WHIRLPOOL has recalled another 55,000 washing machines over fears a fault could cause them to catch fire.
An extra 21 models have been added to the list of 524,000 Hotpoint and Indesit machines that alerts have already been issued for.
Owners are being urged to check again what washing machine model they have at home, even if they've previously been told by the manufacturers that it's safe to use.
You can check if your model is on the recall list using the free tool on Whirlpool's website.
The dodgy machines were sold between 2014 and 2018, and have been affected by a flaw that could lead to them overheating and catching fire.
It's believed that 79 house fires have been caused by a potential design defect with the door locking system that develops over time and use, according to the BBC.
Which models have been added to the recall list?
AFFECTED Whirlpool machines were sold under the Hotpoint or Indesit brands. These are the latest models to be added to the recall list:
- WMAQB 641P UK
- WMAQB 721P UK
- WMAQB 741G UK
- WMAQB 741P UK
- WMAQF 621P UK.L
- WMAQF 641G UK
- WMAQF 641P UK
- WMAQF 721P UK
- WMAQG 641G UK
- WMAQG 641P UK
- WMAQG 721P UK
- WMAQG 721P UK.M
- WMAQG 741P UK.M
- WMAQL 621P UK
- WMAQL 641P UK
- WMAQL 721A UK
- WMAQL 721P UK
- WMAQL 721P UK.M
- WMAQL 741G UK
- WMAQL 741P UK
- WMSAQG 621G UK
Whirlpool issued a warning at the start if the year that it needed to repair or replace 519,000 machines but by the end of January it added another 5,000 to the list.
The firm is urging customers with affected machines to unplug and stop using them, or run them on cold cycles of 20 degrees or less if you have to use it.
You should also contact Whirlpool to arrange either a replacement washing machine or a free in-home repair of their existing appliance.
It has promised that engineers will continue to carry out the repairs in people's homes despite the current pandemic lockdown.
Whirlpool vice president Jeff Noel said: "We continue to follow government guidelines, with strict health and safety processes across our operations, including equipping all our delivery drivers and engineers with personal protective equipment and hand sanitiser.
"However, we will also offer customers the option of contactless delivery and removal of affected appliances."
The manufacturers last reported that they'd identified 210,000 of the faulty appliances and had resolved 177,000 of them so far.
How to check if your machine is affected
CUSTOMERS can see if their washing machine is affected by visiting this <a href="https://washingmachinerecall.whirlpool.co.uk/
Customers can see if their washing machine is affected by visiting this dedicated Whirlpool recall website.
To check your appliance, you'll need to know the model number and serial number.
For Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines, the model number should be found on the inside of the door.
Enter these details into the website's search engine and it will tell you if your machine is a potential risk.
Tracking the machines down is difficult because they may no longer be owned by the people who originally bought it – charities have warned that the recalled machines are still being sold on eBay and Facebook.
The recall is separate to Whirpool's original warning over 800,000 fire-risk tumble dryers back in July last year after buckling from pressure from consumer groups.
Lesley Rudd, chief executive at charity Electrical Safety First branded the latest round of recalls "alarming" and throws into questions the thoroughness of the original investigation.
She said: "This is the second time Whirlpool has discovered more defective models following the publication of the original list.
"This is not only confusing for consumers, but it means that anyone who had previously contacted Whirlpool to be told their machine posed no risk will now have to check again.
"It’s vital that these machines are removed from people’s homes as soon as possible."
Since issuing the first recall, the company has come under fire for failing to offer refunds to customers with at-risk washing machines.
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