LG Electronics Registers 1,000 Steam Patents Domestically and Internationally, "Differentiated Technology"

LG Dios Dishwasher TrueSteam Advertisement Screen

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] LG Electronics announced on the 6th that the number of steam-related patents registered domestically and internationally has recently exceeded 1,000.

LG Electronics applies steam technology to premium home appliances such as the Styler garment care system, dryers, dishwashers, and microwave ovens.

The company first introduced steam functionality in washing machines launched in 2005. By spraying fine steam, it enhances washing performance and removes odors and bacteria from clothing. LG Electronics' steam washing technology was recognized for its differentiated competitiveness when it was selected as one of the "Top 10 New Technologies in Korea" by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy in 2006, the following year.

Since then, LG Electronics has expanded the application of differentiated steam technology to various home appliances. In 2008, it added steam functionality to the DIOS microwave oven, enabling steaming cooking. In 2011, it launched the Tromm Styler, which created new customer value using steam. Following the introduction of a steam dishwasher last year, it applied steam to dryers sold domestically for the first time in March this year.

In particular, the recently introduced TrueSteam generates steam by boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius (℃), providing excellent deodorization and sterilization effects, as well as effectively reducing wrinkles and improving washing performance of clothing.

LG Electronics' representative steam appliance, the Tromm Styler, has shown significant growth this year. In February alone, sales of the LG Tromm Styler increased by more than 30% compared to the same period last year. Especially, sales of the large-capacity model that can manage up to six garments at once rose by about 50% during the same period, driving the growth of steam appliances.

The Styler sterilizes 99.99% of harmful bacteria on clothes using TrueSteam and removes odors and dust mites embedded in garments. Its deodorizing performance is so effective that many restaurants use Stylers in their stores as a differentiated marketing tool to eliminate odors such as the smell of grilled pork belly after company dinners.

LG Electronics' DIOS Dishwasher Steam, launched in March last year, is credited with leading the popularization of dishwashers in the domestic market by emphasizing greatly improved washing power and hygiene management.

The production capacity of DIOS dishwashers, manufactured in Changwon, Gyeongnam and supplied to the domestic market, has nearly doubled compared to a year ago.

In particular, according to experiments by the Korea Chemical Convergence Testing Institute, TrueSteam at 100 degrees Celsius (℃) removes 99.999% of harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Experiments by the World Kimchi Research Institute showed that TrueSteam removes 99.999% of norovirus, hepatitis A virus, and enterohemorrhagic E. coli. This outstanding sterilization power of TrueSteam has set a new standard for premium dishwashers.

LG Electronics began full-scale sales of the Tromm Dryer Steam ThinQ in early March. From two weeks after its launch, the sales proportion of steam products accounted for half of the total dryer sales.

The three steam-specialized courses that allow comfortable care of clothes and bedding in the new product have been verified for deodorizing performance that reduces odors such as sweat smells embedded in fabrics through tests by the Korea Apparel Testing & Research Institute (KATRI). According to KATRI's tests, the steam sterilization course removes 99.99% of harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

A company official stated, "As customers' interest in hygiene, health, and convenience has recently increased, LG Electronics' differentiated steam technology is gaining attention in the home appliance market," and emphasized, "Accordingly, LG Electronics is actively promoting its steam technology, TrueSteam, applied to major home appliances."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.