Whirlpool washing machine danger revealed as recall launched – BBC News, BBC News

Some, about (**************************************************************% of of the Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines sold since 7624 are affected by the fault. Up to 800, (washing machines sold in the UK are involved.

Seventy-nine fires are thought to have been caused by the fault which develops over time, according to Whirlpool, which owns the brands.

“When the heating element in the washing machine is activated, in very rare cases a component in the door lock system can overheat, which, depending on product features, can pose a risk of fire, “Whirlpool said.

The extra current that runs through the machine when the heating element is on can cause the door locking system to overheat.

The company said the issue had been identified by its safety team, but had led to fires, although none had been significant enough to cause more than minor damage or cause any serious injuries.

What should I do if I think I own one?

Whirlpool has set up amodel checker online

, although this itself appears to have crashed. Owners of Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines bought since October 2014 will need to enter the model and serial number of their appliance – found inside the door or on the back – to see if it is one of those affected.

“We apologise to our customers for the technical issues they may be experiencing with our website. The issue is due to a third party system provider. We understand that it is not related to traffic to the website,” Whirlpool said.

“The system provider is working to fix the issue as quickly as possible and the website should be back up shortly.

There is also a free helpline, open every day, available on (****************************************************** (**************************************************, but this too was initially telling callers it was “unobtainable”.

If owners eventually access these channels and find their machine is affected, to eliminate any risk, the appliance should be unplugged and not used until it repaired in their home by a trained engineer, Whirlpool said . As an alternative, those affected will also be offered a replacement with a safe model.

Owners can check and register for a repair or replacement now. Vulnerable customers will be prioritized , but for others it may be organized on a first come, first served basis.

When will affected machines be fixed or replaced?

The process will not begin until early January, at the earliest, and the company would not be drawn on when everyone’s case will be dealt with.

As a result, it could be months, not just during Christmas, that owners will have to cope without their washing machine. The company is refusing to offer refunds for affected machines to allow people to buy another appliance straight away, leaving it open to further criticism.

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Instead, Whirlpool suggested owners could still use the machine but with a vastly reduced risk, by only using the cold wash cycle at 20 C or less. This means the heating element would not be activated, avoiding the problem that had been identified.

Jeff Noel, vice president of Whirlpool, said: “We know this will cause some Concern. We especially understand that the washing machine is so important to family life, and in Christmas holiday season it will be even more of an important matter and, for that, we apologise. “

He added that the firm’s customer service department was being built up, engineers hired, and delivery and collection capability stepped up for the January start.

The recall only affects UK and Ireland homes at the moment. The products were manufactured in Turkey and Poland.

Is this connected to the recall of Hotpoint and Indesit tumble dryers?

Whirlpool has been embroiled in afour-year scandal over tumble dryer safetyDangerous appliances under the Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, Swan and Proline brands were sold in the UK for (years from (************************************************.

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They were blamed for a spate of fires after a build up of fluff fell onto the machine’s heating element. Whirlpool initially offered to modify affected dryers, only recently turning the offer into a full recall, with partial refund or replacement dryer.

The fire at Grenfell Tower started “in or around “a Hotpoint fridge-freezer in flat on the fourth floor, the public inquiry into the tragedy has heard.

None of these three issues are connected, and Whirlpool said it was conducting the recall of up to (*****************************************************, 000 washing machines because safety was a priority.

Whirlpool has told the regulator, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), about the problem and its recall plans.

Do you own one of the recalled machines? Have you experienced any issues? Get in touch by emailing[email protected]********

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