New Warning Over Washing Machines
Last updated: 5.00pm, Monday 4th May 2020
MORE potentially dangerous washing machine models have been added in a new safety recall.
Around 55,000 washing machines should stop being used and need either replacing or repairing due to a fire risk.
Another 21 models have been added to the list of 524,000 Hotpoint and Indesit machines – including tumble dryers - being recalled by manufacturer Whirlpool.
We are keen to update our customers on this ongoing and continually developing situation.
We have covered it extensively in our newsletters over the last year given that the safety and wellbeing of our tenants and your homes is paramount.
Importantly, owners who may have checked their machines already AND NEEDED TO TAKE NO ACTION NEED TO DO SO AGAIN.
About 20% of the Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines sold since 2014 are affected by a safety fault and need to be recalled - a process that started in January.
Seventy-nine fires are thought to have been caused by an overheating door locking system, a fault that develops over time, according to Whirlpool.
Initially, in January, the company said it needed to repair or replace 519,000 machines in UK homes, before adding another 5,000 to the list later that month.
The company said it had located 210,000 of those appliances, and had resolved 177,000 of those so far.
Now another 55,000 have been added following further investigations. With 21 Hotpoint models added to the list, the total number of models affected is 66.
Jeff Noel, vice-president of Whirlpool, said: "With people spending more time at home under the current social-distancing measures, it's more important than ever that this safety issue is tackled swiftly.
"We are deeply sorry to our customers for the concern and inconvenience this recall may cause but we continue to take action because people's safety is our top priority."
Whirlpool has set up a model checker online at this website:
https://washingmachinerecall.whirlpool.co.uk/
Look for the update dated 29 April which then lists in three columns the 21 models added. There is also a free helpline, open every day, available on 0800 316 1442.
Slots for a modification or replacement machine are available straight away.
All owners affected by the recall are entitled to a replacement washing machine or a repair to their existing appliance, without charge, but there is no offer from the company of a refund.
They should stop using it until an engineer has checked it, if necessary, restrict its use to a cold wash.
Whirlpool said engineers and delivery teams were equipped with protective equipment including face masks, gloves and hand sanitiser, and were practising social distancing at all times during their work, to allow them to continue during the coronavirus lockdown.
If requested, appliances could be delivered to a secure location outside a customer's home, such as a garage or garden, so that staff did not have to enter their home, although this would mean they would have to fit the appliance on their own.
Charles Turner, our Chief Executive said: “This is a vitally important development which our tenants need to pay close attention to. There is a serious safety issue relating to a new number of washing machines from this manufacturer. Safety of our tenants is our number one priority and a little time spent now checking your machine could avert disaster.
“We have kept a close eye on this developing situation and will continue to update you when anything further comes to light.”