55,000 additional fire-risk washing machines revealed by Whirlpool

Nearly five months on from Whirlpool recalling more than half-a-million dangerous washing machines, the manufacturer has today admitted that there's a further 55,000 machines which could pose a fire-risk to owners, bringing the total up to 579,000.

Whirlpool says these 55,000 recalled washing machines are made up of 21 different models of Hotpoint machines manufactured between October 2014 and February 2018. Hotpoint is owned by Whirlpool.

And this is in addition to the 45 dangerous Hotpoint and Indesit machines that have already been recalled. Whirlpool branded machines aren't part of the recall.

They are being added to the recall because of a fault with the door lock that could result in them catching fire.

Whirlpool's advice to owners of the affected fire-risk machines is to unplug them and to contact Whirlpool to arrange a free repair or replacement model.

Which new washing machines are being added to Whirlpool's fire-risk list?

According to Whirlpool, since the launch of the initial recall In December 2019, 210,000 customers have been contacted and 177,000 cases have been resolved. But there are another 402,000 potentially in people's homes if you include the latest recalled machines.

Here are the newly affected models according to Whirlpool.

Read the full list of affected washing machines and advice on what to do if you have one in your home.

Whirlpool's advice to owners of fire-risk washing machines

Stop using the machine and register it with them - Whirlpool tells us that the recalled models could have a faulty door lock that could overheat and catch fire and its advice to owners is to stop using the machines and to contact them to register for a repair or a replacement machine.

Wash cold if you have to wash - Whirlpool also said that washing machines can continue to be used, but only on cold water cycles of 20°C or lower, as this significantly reduces risk of fire.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Whirlpool told us that it's important that customers book their remedy appointments so they can resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

As we are spending more time at home, it's crucial you are not living with a fire-risk washing machine.

How the lockdown is affecting Whirlpool washing machine repairs

During the coronavirus pandemic, washing machine repairs and replacement machines are still being carried out and delivered by Whirlpool.

With so many businesses and services closed during the pandemic, Whirlpool says that its keen to stress to customers that if they still own an affected appliance, it's imperative that they get in touch with them so they can remove the safety risk from homes.

It has told us that its staff are following safe social distancing guidelines, are using hand sanitiser and are wearing masks and gloves.

For self-isolating customers, deliveries and repairs will take place after their period of self-isolation.

To minimise the risk, they also provide contactless delivery and removal of affected appliances.

If requested, they will deliver appliances to a secure location outside of customers' homes, such as a garage or other sheltered area.

Instructions will be provided for customers who wish to install the product in their home themselves.

Read our guide to get the full list of affected Hotpoint and Indesit models, and to ask any questions about the recall.

Which? says

Sue Davies, Which? head of consumer protection, said: 'It's really concerning that Whirlpool has announced that there are tens of thousands of additional unsafe washing machines in people's homes.

'Whirlpool customers are being drip fed information and serious questions need to be asked about why it took almost five months for this to come to light.

'Some Whirlpool customers may be understandably concerned about dealing with this problem during a nationwide lockdown. Whirlpool has provided reassurances that it has suitable safety measures in place so customers should report their affected machine to the company as soon as possible.

'The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) must take control of this situation and ensure that all affected machines have now been identified so there are no more nasty surprises in a few months' time.'

The story so far - Whirlpool's washing machine recall timeline

• 17 December, 2019: Whirlpool announces recall of 519,000 Hotpoint and Indesit fire-risk washing machines in the UK - Four years on from announcing that millions of its tumble dryers posed a fire risk, Whirlpool reveals a fire problem with more than 500,000 Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines.
• 29 January, 2019:Whirlpool recalls three more fire-risk washing machine models - More dangerous washing machines are added to Whirlpool's at-risk list bringing the total for recalled machines to 524,000.
• 7 February, 2020: Lack of trust in Whirlpool revealed after fire-risk washing machine recall - Owners left living in fear, significantly inconvenienced and out of pocket.

With today's news - and an extra 5,000 machines added to the at-risk list in January - the running total for the recall is at 579,000 washing machines.