place of ironing.

"No" is the response. To be honest, it’s hard to call it ironing. As a common marketing gimmick, the loud name draws customers’ attention. However, since the option prepares the cleaned clothes for the iron, a priest is still present. Softening the fabric stops new creases from forming when it is washed and spun.

The essence of the algorithm

You must comprehend the function’s underlying idea in order to assess how effective it is. The key components of the technology are the large water volume used for washing and the delicate mode selection, which shields objects from the drum’s fast rotation. Additionally, the spin cycle’s duration and intensity are automatically decreased when "Easy Ironing" is activated. The laundry is less wrinkled and stays slightly damp as a result.

The remaining folds on the fabric are easier to "even out" with an iron and are less noticeable. Often, you can avoid steaming, which will save you money on electricity, time, and effort. After washing, some items are completely ironed out and ready to wear right away.

The drum is filled to half of its allowed capacity when easy ironing is used.

That is a different question, though: is the function worth the money? You can manually set the washing machine to reduce wrinkles while it is washing, if you’re clever. We are discussing the following tips:

  • Load less laundry into the drum;
  • Use more water when washing;
  • Reduce the spin intensity;
  • Repeat the rinse cycle.

The laundry will stay moist and soft if you rinse it in a lot of water after spinning. Consequently, easy ironing will be accomplished without the need for a specialized, pricey option. Does paying more for more functionality make sense? You should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of this technology when responding to the question.

The ironing function on contemporary washing machines is a useful addition meant to cut down on the time you spend ironing clothes after they are cleaned. This function removes wrinkles from clothing while it’s still damp by using a combination of steam and light tumbling. It essentially simulates some of the benefits of conventional ironing, reducing creases and improving the appearance of your clothing with less work on your part.

The good and bad sides of the program

The washing machine’s unique "Easy Ironing" feature will spare the user from pointless hassles. The system will automatically fill the tank and adjust the spin; you won’t need to do any of that yourself. Extended functionality also offers the following benefits:

  • after washing, the dense fabric softens, which allows you to iron it faster and easier;
  • frequent activation of a special mode protects the fabric, it rubs less against the drum and stays soft longer;
  • the iron is used less often, which saves energy.

The length of the program increases when the "Easy Iron" function is used.

Simple ironing has drawbacks as well. Among them are the following points:

  • at the end of the cycle, the laundry is very damp, sometimes – wet;
  • the function increases the cycle time;
  • the machine uses more water and electricity (as a result, it will not be possible to save on heat treatment);
  • when rinsing, the drum rotates slowly, which does not ensure complete washing of the detergent from the fabric;
  • you cannot load more than half a tank of things.

In actuality, the purpose is defeated by the need to iron or dry items that are excessively wet for a longer period of time. Additionally, there is no way to save because the program runs longer and starts a repeating cycle because of a half load. However, every manufacturer uses the "ironing" function in a different manner. Ironing actually works in some machines, but it just drives up the cost of the machinery in others. To avoid paying too much for a "empty" option, it’s important to think about and assess each model’s features.

LG F1496ADS3

The LG F1496ADS3 washing machine has an easy ironing function, or more accurately, a wrinkle prevention function. This is a front-loading, free-standing device with an inverter motor, electronic control, and a maximum capacity of 8 kg. Up to 4 kg of drying can be done with the washing machine per cycle. The model’s additional performance attributes are as follows:

  • direct drive;
  • spin – up to 1400 rpm with the possibility of manual regulation;
  • 10 modes, including the programs "Wool", "Delicate", "Children"s clothing", "Mixed fabrics", "Quick", "Steam supply" and "Preliminary";
  • delayed start timer.

The model is also good in terms of safety. In order to prevent unintentional changes to the program’s settings, users have the option to block the appliance model when the cycle begins. Along with foaming and sound accompaniment while washing, the washing machine also features automatic imbalance control.

The LG F1496ADS3 is equipped with special technologies that support smart diagnosis. With the help of this option, you can remotely diagnose the device on your own without contacting a service center technician. Running the program and eventually determining the precise cause of the malfunction or breakdown is sufficient.

Bosch WGA242XVOE

The Bosch WGA242XVOE front-loading washing machine is a full-size, free-standing model from the Serie 4 range. One benefit is the inclusion of the "Anti-creasing" function. Thus, a long list of benefits will satisfy the user with this model:

  • drum capacity up to 9 kg;
  • washing laundry using the bubble wash method (the machine generates bubbles that can remove dirt from the inside);
  • inverter motor with a 10-year warranty;
  • the ability to add laundry through the main hatch;
  • stylish silver case;
  • serious approach to the safety of equipment (full protection against leaks, panel lock, imbalance and foam level control).

The Bosch WGA242XVOE has all of the features that are common to contemporary machinery. These consist of a spinning speed of up to 1200 rpm, a digital display, and a low energy consumption class. The washing machine also features sound assistance and a 24-hour cycle delay timer. There are over ten different washing programs available, such as super-rinse, mixed, and economical.

Feature Description
Steam Release The washing machine uses steam to soften clothes, reducing wrinkles and making ironing easier.
Drum Movement The drum moves gently to loosen fabrics, which helps prevent deep wrinkles from forming.
Cool Down Phase The machine gradually cools clothes after washing, minimizing heat-based wrinkles.
Shorter Spin Cycle A shorter spin cycle reduces creases by avoiding excessive twisting of clothes.
Anti-Crease Mode Some models have a special mode that keeps clothes moving slowly to avoid wrinkles.

Having a thorough understanding of a washing machine’s ironing function can greatly simplify laundry day. This feature lessens wrinkles and creases in your clothes by gently steaming and tumbling them, which makes ironing less of a chore. It’s a quick and easy addition that works well while saving time.

It’s crucial to check the labels on your clothing before using the ironing feature because not all fabrics are appropriate for it. Even though this feature is useful, it’s still preferable to take clothes off as soon as the cycle is finished to avoid wrinkles.

All things considered, the ironing feature is a helpful tool for anyone trying to simplify their laundry process. While it won’t completely replace traditional ironing for all clothing, it does offer a useful start, particularly for daily wear. With careful use of this feature, you can enjoy wrinkle-free, freshly laundered clothing with less effort.

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Dmitry Kuznetsov

Technical consultant and blogger. I have always been passionate about technology and enjoy learning how various equipment works. On this site I share my knowledge about washing machines, offer advice on caring for them and talk about new products on the market.

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