What Is the Risk?

Whirlpool issued the following statement about the affected dryers:

In practice, tumble dryers – particularly condenser dryers – can accumulate significant amounts of fluff inside over time. This can result from poor filter design, damaged filters, or filters not being cleaned after every use. When this build-up contacts the heating element, there is a risk of ignition.

Which Tumble Dryers Are Affected?

Affected brands: Hotpoint | Indesit | Creda | Proline | Swan
Manufacture dates: April 2004 to September 2015

Over 100 different models are covered by this notice. It is safe to say that most Hotpoint, Creda and Indesit tumble dryers made between these dates are likely to be affected.

Purchased after September 2015?

This does not guarantee your dryer is unaffected. Dryers can sit in stock for some time after manufacture before being sold. The date that matters is when the machine was manufactured, not when it was purchased. Check your model using the links below.

How to Check If Your Dryer Is Affected

Find the model number and serial number on the label inside the door opening and enter them into the relevant manufacturer website:

• Check Hotpoint, Creda or Proline tumble dryers
• Check Indesit tumble dryers
• Check Swan tumble dryers

Follow any instructions provided after entering your details.

What Is the Green Spot Sticker?

Check your tumble dryer for a small green spot sticker – look inside the door, near the door seal, or anywhere on the machine including the back. A green spot sticker indicates that the fault has already been addressed on that machine, most likely by an engineer who carried out a modification prior to the formal announcement of the safety notice. If a green sticker is present, the modification is likely to have been done – though it is still worth checking through the official process to confirm.

Is It Safe to Keep Using an Affected Dryer?

The original safety notice stated that consumers could continue using their dryers provided they were not left unattended while operating. Whirlpool subsequently updated this position, advising that owners of affected dryers should not use them at all until the modification has been carried out. This is the only responsible approach – if the dryer has not been checked and modified, the safest course is not to use it.

Do not leave an affected dryer running unattended under any circumstances.

If the machine has not been checked and a fire starts, you need to be present and able to deal with it. If you must use the dryer before the modification is done, remain present at all times and ensure you have a suitable means of dealing with a fire. If this is not possible, do not use the machine.

Update: Government-Ordered Recall

Following sustained campaigning by Which?, the UK government took the unprecedented step of ordering Whirlpool to recall affected dryers. This is covered in the BBC’s report: Whirlpool told to recall dryers in ‘unprecedented’ government move.

General Advice on Tumble Dryer Filter Maintenance

This safety notice underlines the importance of filter maintenance on all tumble dryers – not just those covered by this notice. Filters must be cleaned after every use. Condenser dryers in particular can have several filters, some of them not immediately obvious and located behind panels or doors. Blocked or neglected filters cause overheating and increase fire risk.

Whitegoods Help has always advised against leaving any washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher running unsupervised – and this safety notice confirms why that advice matters.

Which Models Are Affected?

Siemens did not release specific model numbers with this safety notice, which makes it more difficult for owners to confirm whether their machine is affected. Siemens stated that affected dryers were manufactured in 2002.

Two points to bear in mind when checking:

• If the dryer was purchased before 2002, it is unlikely to be affected.
• If it was purchased in 2003, it is still possible it was manufactured in 2002 – always check the manufacturing date on the serial number plate rather than the purchase date.

Siemens safety notice no longer online.

The original Siemens safety notice page has been deleted or moved and is no longer accessible. If you have a Siemens tumble dryer from this period and are concerned, contact Siemens directly via their main website to establish whether your specific model is affected and what action to take.