Most of us are happy if our washing machine just cleans clothes adequately. But LG Electronics, hoping to innovate its way to higher sales, has come out with a washing machine that it says can cut down on allergies.

The South Korean company’s newest steam washer has a cycle that reduces common allergy triggers such as dust mites and pet dander on fabrics by more than 95 percent. The use of steam allows the wash cycle to reach the appropriate temperature necessary to break down allergens, it said.

The front-load washer (shown in wild cherry finish) was certified asthma and allergy friendly by the non-profit Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

“We see it as a very meaningful consumer benefit,” John Weinstock, marketing vice president for the U.S. arm of LG’s appliance division, told Reuters.

LG has been marketing its washers and refrigerators in the United States for about five years, and says high-tech features have helped it gain sales in spite of the nation’s housing slowdown. U.S. appliance unit shipments, a key sales indicator, fell 6.3 percent in 2007, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers said this week.

LG captured the No. 1 market share position in front-load laundry in terms of revenues during the second quarter of last year, and Weinstock said it has held on to that spot.

The added convenience of the allergy-fighting machines will cost: the LG steam washer retails from $1,399 to $2,699, depending on features and finishes.