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How UV light technology works in a washing machine
From workout gear to kids’ clothes, some laundry deserves the extra attention that UV light technology can offer. Whirlpool brand’s UV Clean feature uses ultraviolet light to reduce bacteria in the wash without requiring high temps, harsh chemicals or risk of fading fabrics. Keep reading to learn how UV light helps churn out fresh clothes.
What is UV light cleaning?
UV light cleaning uses a built-in UV light in the washer during select wash cycles. This cleaning feature uses ultraviolet light in the wash water to reduce bacteria during the washing process, giving your laundry loads a thorough clean.
UV-C light and how it helps reduce bacteria
UV light, specifically UV-C light, 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.
How UV light technology works inside a washing machine
On some washers with UV technology, such as this Whirlpool® Front Load Laundry Tower, you’ll find a UV Clean option that can be selected alongside some wash cycles. When selected on certain Whirlpool® Washers, a bright blue light signals the UV technology is working to tackle the bacteria in the water, giving your clothes a deep clean while keeping fabric care in mind. The UV Clean option turns off when the cycle is finished and does not add additional time to the existing cycle.
Using UV alongside detergent and water
UV light technology can help reduce bacteria in the wash, but it alone can’t provide a holistic clean. You’ll still need to use detergent in the wash load to help lift physical dirt and oils from fabric fibers, all while letting UV light help reduce bacteria.
Shop Whirlpool® Washers with UV technology
Industry-first UV Clean Technology on select Whirlpool® Washers reduces bacteria1 in the wash without requiring high temperatures or fading fabrics. When selected, a bright blue light signals the UV technology is working to tackle the bacteria in the water, giving your clothes a deep clean while keeping fabric care in mind.
FAQs about UV light in washing machines
Explore answers to common questions about UV light cleaning, including how much time it takes. Then see whether it may fit into your laundry routine.
When during the wash cycle does UV cleaning run?
UV cleaning may work differently from model to model, but in some washers, it’s a setting that you can choose to add to certain wash cycles for extra bacteria reduction benefits. In select Whirlpool® Washers, you will find a bright blue LED light turned on inside the washer drum for the duration of the cycle, signaling to you that UV Clean is reducing bacteria with your wash cycle.
How much extra time does a UV cleaning option add to a cycle?
The UV clean setting on select Whirlpool® Washers does not add extra time to whichever cycle you pair it with. UV Clean is a setting you can add to some of your favorite wash cycles for extra bacteria reduction benefits. It turns on for the duration of the cycle without lengthening wash time.
Models from other brands may or may not change the total wash time. Whether it adds time depends on the model, so check the washer’s owner’s manual for details on cycle lengths and options.
Shop all Whirlpool® Washers
Select Whirlpool® Washers offer the features you need to help keep your washer interior fresh and ready for the next load. Select models include the The FreshFlow™ Vent System, which helps keep your clothes and machine fresh and clean. It includes the Dry Drum Cycle, FanFresh® Option, Antimicrobial protection, and industry-first UV Clean Technology.
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1. Available on select cycles. Bacteria tested include Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
