What is stain care in LG washing machines? (How to use it?)

The Stain Care feature in LG washing machines is a specialized cycle that gradually increases the water temperature to effectively tackle stubborn stains. The cycle begins with warm water to prevent certain stains from setting, then gradually increases the temperature to tackle more persistent stains, providing a comprehensive solution for removing even the toughest of blemishes from your clothes.

That being said, the stain care function uses excess water and an increased wash duration to deliver optimum results.

In this article, we will discuss more on the stain care feature in the LG washer and also how to use it properly.

How to use stain care in an LG washer?

To use the Stain Care feature in an LG washer, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Load your garments

Load the dirty pile of laundry into the washtub and make sure these are suitable for a hot water wash.

Avoid loading delicate items; instead, pretreat them if they are heavily soiled before washing them as usual.

Also, make sure to add the required amount of cleaning solution or a suitable detergent.

Step 2: Turn on the washer

Power on the washer, and you will see all the wash program lights flashing on the panel.

Step 3: Select Stain care

Some LG washer models will have a stain care option on the control panel, and some may have it under the options menu.

Press to select stain care, and you will see a stain care light flashing on the control panel.

Additionally, you can merge or activate the stain care function with the Normal, Cotton, or Heavy duty cycles.

Step 4: Other options

You can add an additional rinse to the cycle to ensure the garments are rinsed thoroughly.

The function will allow you to choose pre-wash which is optional.

Additionally, you can also adjust the spin speed settings from the options menu.

Once you have selected the appropriate settings, it will display the approximate time that the washer will take to complete the entire cycle.

Note: Adding a prewash or additional rinse will increase the standard wash duration of the cycle.

Step 5: Run the cycle

To get started with the “Stain Care” cycle, simply press the “Start” button. The estimated wash time will depend on the size of the load and the extra options that are used.

In general, it can be anywhere from 3 to 4 hours; however, it can also take more than 4 hours to complete in some cases.

Lastly, it is completely normal for the stain care cycle to use more water than necessary.

What are the benefits of using the stain care function?

The Stain Care feature in LG washing machines is designed to help remove tough stains and offers several benefits.

Here are a few benefits that the stain care feature offers:

Improved stain removal

Since the stain care feature starts with warm water and gradually progresses by increasing the water temperature, it is able to remove a wider range of stains.

It is convenient

With the Stain Care feature, you don’t have to worry about trying to figure out the right combination of water temperature, soak time, and other variables to get rid of the stain.

Also, with the stain care feature, you don’t need to pre-treat stains with special products or spend time scrubbing the stain to get it out.

Just put the clothes in the washer and select the stain care feature, the washer will take care of the rest.

Saves time

By removing tough stains more effectively, the stain care feature can help to save you time and effort compared to other washing machines that may require multiple cycles to get the same results.

Easy to use

The Stain Care feature is designed to be easy to use, even for people who are not familiar with washing machines.

All you need to do is put the clothes inside the washer and press the stain care button to see the magic.

Are there any drawbacks to using the stain care function?

While the Stain Care feature in LG washing machines (or washers with similar features in other brands) has several benefits, such as efficient stain removal and improved cleaning results, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

Cost

Some LG washing machines with the stain care feature can be more expensive compared to those without it, so it’s important to weigh the cost against the benefits (do the cost-benefit analysis).

May be harsh on delicate fabrics

The Stain Care cycle is designed for removing tough stains and uses higher temperatures, which can cause damage to delicate fabrics.

This means you may need to switch to a different cycle or even wash the items by hand if they are too fragile to withstand the stronger cleaning power.

Energy consumption

The stain care cycle requires more energy to heat the water and run the cycle, which can increase your energy costs.

So, while the stain care feature has several benefits, it also has some drawbacks, such as its potential to damage delicate fabrics and its higher cost.

Whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks depends on your individual needs and preferences.

If you have delicate items or are looking to save on energy costs, a different cycle or hand washing may be a better option.

That being said, if you look at things from a convenience standpoint and a broader perspective, the benefit outweighs the drawbacks.

Can you wash delicate items using stain care?

It is generally not recommended to wash delicate items using the Stain Care feature on an LG washing machine or any other similar feature in any other washing machine, as this cycle is designed for removing tough stains and can be harsh on delicate fabrics.

Delicate items, such as silk, lace, and clothes made from fine materials, are often more sensitive to high temperatures and harsh detergents.

The stain care cycle is programmed to use increased temperatures and may have a longer soak time, which can cause damage to delicate fabrics, leading to shrinkage, stretching, and even discoloration.

To protect delicate items, it is recommended to wash them on a gentle cycle, using a mild detergent and cool or warm water.

You can also opt for a hand wash or a delicate cycle on your washing machine, which uses lower water pressure, less agitation, and cooler water temperatures.

Stain care feature alternatives

If your washing machine does not have a Stain Care feature, you can still remove tough stains by using other cycles or by using alternative methods.

As an alternative to the stain care feature, here are a few options that you can consider:

Pre-treat the stain

Pre-treating the stains before washing your clothes is the safest option, as it allows you to use a gentler cycle.

So, before washing, you can apply a stain remover or a suitable laundry detergent directly to the stain and let it sit for several minutes.

Next, work on the stains using your fingers or a soft brush before washing the item in a gentle cycle using cool water and mild detergent.

Note: Don’t forget to check the care label of your fabric, if the fabric does not allow you to use a brush, treat the stains using your fingers.

Use a heavy-duty cycle

If your washing machine model does not feature a dedicated stain care function, you can use the heavy-duty cycle.

Additionally, if your washer allows, you can customize the soil level and wash temperature for your load.

Hand wash (Super safe option)

For extremely delicate or valuable items, hand washing may be the best option.

Just fill a basin with cool water and a mild detergent, and gently agitate the item until the stain is removed or loosened.

Next, rinse the fabric thoroughly and hang it to dry.

Note: Remember that when removing tough stains, it is important to test any pre-treatment or cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure that it won’t cause any damage.

Final Thoughts

Not all types of clothes can be washed in a stain care cycle, as it involves higher temperatures and more intensive cleaning.

Therefore, its recommended to refer to the care label of your clothes and the user manual of your washing machine for proper instructions.

If you aren’t sure, it’s best not to include those items in the wash.

To avoid frequent use of the stain care function, you may pre-soak dirty laundry items and wash them as usual.

Doing this will make sure the washer uses a shorter cycle and consumes less water, saving you money on energy bills.