Major recall announced

Peterborough-based Whirlpool has announced it is to recall hundreds of thousands of fire-risk washing machines just months after it launched a major recall of potentially dangerous dryers.

The firm said as many as 519,000 washing 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 door-locking system that could lead to them overheating and potentially catching fire.

It has urged owners of appliances bought since 2014 to contact Whirlpool immediately to check if their washing machine is one of the models affected.

Whirlpool said it was working at “full speed” to prepare to officially begin the recall in early January. In the meantime it advised consumers to unplug their washing machines and not use them.

Those who choose to continue using their machines should only use cold water cycles of 20C or lower as this significantly reduces the risk, Whirlpool said. Under the recall all customers will have the choice of either a free-ofcharge like-for-like replacement washing machine or a free-of-charge in-home repair of their existing appliance.

Customers can check if their washing machine is affected by visiting https:// washingmachinerecall.whirlpool.co.uk or by calling the freephone hotline 0800 316 1442 to speak to an adviser.

Whirlpool, based in Morley Way, Woodston, launched a recall of 500,000 dryers in July.