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More on KentOnline
Tumble dryers are being recalled in a safety campaign by manufacturer Whirlpool.
Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, Swan and Proline machines made between 2004 and 2015 are included but not the Whirlpool brand itself.
If you think you might have a dryer from one of those brands you can check whether it needs to be recalled by telephoning the company or viewing its website.
If your tumble dryer is affected you can either have it replaced for free, opt for an upgrade from £59, have it fixed by an engineer or choose a refund.
That will depend on the age of your machine.
Customers are meanwhile advised to unplug their tumble dryer and not use it until it has been replaced or modified.
Jeff Noel, vice-president for Whirlpool, said on the company website: "Safety is our top priority and tackling the issue with our tumble dryers has been one of the biggest challenges we have ever faced.
" We value our customers more than anything and we recognise that we let many of you down. You deserved better from us and for this we apologise to you all.
"We recognise the huge responsibility we bear and always strive to do the right thing."
Mr Noel explained that Whirlpool bought Indeset in 2014 and while the safety of that company's tumble dryers was consistent with other brands, and met UK and European regulation, it did not meet Whirlpool's higher standards.
He added: "Our review found a potential safety issue in Indesit’s tumble dryers concerning the build-up of lint.
"It affects certain models made between 2004 and 2015 that were sold under the Indesit, Hotpoint, Creda, Swan and Proline brands.
"Even though evaluations under the EU’s official risk assessment system identified this as a low risk issue – its lowest category – we were not satisfied.
" Shortly after purchasing Indesit, we raised our concerns with the UK regulator and launched a campaign to fix the problem."
Mr Noel said that Whirlpool has already solved the problem for 1.7 million people, which is up to five times the UK average for a product recall. But, he said, many more customers still need help.
To check if your machine is affected ring 0800 151 0905 or click here.
