What You Need to Know about Washer/Dryer Combos

LG Design Philosophy for Washer/Dryer Combos

Design plays a critical role in harmonizing technology and human needs. At LG, we strive to make your life easier and more enjoyable by integrating our digital appliances into your lifestyle and home décor.

Our design philosophy boils down to four basic elements: Concept, Style, Interface, and Finish. By perfecting these elements, each of our digital appliances achieves LG’s goal of “great design.”

Emerging Needs Design that integrates sensitive ergonomics and digital technology

LG has been delving deeply into design and research in this innovative technological era. Our design team in particular is focused on achieving the company's vision of making life easier—and more fun—through technology’s digital appliances. And, from a practical perspective, technology is becoming an increasingly important tool in our modern lives. A growing number of products arrive already integrated with "intelligent" microchips and/or equipped with networking options.

This area, though still in its early stages, has great design potential—requiring our designers to put on their “inventing caps” to predict emerging needs, design new lifestyle concepts, and test out their designs on a demanding public.

Designing for the future

This trend of designing products for the future was started by the LG Life Soft Research Lab, which was established about 20 years ago. There, researchers, designers, and trend scouts work to predict the future by examining and identifying consumer needs, observing the public's interest in products, and then developing design concepts and solutions based on what they’ve seen.

This means, ultimately, that LG is always one step ahead of the game—always already working on products for the future. In this way, our research is focused not only on new products and technological opportunities, but also on understanding key customer and market trends.

LG Washer/Dryer Combo Designs

You can see the four basic elements of LG’s design philosophy at work in our full range of washer/dryer combination units: Concept, Style, Interface, and Finish.
• Concept: Our patented condensation drying system eliminates humidity and the need for your washer/dryer combo to be vented. The compact design with a large capacity allows you to do large loads and still fit the unit anywhere in your home. A host of other features have been carefully deliberated to meet the needs of your household.
• Style: Style elements like compact designs, stainless steel trimming, and an array of designer colors artfully contribute to the overall aesthetic of your home.
• Interface: We have continually perfected our washer/dryers’ simple control interfaces to make laundry an easier task than ever before.
• Finish: From stainless steel finishes to smooth LED control panels, our finishes reflect an attention to detail that’s always put LG products a notch above the rest.

What’s a Washer/Dryer Combo?

A Washer/Dryer Combo provides both washer and dryer functionality in one compact appliance. These cutting-edge, comprehensive laundry units require less energy and water than separate washers and dryers—and they eliminate the need for venting, all while creating more space in your home.

What is SenseClean™?

SenseClean™ technology sets your LG unit’s water level and wash time automatically, based on the weight and size of each load for optimal washing care.

Does the LG Washer/Dryer Combo wash clothes as well as my current washer?

Yes, and often more effectively! The tumbling action of a front-loading washer gently lifts the clothes in and out of the water hundreds of times during the wash cycle. This action cleans and rinses your clothes better than top-loading washers and is gentler on the fabric. Also, the LG Washer/Dryer Combo goes through three rinses during the regular cycle, eliminating any detergent residue that is ordinarily left in the clothing.

Does it operate much differently than what I'm used to?

Yes, somewhat. Always remember the loads are smaller and that combined, the wash- and dry-cycles take approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours to complete—so you gear your wash habits differently. Also, its condensing drying system is different than a standard hot air dryer. Because condensing dryers do not vent, it is completely normal for them to run for a longer time than a standard vented model (and, even though they run longer, they use 2/3 less energy than a standard vented dryer). For best results, shake and fold—or hang on a clothes hanger right away, to avoid wrinkling.

How large a load can the LG Washer/Dryer Combo handle?

For the wash alone, about 14 pounds of dry clothes. For wash and dry, the LG Washer/Dryer Combo will accommodate 9 to 10 pounds of dry clothes. (The equivalent of 5 large towels, or 2 pairs of jeans and 3 shirts.)

What type of detergent can be used with the LG Washer/Dryer Combo?

A low-sudsing detergent, such as ALL, Fresh Start, Purex, Bold, Solo or "New Tide HE" will work best. And, though powder is preferable, a liquid low-sudsing detergent works fine. We recommend "Ecovantage" as one of the best on the market. And, because the Washer/Dryer Combos only require 1 to 2 tablespoons of detergent, you’ll see big savings on detergent costs, straight away!

Can fabric softener be used?

Yes. LG recommends using a quality fabric softener because it makes the drying cycle more efficient and helps avoid wrinkles. And clothes will come out softer and fluffier.

Can bleach be used?

Yes. Bleach, as well as fabric softener, has its own compartment in the easy-to-use dispenser drawer. Simply add the bleach (and/or softener) before starting the wash, and the LG Washer/Dryer Combo will automatically dispense it at the correct time.

Energy Efficiency:

The LG unit is very energy efficient. Because the Washer/Dryer Combo uses 50% less water, your hot water heater does not have to use as much energy. Also, the unit uses only 1.4 kilowatts per hour during the drying cycle, as opposed to 5 or 6 for a conventional dryer.

Water Efficiency:

The LG unit is very water efficient. It uses about 12 to 15 gallons during the wash cycle, compared to 30 gallons on the current, American-made front-loading washers—and 40 to 60 gallons on conventional top-loading washers. The unit saves you water while cleaning better!

Can the unit be opened during the drying cycle?

