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Original poster

massive recall due to fire risk: whirlpool/hotpoint/indesit washing machines

122 replies

stripeypillowcase · 17/12/2019 14:52

www.gov.uk/government/news/whirlpool-to-issue-washing-machine-recall-following-intervention-by-regulator

have a look if your machine is affected!
keep safe

OP posts:
SquashedFlyBiscuit · 18/12/2019 08:36

I dont think any brand designs them to last 30 years anymore. They want your repeat custom after all...

Hidingtonothing · 18/12/2019 08:54

I said after the dryer modification fiasco (2 years to come and do the job and don't feel much safer as lots of people reporting fires after modification) I would never buy from them again and now they tell me my bloody washer isn't safe either?!! All I can hope is that this is the final straw for consumers, everyone stops buying from them and they go bust because they're obviously not fit for purpose. So angry, peoples safety is really not important to Whirlpool is it? Angry

Original poster
stripeypillowcase · 18/12/2019 08:59

indesit rhymes with sh...

said an engineer when we needed help with the washer in a rental.

OP posts:
ChardonnaysDistantCousin · 18/12/2019 09:03

I’m still awaiting a repair on my dryer despite contacting them several times. Didn’t feel safe using it as it did smell of burning when I did use it. Gave up after a year with no dryer and bought another I’ve had the new one 2 years!!

Same here. Not buying anything they make.

MythicalBiologicalFennel · 18/12/2019 09:05

I don't think this is consumers' fault Shock Yes we all look for the best value but we also assume that in a developed economy with a functioning legal system companies would not be able to sell products that can kill you... with seemingly no legal consequences.

Original poster
stripeypillowcase · 18/12/2019 09:22

according to a lawyer on bbc breakfast, whirlpool told their us shareholders if this issue (and projected costs) 2 months ago

OP posts:
Kazzyhoward · 18/12/2019 09:30

I don't think this is consumers' fault shock Yes we all look for the best value but we also assume that in a developed economy with a functioning legal system companies would not be able to sell products that can kill you... with seemingly no legal consequences.

I thought one of the main benefits of the EU was to ensure safety standards? That's worked well hasn't it??

Kazzyhoward · 18/12/2019 09:32

I might not expect a cheap washing machine to last 10+ years, but I certainly expect it to be safe

But that's a contradiction. You don't expect it to be made of quality components if you don't expect it to last long. But you do expect it to be made of quality components if you want it to be safe. They go hand in hand. A washing machine is a potentially dangerous item - you have the heating elements and you have a mix of water & electrics - any compromise in component quality is going to be a safety risk one way or another.

halcyondays · 18/12/2019 09:41

We have an Indesit which we apparently bought in 2013 so not one of the affected models. At around £500 it was not especially cheap, it seems you can now get a Miele for not much more. But even the cheapest washing machine should be safe to use.

It adds insult to injury that they now can’t even make their website useable. I don’t think that Which list is complete, it only has Hotpoint on it. The Sun had a list which included Indesit models.

If anyone needs a machine to tide them over, you might be able to get a second hand one from Gumtree or from a local auction if you have one.

Original poster
stripeypillowcase · 18/12/2019 09:44

if you end up using the laundrette/laundry service keep all receipts and request a refund from the company.

OP posts:
DippyAvocado · 18/12/2019 09:54

I might not expect a cheap washing machine to last 10+ years, but I certainly expect it to be safe

Absolutely this. And enough of the shaming of people who can't afford a more expensive machine.

I have one of these machines. I absolutely cannot go a monthly without washing. I also can't afford a day off work for them to come and replace it in January.Crown Angry

PiggyPokkyFool · 18/12/2019 10:14

I have tweeted as we are on the list - wonder how long it will take to get a proper answer and a date for repair?

viccat · 18/12/2019 10:30

I have a Hotpoint bought in the past five years but it's not on the list. It's still a concern to see this.

I don't think shaming people for buying a "cheap" machine is right or even accurate - when I bought mine, it was in the same price range with many other brands, and I chose it due to its eco credentials and convenient delivery, assuming a well known brand like Hotpoint would be a good choice. Looking online now, you can get Bosch and Samsung machines for around the same price.

Original poster
stripeypillowcase · 18/12/2019 10:34

tbh I would think tgat being without a working washing machine for more than 2 weeks is unreasonable.

OP posts:
PilatesPeach · 18/12/2019 10:53

They are only starting to sort this all out in January - hundreds of thousands of machines possibly or at least very high thousands - so many will be without a machine for months as they can't sort out everyone immediately.

Fortunately I only have a rental Hotpoint on the list. They are collecting it Saturday and I have ordered a Bosch from a local firm who are bringing it tomorrow - a bit more expensive than same model from the bigger online companies but more flexible about delivery dates & times. The chap that I ordered from this morning said they had been inundated with customers both in the shop and by phone and they had no news to tell them other than to switch it off and if urgent to use at 20 degrees so nothing we don't already know.

The CEO interviewed on BBC this morning said people wouldn't be reimbursed for laundry expenses due to no washing machine.

Original poster
stripeypillowcase · 18/12/2019 10:55

The CEO interviewed on BBC this morning said people wouldn't be reimbursed for laundry expenses due to no washing machine.

Shock arrogant arse who probably doesn't do any washing.

keep those receipts. especially if you need to wash at high temperatures due to health reasons.

OP posts:
PilatesPeach · 18/12/2019 11:01

He sounded like George W Bush if you closed your eyes Biscuit

LipstickTaserrr · 18/12/2019 11:05

Ohhhh myyy gosh! You are right and I've only just realised it includes washing machines which of course I also have a hot point. This dryer recall has been running so long I didn't even read it properly Blush

Sandinyourshoes · 18/12/2019 11:22

My machine is an affected model but of course I can’t check the serial number. It’s on at the moment a 40 degree wash. I wouldn’t leave it unattended though. An hour into the wash, all around the door and lock area feels cool. Totally infuriating to be told to unplug or wash at 20 for weeks possibly months - what planet are Whirlpool on? It reminds me of the 70s, back to washing sheets in the bath.
As a side note all the washing machines shown on the news seemed to be running only a third or half full?

listsandbudgets · 18/12/2019 11:27

I found this list on the Whirlpool website.

I can't find my machine on it thankfully

By they way I found my model number on the front of the machine - bottom right corner of the "dashboard" IYSWIM so check there too

GeistohneGrenzen · 18/12/2019 11:51

lists your post made me check my 'dashboard' too and I'm not one affected. I did find my receipt earlier but mine was bought locally back in March 2012. I've never had a problem with it.

I'm so sorry (and angry on their behalf) that this is affecting so many, especially at this time of year.

Original poster
stripeypillowcase · 18/12/2019 14:15

I wonder if going via your house/contents insurance could get you a replacement earlier?

OP posts:
WildRosie · 18/12/2019 14:25

The Whirlpool checking website is working again. My Hotpoint isn't affected, thank goodness Smile.

WildRosie · 18/12/2019 14:29

I should add that my Hotpoint model IS on the list but not my particular machine's serial number. I only bought it in February this year so I guess it was made after the suspect machines. Funnily enough, I saw the owner of the local store I bought it from yesterday morning. I wondered why he looked so worried !

Thunderpunt · 18/12/2019 14:34

I've got one of those D&G plans, wondering if they will do the repair on that. Will dig out the number and give it a try

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