Washing machines exploding
A known design and manufacturing fault in certain Hotpoint, Indesit, Hoover, and Candy washing machines produced between 2007 and 2009 can cause the inner drum to split or come apart on spin, forcing laundry and metal drum fragments through the outer plastic casing at high speed. If you own one of these machines, check whether your model is affected using the official safety notices below and reduce spin speed as a precaution.
If the door glass has shattered or exploded, that is a separate issue covered in our guide on washing machine door glass danger. Continue reading this article only if the drum has burst through the top or sides of the machine.
Drum failure at high spin speed is a serious safety hazard. When an inner drum splits or separates at its seams at 1400 or 1600rpm, the centrifugal forces involved can project debris across a room at significant velocity. This is not a theoretical risk – incidents have been reported in the UK and internationally.
What Is Happening and Why
The inner stainless steel drums of affected machines are splitting at their seams or coming apart during high-speed spin cycles. When this happens, the laundry and fragments of the drum can burst through the plastic outer drum and through the lid and control panel of the machine.
Several factors contribute to this fault:
- Modern machines spin at much higher speeds than older designs – many at 1400 or 1600rpm – placing far greater stress on the drum and its seams
- Outer drums are now made from plastic rather than the heavier steel used in older machines. Plastic outer drums are more susceptible to being breached if the inner drum fails
- There is credible evidence that component specifications – motors, suspension, and drum construction – have not been upgraded to match the increased stress of higher spin speeds
Which Machines Are Affected?
The fault was identified primarily in Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines, with additional reports involving Hoover and Candy machines. Machines produced during periods in 2007 to 2009 have been identified as potentially affected – particularly models with 1400rpm or 1600rpm spin speeds.
Hotpoint and Indesit have issued official safety notices. Check your model number against these notices to determine whether your specific machine is listed as affected. Note that the absence of a model from the official notice does not guarantee it is completely safe – the notices were issued reactively and do not necessarily cover all affected production.
What to Do if You Own an Affected or Potentially Affected Machine
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Check your model number against the official safety notices above. If your model is listed, follow the manufacturer’s instructions – which may include a free repair or replacement. -
Keep people and pets out of the room when the machine is on spin, particularly during the final high-speed spin cycle. This is good practice for all washing machines and appliances generally. -
Reduce the spin speed if your machine allows it. Selecting 1000rpm instead of 1400 or 1600rpm significantly reduces the forces involved. At lower spin speeds a drum failure is less likely and, if it did occur, less violent. See our guide on washing machine spin speeds. -
Do not leave the machine running unattended – particularly on high-speed spin programmes. This is standard safety advice for all large appliances including dishwashers and tumble dryers.
Reducing spin speed and keeping the room clear are precautionary measures, not guaranteed prevention. If your model number appears on the official safety notice, the only certain solution is to follow the manufacturer’s remedy process.
Why This Happened: A Manufacturing and Regulatory Failure
The response from manufacturers to initial reports was inadequate. Early statements claimed UK machines were not affected, which proved incorrect. Later statements suggested only two models were involved, which also proved incorrect. Official safety notices were not issued proactively but only after sustained pressure from consumer groups and media coverage – which delayed the time at which affected owners became aware of the risk.
The broader lesson is that higher spin speeds impose significantly greater mechanical stress on all components – drums, seams, suspension, and the outer casing. When a drum seam fails at 1600rpm the consequences are categorically more serious than at 800rpm. The industry trend toward ever-higher rated spin speeds without corresponding improvements in component quality deserves scrutiny at a regulatory level.
Concerned About Appliance Safety?
Related Guides
Washing Machine Door Glass DangerExploding door glass is a separate issue to drum failure – what causes it and what to do.
Is It Safe to Leave the Washing Machine On?The genuine safety risks from unattended appliances – fire, flood, and mechanical failure.
Washing Machine Spin Speeds ExplainedWhat spin speed ratings mean, how to choose the right speed, and when lower is better.