A wash-only cycle can be set so that clothes can be taken out after the wash cycle, and hung out to dry. If you want to dry the remaining clothes in the unit, simply set the desired dry cycle and press start. At that point, the door cannot be opened again until the dry cycle has been completed or the machine turned off. Also note that the unit has a two-minute time delay that prevents the user from opening the door until two minutes after a cycle has completed, or after the machine has been turned off.

Does it require any special wiring?

No. The LG Washer/Dryer Combo uses 115 volt,15 amp standard wiring.

Can it be raised off the floor?

Yes, as long as the base is level, and is of very sturdy construction.

How long does it take to wash and dry a load of clothes?

The amount of time it takes to wash and dry a load of clothes depends on the type and size of the load (delicates, permanent press, or cottons). The average combined wash-and-dry time is 2 1/2 to 3 hours. This approximates the total time it takes to both wash and dry a comparable load of clothing in a separate washer and dryer system.

What’s a SteamWasher™/Dryer Combo?

The innovative LG SteamWasher™ and SteamDryer™ Combo performs all of your laundry functions in one appliance—saving you space, water, energy, and time. Its 4.2 cu. ft. capacity is the largest of any front-loading washer/dryer combo on the market, a marvel matched only by its long-lasting stainless steel drum.

LG’s SteamWasher/Dryer Combo Unit uses LG’s signature steam technology to give you enhanced cleaning and drying performance that exceeds standard combo units.

How can steam penetrate more effectively than water?

It’s surprisingly simple. Steam molecules are smaller, hotter, and more active. So steam gets between fibers to dissolve dirt, remove odors, and destroy allergens in less time—and with superior results because it reaches higher temperatures more quickly.

Washing functions include:

TrueSteam™ technology

LG’s revolutionary TrueSteam™ technology uses a real steam generator to convert water into steam, which is fed into the top of the wash drum through a spray nozzle. Steam then penetrates the fabrics for enhanced cleaning performance, resulting in brighter whites and more vibrant colors.

SteamFresh™

SteamFresh™ freshens and deodorizes your clothes in just 20 minutes. Garments come out ready to wear, so you’ll be ready to go out. Watch this video to see how it works:

Allergiene™ Cycle

The SteamWasher™ with LG’s exclusive Allergiene™ Cycle is the first washer certified “asthma and allergy friendly” by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). The Allergiene™ Cycle is proven to remove 95% or more of household dust mites and domestic animal dander. It can be the answer to an allergen-sufferer’s dreams.

Wash/Rinse Optimizer

The Wash/Rinse optimizer is a special sensor that ensure optimal washing and rinsing performance by automatically adjusting wash and rinse cycle times.

TrueBalance™

LG’s TrueBalance™ technology is an Anti-Vibration System that creates a quiet operation with reduced vibration and noise.

Energy Savings Potential

The LG ultra-capacity SteamWasher™ is among the most water- and energy-efficient washers available today. ENERGY STAR®-rated by the U.S. government, the SteamWasher™ can save you more than $650, compared to traditional top-load washers, over its lifetime of use.

SteamWashers™ are more than 115% efficient than the minimum federal standard, saving more than 8,000 gallons of water each year, as compared to traditional washers. It’s smart for your pocketbook and good for the environment.

DRYING FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

SteamSanitary™

Wash the un-washable with convenient SteamSanitary™ technology that uses real steam to clean decorative pillows and other items that cannot go into the wash.

ReduceStatic™

Virtually eliminates static cling, for comfort and convenience.

EasyIron™

Evenly moistens clothes for efficient and easy ironing without having to use a spray bottle or an iron’s misting features.

What Does the Energy Star® Mean?

Energy Star is the U.S. government's international program that encourages the use of energy-saving consumer products. It was formed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992, as part of energy-saving and greenhouse gas reduction efforts. The majority of LG Electronics' products meet the Energy Star standard. For example, the battery charger for handsets produced for the U.S. market fulfills 100% of the Energy Star requirements.

LG and Energy Efficiency

LG Electronics is one of the largest global companies of its kind. Because of this, we feel we have a social responsibility to actively take on the environmental issues that arise from the carbon output of our industry. We have implemented, and are continuing to perfect, two independent strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of our company:

1. Develop more environmentally friendly technologies in our factories
2. Continuously raise the energy efficiency of our products

LG gives its customers the opportunity to participate in greenhouse gas reduction by providing them with products that meet the U.S. government’s Energy Star® standard for energy-saving consumer products.

For more information, visit the government’s Energy Star website.

LG Washer/Dryer Combos and Energy Efficiency

LG Washer/Dryer Combos use the latest water- and energy-saving technology to meet the Energy Star standard. So, consumers who use an LG dishwasher will both reduce the carbon emissions of their household, and lower their monthly energy bills.

How energy efficient is the LG Washer/Dryer Combo?

The LG Washer/Dryer unit is very energy efficient. Because it uses 50% less water, your hot water heater does not have to use as much energy. Also, the combo uses only 1.4 kilowatts per hour during the drying cycle—as opposed to 5 or 6 for a conventional dryer.

How water efficient is the LG Washer/Dryer Combo?

The LG Washer/Dryer unit uses about 12–15 gallons during the washing cycle, compared to 30 gallons per current, American-made front-loading washers—or 40 to 60 gallons per washing cycle per conventional, top-loading washers. The LG combo saves you water while cleaning better!