How the Steam Cycle in a Dryer Works

A dryer's steam cycle sprays a small amount of water into the warm drum, where the heat turns it into steam that relaxes wrinkles and freshens fabric, and then the dryer dries that moisture back off. It is useful for touching up clothes that have been sitting in a closet or a suitcase, as long as you know where the water comes from and what the cycle needs to work well.

How it works, step by step

1. The dryer gets a water line. Whirlpool's explanation of steam dryers says no extra plumbing is usually needed: the dryer shares the washer's water supply through a Y hose connector.
2. You choose a steam cycle. Typical choices are a refresh cycle for lightly worn clothes or a wrinkle-release setting.
3. The drum warms up. The dryer tumbles with heat for the first few minutes.
4. Water is sprayed in. A valve opens and a nozzle sends a fine mist into the drum. Whirlpool's steam option guide says that on its Quick Refresh and Enhanced Touch-Up cycles, water is sprayed about 4 to 5 minutes into the cycle for about 5 minutes.
5. Heat turns the mist into steam. Whirlpool explains that some models inject steam directly, while others spray cold water that mixes with the dryer's heat to make steam.
6. The fibers relax and the load dries. The dryer keeps tumbling with heat to remove the added moisture, then cools down.

What you'll notice because of it

• A click and a faint hiss when the water valve opens and the nozzle sprays.
• A brief damp feel if you open the door partway through.
• Fewer settings to choose. Whirlpool notes that not all cycles and options are available with steam, and Quick Refresh is preset to Medium heat.
• Clothes that come out warm, slightly relaxed and smelling fresher, not freshly laundered.
• Wet spots or condensation with tiny loads. Whirlpool says Quick Refresh is meant for medium to large loads of about 5 to 12 dry items, and that smaller loads can leave wet spots or condensation on the door or drum.

Where it can go wrong

No water reaches the dryer

Symptom: the steam cycle runs but clothes come out as wrinkled as before. A closed supply valve, a kinked hose, a clogged inlet screen or a failed water valve stops the mist.

A leak at the connector

Symptom: water on the floor behind the laundry pair. A loose Y connector or a worn hose washer at the dryer inlet can drip whenever the supply is on.

A clogged nozzle

Symptom: weak or uneven steam and patchy results. Minerals in the water can narrow the nozzle over time.

An overloaded or underloaded drum

Symptom: wet spots, or wrinkles that don't release. Whirlpool says overloading keeps the steam from circulating, while very small loads can leave wet spots.

Getting the most out of it

• Use steam only on washable fabrics, as Whirlpool advises.
• Stay within the load size your manual recommends for each steam cycle.
• Shake items out before loading so the steam reaches every surface.
• Remove clothes promptly when the cycle ends and hang them up.
• Check the hose connections behind the washer and dryer now and then for drips.

Some dryers combine steam with after-cycle tumbling; what wrinkle prevent does on a dryer explains that option. For steam valve or connector problems on Whirlpool dryers and other brands, a technician can test the valve and inlet in one visit.

Sources

• Whirlpool: What Is a Steam Dryer & How Does It Work?
• Whirlpool: How the Steam Option Works

Worth knowing: If a steam cycle stops making a difference, check the water supply to the dryer before anything else.

For a steam dryer that has stopped steaming or drips behind the machine, call ProFix Miami at (786) 723-6874 and mention whether the water supply is on.