Yahoo Finance Half a million Whirlpool washing machines recalled in UK
Manufacturer Whirlpool (WHR) has recalled around half a million washing machines in the UK — marking a fresh safety scandal for the group.
Whirlpool said in a statement that the machines — branded as Hotpoint or Indesit and sold over the last five years — have a door locking system that can overheat and therefore create the risk of fire.
Whirlpool said on Twitter: “We are recalling certain models of Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines made between 2014 and 2018 because of a potential safety concern. If you think your washing machine might be affected, you can check by calling 0800 316 1442 or by visiting https://washingmachinerecall.whirlpool.co.uk”
We are recalling certain models of Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines made between 2014 and 2018 because of a potential safety concern. If you think your washing machine might be affected, you can check by calling 0800 316 1442 or by visiting https://t.co/2uuCgDuuWm
— Whirlpool UK (@WhirlpoolUK) December 17, 2019
Back in July this year, the major American multinational manufacturer recalled around 500,000 tumble dryers after the UK government ordered the group to take action over the models being a fire risk.
Whirlpool recalled certain models of Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, Swan, and Proline dryers that were built between 2004 and 2015. The group said that customers with an affected dryer should unplug it at once, stop using it, and contact Whirlpool immediately.
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The fire risk comes from a fault that allows fluff from clothes to reach heating elements. Last month, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) took an "unprecedented" step by ordering a non-governmental affiliated company to recall products.
Whirlpool’s vice-president Jeff Noel apologised in an interview with the BBC to customers earlier this year as the group sold that product in Britain for 11 years .
He also defended the group’s decision to not recall dryers sooner by claiming that many cases had been dealt with "faster and sooner" by a safety fix.