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?An honest look at the fire, flood, and mechanical risks from domestic white goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean if a washing machine “explodes”?
In this context, it refers to the inner stainless steel drum splitting at its seams or coming apart during high-speed spin. The centrifugal forces at 1400 to 1600rpm can then project the laundry and metal drum fragments through the plastic outer drum and through the machine’s lid and control panel, throwing debris across the room.
How do I know if my washing machine is affected?
Check your model number against the official Hotpoint and Indesit safety notices linked above. The affected machines were primarily produced during 2007 to 2009. If your model is listed, follow the manufacturer’s remedy process. If it is not listed, the official notice does not guarantee it is safe – the notice was issued reactively and may not cover all affected production runs.
Can I make my machine safer without replacing it?
Partially. Reducing the spin speed to 1000rpm or lower significantly reduces the mechanical stress on the drum and the consequences if a failure does occur. Keeping the room clear of people and pets during spin provides a margin of safety if something does go wrong. These are precautions, not guarantees. If the model appears on the official notice, the manufacturer’s remedy is the only certain solution.
Why weren’t customers warned sooner?
Manufacturers initially disputed that UK machines were affected, then later claimed only two models were involved – both of which proved incorrect. Official safety notices were not issued proactively but only after sustained pressure from consumer groups and media coverage including BBC Watchdog. The delayed response meant many owners of affected machines remained unaware of the risk for a significant period.
Safety recall on Twin Tub Washing Machine sold at Argos
Argos catalogue number 019/8541 – a twin tub washing machine sold at Argos – has been recalled due to a design fault that presents an electric shock risk. Return the product to any Argos store for a full refund. The recall was issued on 4 October 2010.
A safety recall has been issued for the Twin Tub Washing Machine sold at Argos under catalogue number 019/8541. The construction of the product could lead to electric shock. Stop using it immediately, do not use it again, and return it to any Argos store for a full refund.
Official Recall Notice
“We have been advised by our Quality Assurance Department of a safety concern with this product. The construction of the product could potentially lead to an electric shock. Please STOP USING the product immediately and return the product to store for a refund.”
Argos Quality Assurance – recall issued 4 October 2010
What to Do
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Stop using the machine immediately. Do not use it again under any circumstances. Unplug it from the wall socket.
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Return it to any Argos store. A full refund is available. You do not need to return it to the specific store where it was purchased.
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If you cannot get to a store, contact Argos customer services. The contact details published at the time of the recall were: UK freephone 0845 640 2020 or Republic of Ireland 1 800 535 091 (lines open 9am to 5pm). Note that these numbers may no longer be active given the age of the recall – use Argos’s current customer service contact details if these do not connect.
If a twin tub washing machine of the same model was purchased from a different retailer, contact that retailer immediately. The same design fault that prompted the Argos recall may apply to identical units sold elsewhere under different catalogue or product numbers. Do not continue using the machine until you have confirmed it is not affected.
This recall was issued in October 2010. If you are only now discovering this notice – perhaps through buying the machine second-hand – stop using it immediately and contact Argos. Electric shock risks are not reduced by the age of the recall.
All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Guides
Electric Shocks or Tingles From a Washing MachineWhy any shock or tingle from a washing machine must be treated as a serious safety issue immediately.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce electrical and fire risks from large appliances.
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?An honest look at the real electrical and fire risks from domestic white goods.
All Appliance Safety NoticesA full list of product recalls and safety notices covering white goods appliances published on Whitegoods Help.
Miele Washer-extractors safety notice
This notice affects commercial Miele washer-extractors only – these are not domestic washing machines and are unlikely to be in private homes. They are typically found in care homes, hotels, laundries, and similar commercial settings. Affected machines are identified by the label PW60…Vario on the fascia panel, and a dataplate showing Mod: PW60…Vario LP and No. 55/… on the inner door face.
