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5 laundry loads that benefit from UV cleaning
Frequently worn and well-loved fabrics can hold onto more than just visible dirt, and UV light technology in the washer can help give each load a thorough clean. Use this guide to learn how UV cleaning works, discover some of the best loads to wash with UV light and find simple answers to common questions about using UV light in the washer.
How UV light can enhance your washer’s cleaning power
UV light can help add freshness to your laundry. For example, UV Clean, found on select Whirlpool® Washers, uses a UV-C light that shines into the wash water for the duration of the cycle, reducing bacteria. This ultraviolet light penetrates and damages bacteria’s DNA without requiring high temperatures or chemicals. Because it doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals or high heat, it offers a gentle way to help clean your clothing alongside your regular laundry routine.
Laundry loads that benefit from UV cleaning
From activewear to everyday linens and delicate fabrics, the best laundry loads for UV cleaning are items that can benefit from additional bacteria fighting without using high heat or added chemicals. Learn which types of loads can benefit from UV cleaning below.
1. Activewear and gym clothes
Workout clothes can trap sweat, oils and odor-causing bacteria in synthetic fibers. UV cleaning can treat the water and reduce bacteria during the washing process, supporting a refreshing clean alongside detergent that lifts sweat and residue from athletic wear.
2. Baby clothes and nursery items
Baby clothes and nursery linens come into close contact with sensitive skin and should be washed often. UV cleaning can help reduce bacteria in the water during these cycles, adding an extra layer of care alongside gentle cycles designed for everyday baby items.
3. Towels and bath linens
Towels and washcloths may stay damp for some time after use, creating an environment where bacteria and odors can build up. UV cleaning can help reduce bacteria in the washer water during cycles, supporting freshness between uses alongside thorough washing.
5. Delicates and sweaters
Sweaters often need lower temperatures and gentler cycles to help maintain their quality. UV cleaning can help reduce bacteria without relying on high heat, making it a helpful addition when caring for more sensitive fabrics.
6. Darks and colors
The bright, bold colors in your wardrobe should be washed in cool water to help prevent fading and bleeding. You can take advantage of Whirlpool brand’s UV Clean Technology to help reduce bacteria in loads with darks and colors that don’t use hot water.
7. Chemical-free loads
If you’re planning to clean without chemical additives like Oxi or bleach, Whirlpool brand’s industry-first UV Clean Technology offers a chemical-free, bacteria-fighting solution for your laundry loads.
Explore Whirlpool® Washers with UV Clean Technology
UV light can offer a gentle and thorough clean on laundry day. UV Clean, found on select Whirlpool® Washers, uses a UV-C light that shines into the wash water for the duration of the cycle, reducing bacteria. This ultraviolet light penetrates and damages bacteria’s DNA without requiring high temperatures or chemicals. Because it does not rely on high heat or chemicals, UV Clean is generally fabric friendly.
UV technology laundry load FAQs
Unique loads require unique care. Find out which types of laundry loads are compatible with UV cleaning technology and learn how UV cleaning compares to a hot water wash with the answers to common questions below.
Can UV cleaning be used on mixed laundry loads?
UV technology is generally gentle on fabrics, but whether you can use it on mixed loads depends on your washer’s settings. Since mixed laundry is usually washed on the normal cycle, you can typically use UV cleaning as long as that option is available on the normal cycle for your model.
Can you use UV cleaning technology with any wash cycle?
UV cleaning cycle compatibility can vary from model to model. For instance, UV Clean Technology—available on this Whirlpool® Front Load Laundry Tower—is compatible with all wash cycles except for Quick Wash, Delicates and select utility cycles.
Front load washer and dryer sets
Keep laundry fresh
The FreshFlow™ Vent System on select Whirlpool® Washers helps keep your clothes and washer fresh, while steam-enhanced cycles on select Whirlpool® Dryers help prevent wrinkles and reduce static
How is UV cleaning technology different from hot water wash?
Both hot water and UV light can help reduce bacteria in your laundry, but they work in different ways. Hot water uses high temperatures to help sanitize clothes as it tackles tough soils, residue and stains. UV light, on the other hand, doesn’t clean dirt or oils, but focuses solely on helping to reduce bacteria in the washer water during the cycle.
You may also find that hot water isn’t suitable for certain fabric types, and can lead to color bleeding, shrinking or fading in some loads. UV light technology might be able to offer a gentle alternative for some of these items.
How often should UV cleaning be used for everyday laundry?
UV cleaning can be a gentle way to help reduce bacteria in the wash cycle. Because it’s not tough on fabrics, you may be able to use UV cleaning—with compatible cycles—as often as your clothing requires.
Shop Whirlpool® Washers
Washers from Whirlpool brand make it easy to tailor laundry cycles to any load type. The industry-first 2 in 1 Removable Agitator on select Whirlpool® Washers lets you customize any load to care for your clothes the way you want by easily swapping the agitator post in or out. Plus, when the cycle ends, the FanFresh® Option on some Whirlpool® Washers uses a built-in fan and periodic tumbling to keep your just-washed clothes fresh until they’re ready for the dryer.
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