Watchdog calls for problem machine refunds

Consumers affected by the Whirlpool recall of up to 519,000 washing machines should be offered refunds rather than a repair or replacement, a watchdog has urged.

Whirlpool is beginning the recall after announcing in Decemberthathundredsofthousands of washing machines sold under the Hotpoint and Indesit brands between October 2014 and February 2018 could have a flawed doorlocking system that could lead to overheating and potentially catching fire.

Currentlythecompanyhas offered to repair or replace the unsafe machines, but consumer group Which? said this could leave significant numbers of customers with the dangerous appliances in their homes for months.

The watchdog said it has found that 26% of customers caughtupinWhirlpool'spreviousrepairorreplacementprogramme – for fire-risk tumble dryers in 2015 – were told they would have to wait longer than six months for repair.

Sue Davies, head of consumer protection at Which?, said: "It would clearly be unacceptableifcustomerswereleft for months without adequate washing facilities in their homes.

“The company should do the right thing and offer customers a refund, so people can get fire-risk machines out of their homes.”

Whirlpoolhasadvisedconsumers to unplug their washing machines and not use them.

To check if a machine is affected, go to washingmachinerecall.whirlpool. co.uk Customers can call Whirlpool'sfreephonehotline 0800 316 1442.