What is a steam cycle on a washer, and is it worth the extra spend?

A sage and pink laundry room with wooden shelving and shutters, two washing machines, white cabinets, diffusers, plants and bottles and a grey rug on a brown wooden floor, with a washing basket to the right.

If you’re looking to bolster your laundry process, or upgrade your appliance, you might wonder: 'What is a steam cycle on a washer?' And crucially, is it worth it?

As its name suggests, a steam cycle adds heat and moisture at certain points during the wash without the need for strong chemicals or any elbow grease from you. This can be a blessing in disguise for those with pets, kids, or allergy-prone households.