Taking Cleaners to the Cleaners

Dry cleaners face their day of reckoning—and detergent makers may be in hot water, too. LG Electronics (LG) will introduce an updated, advanced version of its LG Styler clothing management system at the 2015 International CES. The more affordable LG Styler is designed to refresh clothes without water or detergents, which is said to provide an ideal solution for hard-to-maintain clothes such as suits, coats and sweaters.

“The busier our lives become, the more difficult it is to take proper care of our wardrobe,” said Dave VanderWaal, head of marketing for LG Electronics USA. “Professional cleaning services are not only costly, but they can also harm your clothes over time. The LG Styler is a great complement to such services and helps consumers take greater control over their wardrobe, keeping coats, sweaters, blouses and other delicates looking and feeling their best.”

Equipped with a range of features not found on any washing machine, the latest LG Styler freshens up clothes and fabrics both quickly and conveniently, according to LG. The LG Styler's Odor Removal feature uses steam to help remove unpleasant odors left behind by smoke, food and sweat, and, depending on individual tastes, users can choose between two different aroma sheets that provide refreshing, subtle scents.

The Quick Refresh function keeps clothes looking, feeling and smelling fresh, while Moving Hanger Action gently shakes steamed items to remove everyday wrinkles. What's more, with the new Easy Pants Crease Care feature, a pair of pants can be refreshed and a perfect crease created in about half an hour. The new LG Styler also features a built-in heat pump, which generates and maintains warm air at a low temperature to keep clothing from shrinking or being damaged while drying.

The LG Styler also provides effective sterilization with TrueSteam, LG's hot steam spray technology, which LG pioneered in washers and dryers. With a simple touch of a button, hot steam is released to eliminate 99.9% of the germs and bacteria that can live deep inside clothes and soft toys. Respected product testing organizations, including the British Allergy Foundation (BAF) and the Korea Apparel Testing & Research Institute (KATRI), have tested and verified the effectiveness of the LG Styler's steam sterilization feature. Tests carried out by Intertek also revealed that the LG Styler eliminates approximately 92% of perchloroethylene — the main chemical left on clothes after dry cleaning and a possible carcinogen — during a full 90-minute sterilization cycle.

Compared to the original LG Styler, the cabinet's overall size has been reduced by 30%, and the rounded edges, modern glass door and aluminum handle are intended to enhance and seamlessly integrate with virtually any interior décor. The new LG Styler's controls are displayed on a front touch panel and illuminated by soft, gentle lighting. The LG Styler operates very quietly, emitting a mere 40dB when operational, so it can be left running while you sleep.