Miele has issued a safety warning for commercial washer-extractors in the PW 6055 Vario and PW 6065 Vario series produced since 30 November 2009. Hot water and foam can suddenly escape through the detergent dispenser drawer when the Kitchen Linen programme is used. Keep children away from the machine and contact Miele immediately to arrange a free electronic control update.
Official Notice From Miele
“From this information it has been noticed that HOT WATER/FOAM may suddenly escape through the detergent dispenser drawer under a certain combination of conditions in the KITCHEN LINEN programme on commercial washer-extractors from the PW 6055 and PW 6065 series produced since November 30, 2009.”
Miele & Cie. KG – official product warning
Which Machines Are Affected?
Step 1: Check the fascia panel (left-hand side)
The model range is shown on the fascia panel on the left-hand side of the machine. Only machines labelled PW60…Vario are affected.
Step 2: Check the dataplate on the inner door face
The dataplate is located on the inner face of the door. Only machines showing Mod: PW60…Vario LP and No. 55/… are affected.
Production date
Only machines from the PW 6055 Vario and PW 6065 Vario series produced since 30 November 2009 are covered by this notice.
What to Do
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Do not run the Kitchen Linen programme. This is the specific programme under which the hazard occurs. The machine can continue to be used on other programmes while awaiting the service visit, but the Kitchen Linen programme must not be selected until the electronic control update has been carried out.
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Keep children well away from the machine. Hot water can escape suddenly from the dispenser drawer without warning. This is a scalding risk.
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Contact Miele immediately – your Miele dealer, Miele service agent, or Miele directly. Miele will update the electronic controls on-site at no charge. An appointment will need to be arranged for the service visit.
This is a commercial appliance safety notice. The Miele PW 6055 and PW 6065 are professional washer-extractors used in commercial laundry settings – care homes, hotels, hospitality, and similar environments. They are not domestic washing machines. If you manage a property or facility where one of these machines is in use, pass this notice to whoever is responsible for the equipment.
All Appliance Safety Notices
Washing Machine Door Glass Exploding: How Real Is the Risk?
Washing machine door glass can shatter due to impact damage from objects in the drum, thermal stress, overloading, or in rare cases manufacturing defects. Modern door glass is toughened (tempered) safety glass, which is designed to break into small pieces rather than large dangerous shards – but fragments can still cause cuts. The risk of serious injury is very low, but the failure can happen without warning, including when the machine is switched off.
Reports of washing machine door glass suddenly shattering have been documented across many brands and price ranges for years. While the risk is statistically low, it is real – and the unpredictable nature of these failures makes it worth understanding the causes, the risks, and what to do if it happens to you.
What Actually Happens When Door Glass “Explodes”?
The word “exploding” is commonly used by consumers to describe what happens – and while alarming, it is not quite accurate. What occurs is a sudden structural failure of toughened glass, which shatters rapidly into multiple fragments rather than breaking cleanly.
Washing machine door glass is made from toughened (tempered) safety glass. This type of glass is manufactured under high internal tension, which causes it to shatter into smaller pieces when it breaks – rather than large, blade-like shards. This design is intended to reduce injury risk in the event of breakage.
Incidents have been reported both while the machine is running and while it is switched off and not in use. The latter is less common but is harder to predict and prepare for – and is one reason why the issue generates significant concern.
How Common Is This Problem?
There is no official industry dataset, so it is not possible to give a precise figure. What can be said is:
Rare but realThe number of incidents is very low relative to the millions of washing machines in use – but reports have been consistent over many years and across many brands.
All price ranges affectedReports involve budget and premium brands alike. There is no strong evidence that any one manufacturer is significantly more or less affected than others.
Injury risk is very lowSerious injuries directly caused by door glass failure are extremely rare. The most common harm is minor cuts when clearing up broken glass afterwards.
Unpredictable timingGlass can fail during a cycle or when the machine has been switched off for hours. This unpredictability is what makes the issue particularly concerning for households with children and pets.
What Causes Washing Machine Door Glass to Shatter?
