Which? comments as Whirlpool appeals for fire-risk dryer owners to come forward

Caroline Normand, Which? Director of Advocacy said:

“The progress now being made with getting Whirlpool’s fire-risk dryers out of people’s homes shows why the government should have ordered a full recall when this fault was first discovered – as strong action then could have prevented dozens of potentially lethal fires.

“The government must continue to closely monitor the progress of Whirlpool’s recall as thousands of people remain at risk while these faulty machines are in their homes.

“The government’s product safety regulator must urgently investigate whether Whirlpool’s modification for these fire-risk dryers is safe. If there is any doubt, the business secretary must step in and ensure that all potentially dangerous machines are removed from people’s homes.”

Notes to editor

• Which? has serious concerns about the safety of modified machines after receiving dozens of reports from people whose dryer caught fire or had an issue with smoke or burning smells after being repaired by Whirlpool. Which? has shared these cases with the OPSS. https://www.which.co.uk/news/2019/02/repaired-whirlpool-tumble-dryers-catch-fire-produce-smoke-and-smell-of-burning/
• For advice on what to do if you think you have an affected machine, please see here: https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/whirlpool-tumble-dryer-safety-alert

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