Whirlpool adds extra 21 models to list of recalled washing machines amid concerns they could catch fire
- The home appliance company has added Hotpoint and Indesit models to the list
- A faulty heating element in the washing machines poses a potential fire risk
- Customers can use the Check My Model function on Whirlpool’s website
Whirlpool has added 21 washing machines to its recall list because of fears they could start a fire.
The American home appliance company confirmed that some of its Hotpoint and Indesit models needed to be recalled because they contained a faulty heating element.
There is a concern that when run on a warm wash the heating elements in the machines could catch fire.
Vice President of Whirlpool Jeff Noel said: ‘I want to apologise sincerely for the worry and inconvenience I know this will cause, especially during these difficult times.
Whirlpool confirmed that 21 of its Hotpoint and Indesit models needed to be recalled because they contained a faulty heating element
‘I’d also like to reassure you that we are working as quickly as we can to provide solutions to affected customers as soon as possible.
‘Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our customers, and working quickly to remove the affected appliances from customers’ homes is our number one priority.’
The company has warned customers to unplug their machines if they believe they own one of the faulty models.
Anyone who needs to continue using theirs is advised to only use a cold cycle at temperatures 20 degrees Celsius.
The full list of 21 washing machines Whirlpool have added to their recall list is:
- WMAQB 641P UK
- WMAQB 721P UK
- WMAQB 741G UK
- WMAQB 741P UK
- WMAQF 621P UK.L
- WMAQF 641G UK
- WMAQF 641P UK
- WMAQF 721P UK
- WMAQG 641G UK
- WMAQG 641P UK
- WMAQG 721P UK
- WMAQG 721P UK.M
- WMAQG 741P UK.M
- WMAQL 621P UK
- WMAQL 641P UK
- WMAQL 721A UK
- WMAQL 721P UK
- WMAQL 721P UK.M
- WMAQL 741G UK
- WMAQL 741P UK
- WMSAQG 621G UK
The BBC reported that Chief Executive of the charity Electrical Safety First Lesley Rudd said: ‘It is alarming that five months into this recall we are only now hearing of these extra models which pose a risk to owners. This new discovery throws into question the robustness of the original investigation.’
In January it was confirmed by Whirlpool that 20 per cent of all Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines sold since 2014 were faulty and needed to be recalled.
Initially 519,000 machines needed to be repaired or replaced.
The company said that their engineers follow Government social distancing guidelines when sent out to repair or replace machines.
Whirlpool are contacting customers affected by the faulty component and has urged anyone concerned they own one of the faulty washing machines to use their Check My Model function on their website.
They can also contact the customer service team on 0800 316 1442.
Slots for engineers to repair or replace machines are available straight away.
Customers who believe they own one of the faulty models have been told to unplug their machines or run them on cold cycles of no higher than 20 degrees Celsius. Pictured: A handout photo issued by Whirlpool before its initial recall list was announced in January
At the end of January, 5,000 washing machines were also added to Whirlpool’s recall list.
After the 5,000 machines were added, Emma Drackford, Director of Communications at Electrical Safety First, said: ‘We urge all consumers to now check their machines again following the inclusion of additional model numbers as part of this recall.
‘The success of any recall is partly linked to the willingness of consumers to engage with it and although Whirlpool suggest they have identified 30 percent of the estimated affected models, it is imperative that they continue to publicise this recall to reach as many consumers as possible.
‘Faulty appliances can have devastating consequences and the priority should be the identification of these potentially dangerous machines as well as their removal from people’s homes.
‘We continue to call for the Government to create a centralised recall database to contribute to the improvement of the recall process in this country overall.’
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