The most widely accepted cause is prior impact damage to the glass – often unnoticed at the time. Coins, keys, or metal objects left in pockets can strike the door glass during the wash. Belt buckles, zips, and metal buttons on clothing repeatedly hitting the door also cause micro-scratches and stress points over time.
Toughened glass can absorb this kind of damage and remain intact for some time – sometimes weeks or months – before suddenly failing without any further trigger. This delayed failure is one reason why the cause is often difficult to identify and disputed.
Washing machines heat and cool repeatedly during normal use. Over time, this thermal cycling can place cumulative stress on weakened glass. The release of this stress may explain why some doors shatter when the machine is not running – residual tension in the glass discharges unpredictably, sometimes hours after the last wash cycle.
This phenomenon is not unique to washing machines – it is also documented in oven doors and double-glazed window units, which use the same type of toughened glass.
Consistently overloading the drum increases the force with which laundry strikes the door during the wash and spin cycles. While machines are designed to handle normal use, repeated heavy loading may contribute to long-term weakening of the glass – particularly in combination with items that have hard fastenings.
In rare cases, a flaw introduced during the manufacturing process – such as incorrect tempering or a stress concentration – can cause a door glass to fail earlier than expected, and sometimes without any obvious external trigger. This is difficult to prove and manufacturers rarely accept it as an explanation, but industry knowledge of toughened glass acknowledges that manufacturing faults can and do cause spontaneous failures.
Why Does Toughened Glass Sometimes Fail Without Warning?
This is the question that concerns most people – and understanding it requires knowing a little about how toughened glass is made.
Toughened glass is created by rapidly heating and then cooling standard glass. This process puts the outer surfaces into compression and the inner core into tension. The result is glass that is significantly stronger than ordinary glass – but which, when it does break, releases all of that stored energy simultaneously. This is why it shatters suddenly and completely rather than cracking progressively.
The implication is that damage – whether from an impact, a manufacturing flaw, or gradual stress – may remain invisible right up until the point of failure. The glass gives no visible warning. This behaviour is inherent to the material, not a specific defect in any one machine.
The same spontaneous failure behaviour has been observed in oven door glass, shower enclosures, and double-glazed window units – all of which use toughened glass. It is a property of the material, not a unique flaw of washing machine design.
How to Reduce the Risk
While the risk cannot be eliminated entirely, these practical steps significantly reduce the likelihood of door glass failure:
- Always check pockets before loading – coins, keys, and small metal objects are a leading cause of glass damage
- Zip up zips fully and turn garments with metal fastenings inside out before washing
- Use mesh laundry bags for items with exposed metal buckles, decorative studs, or underwired bras
- Do not overload the drum – excessive loading increases the force with which laundry strikes the door
- Ensure the machine is level on stable flooring – excessive vibration increases stress on all components
- Keep children and pets away from in front of the machine while it is running, as a precaution
What to Do If the Glass Shatters
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Do not panic – while alarming, the risk of serious injury from the initial breakage is very low. Toughened glass is designed to break into smaller fragments rather than large dangerous shards.
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Disconnect the appliance from the mains immediately. Do not attempt to use it or open it further until the power is off.
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Wear protective gloves before touching anything. Even toughened glass fragments can cause cuts. Clear the glass carefully and thoroughly – check inside the drum, under and around the machine.
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Photograph everything – the broken glass, the machine, the drum contents, and the surrounding area. This evidence is important if you need to make a complaint or claim.
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Contact the manufacturer and the retailer. Report the incident to both. Read our guide on who is responsible for exploding door glass before speaking to them – manufacturers commonly attribute blame to the user, and knowing your position in advance is valuable.
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Do not use the machine until the door assembly has been professionally inspected and replaced. Contact a qualified repair engineer to assess and repair the appliance.
Who Is Responsible – You or the Manufacturer?
This is one of the most contentious aspects of door glass failures. When consumers report incidents, manufacturers almost universally respond by attributing blame to the user – claiming overloading, metal objects in the drum, or incorrect use. In most cases, they cannot prove this – but equally, consumers typically cannot prove it was a manufacturing defect.
