India, Aug. 13 -- Washing machines with steam wash use hot vapour during selected cycles to loosen dirt and support hygiene-focused cleaning. They can help reduce allergens, refresh fabrics and ease wrinkles, making them useful for households washing baby clothes, bedding and everyday garments. Steam can also help improve fabric care by reducing the need for frequent ironing. However, its effectiveness varies by machine and wash programme, so it should not be considered a replacement for a thorough regular wash cycle.

There are also some disadvantages to consider. Steam cycles may use additional energy to heat water, take longer to complete and, depending on the model, consume more water. Washing machines with this feature can also cost ...