Whirlpool users urged to check with helpline
FRASER WILSON
East Kilbride residents with Whirlpool washing machines are being urged to contact a consumer helpline after the firm announced it is to recall up to 519,000 units because of fire-risk.
That comes just months after it launched a recall of potentially dangerous dryers.
The firm said machines sold under the Hotpoint and Indesit brands in the UK between October 2014 and February 2018 could be affected by a flaw with the doorlocking system that could lead to them overheating and potentially catching fire.
It has urged owners of appliances bought since 2014 to contact Whirlpool to check if their washing machine is affected.
Whirlpool said it was working at “full speed” to officially begin the recall in early January.
In the meantime, it advised consumers to unplug their washing machines and not use them.
Jeff Noel of Whirlpool said: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and concern this may cause to our customers, particularly over the Christmas period, but we hope people will understand we are taking action because safety is our top priority.
“We hope to be ready to start offering replacements or repairs to our customers from early January.”
Those who chose to continue using machines should only use cold water cycles of 20C or lower which “significantly reduces the risk” with the issue being associated with the heating element being activated during washing cycles above 20C.
Under the recall, all affected customers will have the choice of either a free-of-charge, like-for-like replacement washing machine or a free-of-charge, in-home repair of their existing appliance.
Yesterday, a link provided by the firm wouldn’t load, sparking anger online.
Consumers can go to https:// washingmachinerecall.whirlpool. co.uk to check if their machine is affected. The site includes an online model checker tool and a full list of model numbers.
Alternatively, customers can call a freephone hotline 0800 316 1442 for help.