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Identifying Hotpoint and Indesit fire-risk tumble dryers
Hotpoint, Creda and Indesit tumble dryer safety alert: check your machine to find out if you're at risk
One week after fire-safety concerns emerged about Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda tumble dryers - and with the companies involved still to publish a list of the affected appliances - Which? can reveal how to identify whether your dryer is at risk.
With the safety alert potentially affecting millions of Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda tumble dryers in the UK, the all-important model numbers of the affected appliances have still not been published.
A representative for the companies told us that due to the 'variety of codes and model numbers involved' it's instead encouraging consumers to go online where you can search to find out if your dryer is affected.
If you're considering replacing your tumble dryer, check our list of theBest Buy tumble dryersthat Which? recommends.
Story update 11/6/2019 - Whirlpool facing recall notice over fire-risk tumble dryers.
Is your Hotpoint, Indesit or Creda tumble dryer safe? Look for a green dot
Before you do that,check whether your tumble dryer has a green dot sticker on the inside of the door at the top, either on the door or the door rim itself. If you can't see a green dot in these two spots, check the back of the machine in the middle and towards the top.
If your dryer has a green dot sticker positioned in these locations, the manufacturer tells us that your machine is not part of the safety alert.
How to find a Hotpoint, Indesit or Creda serial number
If you don't find the green dot, you'll need to find out whether your dryer is affected by visiting either the Hotpoint and Indesit websites.
When the safety alert was first published, Hotpoint and Indesit allowed consumers to search for their tumble dryer simply by using the model number. One week on and it's more complicated. Now you will also need to submit your tumble dryer's serial number.
You will find this inside the door-rim of your dryer on the upper right hand side. The serial number is found beneath the barcode and it's made up of the nine numbers following, but not including, 'S/N'.
The Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda tumble dryer problem
The safety alert relates to Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda tumble dryers manufactured between April 2004 and October 2015. A fault was discovered with the machines which could expose the dryers to a fire risk when excess fluff touches the heating element.
The manufacturer has known about the potential fire-risk since earlier this year, after receiving reports of fires and injuries, but it wasn't formally announced until 23rd November. Since the news broke, it's been reported elsewhere that as many as 750 fires have been caused by tumble dryers with three people being hurt as a result.
Our advice if you own a Hotpoint, Indesit or Creda tumble dryer
If you own a Hotpoint, Indesit or Creda tumble dryer, visit one of the two websites above to check whether your model is affected. You can also call Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda on 0800 151 0905.
If yours is one of the affected machines, our advice is to not use it until it's been serviced and modified.
What are Hotpoint and Indesit doing to stop the sale of fire-risk tumble dryers?
The manufacturer tells us that it's working to remove appliances manufactured before October 2015 from sale. It tells us it informed retailers of the problem on 23rd November 2015, but admits that products manufactured before October 2015 could still be on sale but they are, 'working with retail partners to ensure those appliances are taken off sale.'
Tumble dryer safety advice for consumers
Never leave your tumble dryer running when you're not in the house or asleep. Clean the lint-filter after every use and don't overload your dryer, this can cause it to overheat. And avoid drying large items such as blankets or duvets - they reduce the space for air to circulate
STORY UPDATE 11/12/15: We've since researched and published a list of the affected tumble dryer models. Find out ifyour tumble dryer is on the list.
STORY UPDATE 11/2/16: Read the latest advice on theHotpoint, Creda and Indesit fire-risk tumble dryers.
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