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UV light for clothes: How UV washers help clean laundry
From gym clothes to jerseys and everyday laundry, some loads could use a little extra care. A UV washing machine pairs select wash cycles with built-in UV-C light technology that helps reduce bacteria in the wash, all while keeping fabric care in mind. Read on to learn how this feature works, and how it can add another layer of clean to laundry day.
What is a UV washing machine?
A UV washing machine combines traditional washing with built-in UV-C light technology to help reduce bacteria and freshen clothes. During select cycles, a UV setting adds extra bacteria-fighting power to the wash process, helping support a deeper clean alongside detergent, water and agitation.
Industry-first UV Clean Technology on select Whirlpool® Washers reduces bacteria for improved laundry hygiene, all while keeping fabric care in mind.
Whirlpool® Washing Machines
Industry-first UV Clean Technology
Skip high temperatures and harsh chemicals to get improved laundry hygiene. UV Clean uses ultraviolet light to reduce bacteria in the wash without requiring high temperatures, harsh chemicals or risk of fading fabrics.
The effects of UV light on bacteria
UV-C light can help freshen your laundry load by shining into the wash water during a cycle. As ultraviolet light comes into contact with bacteria, it penetrates and damages the bacteria’s DNA without the need for high temperatures or harsh chemicals.
Key benefits of washing machines with UV technology
Adding another layer of cleaning power to your washer can give you extra confidence in every load. UV cleaning in the washer can:
Help reduce bacteria: UV light targets the DNA of bacteria and other microbes during the wash cycle.
Freshen clothes without extra chemicals: UV technology can help target bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa without relying on harsh chemicals or high water temperatures.
Complement Sanitizing cycles: Hot water and UV light can work together to help reduce bacteria during select wash cycles.
- Works with different wash temperatures: UV cleaning can be used alongside different wash temperatures to support flexible laundry routines.
UV light vs. hot water vs. detergent: Key differences
No single method does it all. Detergent helps remove dirt and stains, hot water helps kill bacteria and brighten whites, and UV light helps reduce bacteria in the wash. Learn more about each below to choose the combination that works best for you.
| UV light | Hot water | Detergent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it cleans | Reduces bacteria in the wash by disrupting the DNA of bacteria | Washes clothes at roughly 140℉ to help eliminate household bacteria | Attaches to dirt and oils, carrying them away with the wash water |
| Pros | Helps reduce bacteria in the wash Doesn’t require harsh chemicals or high heat to target bacteria, gently freshening clothes Works with wash cycles of varying temperatures |
Breaks down staining from oils, grease, grass, makeup and more Can eliminate bacteria, often used in a washer’s sanitizing cycle Can help brighten stained or yellowed whites |
Enzymes help target food residue, grease, oil and blood Can find formulas uniquely suited to certain stain types Often used to help pretreat stains Works with wash cycles of varying temperatures |
| Cons | Does not remove dirt, oils or stains Is only available on select washing machine models |
High temperatures can shrink, fade or damage some fabrics Hot water cycles use almost twice as much energy as cold water cycles |
Results can vary by detergent type Can leave residue in the washing machine or on clothes if used incorrectly, contributing to odors or stains |
FAQs about washing machines with UV light cleaning
If you’re new to UV light cleaning in the washer, getting answers to a few common questions can help you understand how this technology works.
Is UV light safe?
UV light in your washer can help you give your clothes a bacteria-fighting deep clean without jeopardizing your health. UV light can help reduce bacteria in the wash without exposing anyone to rays because the light is contained inside the appliance, underneath the washer drum.
Does UV light damage fabrics over time?
When used as directed, UV light in the washer can help reduce bacteria without fading fabrics. Plus, UV light can help reduce the need for cleaning with hot water or harsh chemicals, which can both wear on certain types of fabrics over time.
Can UV cleaning replace hot water washing?
While UV light can help reduce bacteria, it doesn’t physically remove dirt, oils, or stains. These types of soils can often be eliminated using hot water, detergent and the washer’s mechanical action to lift residue from clothing.
Shop Whirlpool® Washers with UV Technology
Select Whirlpool® Washers feature industry-first UV Clean Technology that lets you skip high temperatures and harsh chemicals to get improved laundry hygiene. UV Clean uses ultraviolet light to reduce bacteria in the wash without requiring high temperatures, harsh chemicals or risk of fading fabrics.
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