What manufacturers typically say
The glass was damaged by a foreign object, overloading, or incorrect use. They rarely accept that toughened glass can fail spontaneously – even though this is a documented property of the material.
What you can argue
If you washed normal laundry in line with the machine’s instructions, left no obvious foreign objects in the drum, and the machine was used correctly, it is reasonable to argue the failure was not your fault. Under the Consumer Rights Act, appliances must be of satisfactory quality and durable.
For a full analysis of the liability question – including what to say to manufacturers and what rights you have – read our dedicated article: Exploding door glass – whose fault is it?
For your general consumer rights when an appliance develops a fault, see our consumer rights and appliances guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to stand in front of the washing machine while it is running?
For most people in most circumstances, yes – door glass failures are statistically very rare. However, as a precaution, it is sensible to discourage young children and pets from standing directly in front of a running machine. The risk of serious injury from a failure is extremely low, but the unpredictable nature of the event means basic precautions are reasonable.
My door glass shattered while the machine was switched off – how is that possible?
This is one of the most alarming aspects of this issue – and it is a documented behaviour of toughened glass. Residual stress built up through thermal cycling or prior impact damage can be released unpredictably, even hours after the last wash cycle. The glass gives no visible warning before failure. This behaviour is inherent to toughened glass and is not unique to washing machines.
The manufacturer is blaming me – what should I do?
This is a very common response. Manufacturers routinely attribute door glass failures to user error – overloading, foreign objects, or incorrect use – because it is almost impossible to prove a manufacturing defect after the fact. If you used the machine correctly and followed the instructions, you have grounds to push back. Read our detailed guide on who is responsible for exploding door glass, and our consumer rights guide for further support.
Are some brands more prone to this than others?
Reports involve a wide range of brands across all price points – including budget and premium manufacturers. Without verified industry-wide data, it is not possible to reliably rank brands by risk. Our broken door glass photos and brand tally page records reported incidents by brand, which may provide some useful context.
Can I claim for the cost of repair or a replacement machine?
Possibly – particularly if the machine is relatively new or still under warranty. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, appliances must be of satisfactory quality and last a reasonable amount of time. If the machine is within six months of purchase, the fault is presumed to be inherent unless the retailer can prove otherwise. After six months, the burden of proof shifts to you. See our Consumer Rights Act guide for full details.
Is the glass inside the drum safe after a failure?
Not immediately. After a door glass failure, fragments will be present inside the drum, on the door seal, and on the floor around the machine. Do not attempt to use the machine, and do not reach inside without wearing protective gloves. The drum contents will likely be unusable. The machine will need a full door assembly replacement by a qualified engineer before it can be safely used again – book a repair engineer to assess it.
See photos and reports of broken door glass
Our dedicated page features reader-submitted photos of shattered door glass across many brands, along with a running tally of reported incidents by manufacturer.
Disconnect power immediately. Wear gloves before touching anything. Photograph everything before clearing up. Do not use the machine until professionally repaired.
Economy 7 Safety warning
Economy 7 and other off-peak tariffs can save money on overnight electricity – but are primarily designed for storage heating, not for running appliances. The financial saving from running a washing machine or tumble dryer overnight is typically 10 to 30 pence per cycle. The safety risk of running these appliances unattended while everyone is asleep is not justified by this saving.
White goods appliances are a leading cause of house fires. Running them while everyone is asleep removes the opportunity to detect and respond to a fire in its early stages. The financial saving from overnight off-peak tariff rates is small – the risk is not.
Is Economy 7 Worth Having If You Don’t Use Storage Heating?
Economy 7 and similar off-peak tariffs divide the day into two pricing periods: a cheaper overnight rate (typically 7 hours) and a more expensive daytime rate. The tariffs were designed for storage heaters – appliances that draw electricity overnight at the cheap rate and release heat during the day.
For households without storage heating, the tariff structure is less favourable. To benefit overall, a significant proportion of total electricity use must occur during the 7 off-peak hours – typically at least 40%. If most consumption happens during the day and evening at the higher rate, the tariff can work out more expensive than a standard flat-rate tariff. In some cases, daytime rates under Economy 7 are substantially higher than standard tariff rates.
Use a smart meter or energy monitor to understand when electricity is actually consumed in the household. If most use occurs in the evening and daytime, an Economy 7 tariff is likely to cost more overall, not less.
The Fire Risk of Running Appliances Overnight
Washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers are responsible for a significant proportion of domestic fires. The risk exists whether the appliance is running during the day or night – but the consequences differ substantially.
Running appliances while awake and present
A fire that starts while someone is awake and in the building is more likely to be noticed quickly. Early detection allows time to respond, evacuate, and call for help. Smoke alarms are more likely to wake an awake occupant than to rouse someone deeply asleep.
Running appliances unattended overnight
A fire that starts while everyone is asleep has time to develop before being detected. Smoke can incapacitate sleeping occupants before they wake. Response time is reduced. The consequences of the same fire are materially worse than if it had occurred while people were awake and nearby.
The saving from running a washing machine or tumble dryer during off-peak overnight hours rather than in the evening is typically in the range of 10 to 30 pence per cycle. This is not a meaningful financial benefit. The potential consequences of an undetected appliance fire at night are severe. These appliances should not be left running while the household is asleep.
Safer Alternatives to Overnight Running
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Use the delay start timer to run appliances in the early morning. Many washing machines and dishwashers have delay start functions. Setting the machine to start an hour or two before the household wakes up means it finishes close to when people get up – while still capturing some off-peak rate benefit – without running through the deepest hours of sleep. -
Run appliances in the early evening before bed. Running the washing machine or dishwasher early in the evening rather than leaving it to run overnight means someone is awake in the building while the appliance is running. The cycle is typically complete before everyone goes to sleep. -
Ensure working smoke alarms are fitted. If an appliance is ever left running unattended – even during the day – working smoke alarms throughout the property are essential. Test them regularly. See our guide on 8 ways to make appliances safer. -
Consider a time-of-use tariff with a daytime off-peak window. Some newer smart tariffs offer off-peak rates at different times of day, not only overnight. A tariff with cheaper rates in the early morning hours (6am to 8am, for example) allows a delay-start appliance to capture the saving while still finishing before the household leaves for work.
Appliance Safety Guides
Related Guides
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce appliance fire risk.
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?The data on domestic appliance fires – which appliances carry the highest risk and why.
Tumble Dryer Filter Fire RiskWhy a blocked lint filter is a fire risk – and why it must be cleaned after every cycle.
Tumble Dryer Safety NoticesKnown safety notices on tumble dryers – check whether any cover your appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to run a washing machine overnight?
It is not recommended. White goods appliances are a leading cause of domestic fires. Running a washing machine, tumble dryer, or dishwasher while everyone in the household is asleep means a fire could develop significantly before being detected. The financial saving from overnight off-peak rates is typically 10 to 30 pence per cycle – not enough to justify the risk. Run appliances while awake, or use a delay start to finish the cycle close to when the household wakes up.
Is Economy 7 worth it if I don’t have storage heaters?
Probably not. Economy 7 tariffs were designed for storage heating, which draws large amounts of electricity overnight at the cheap rate. Without storage heating, the higher daytime rates under Economy 7 typically outweigh the overnight savings unless a very significant proportion of total electricity use occurs during the 7 off-peak hours. Check the tariff rates and consumption pattern carefully before switching.
Can I use a delay start to run appliances at cheaper times without running them overnight?
Yes. Setting a delay start so the appliance finishes shortly before the household wakes up – rather than running through the night – reduces the time the appliance runs unattended. Early morning (from around 5am or 6am) is a reasonable compromise between capturing some off-peak benefit and not leaving appliances running through the deepest hours of sleep. Check whether your specific tariff has off-peak windows at other times of day.