Whirlpool will recall hundreds of thousands of washing machines just months after it launched a major recall of potentially dangerous dryers.

The firm said as many as 519,000 washing machines sold under the Hotpoint and Indesit brands in the UK between October 2014 and February 2018 could be recalled.

It urged owners of appliances bought since 2014 to contact Whirlpool immediately stop using them and check if their washing machine is one of the models affected.

Whirlpool said it was working at "full speed" to prepared to officially begin the recall in early January.

Whirlpool vice president Jeff Noel said: "We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and concern this may cause to our customers, particularly over the Christmas period, but we hope people will understand that we are taking action because people's safety is our top priority."

Why are Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines being recalled?

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Whirlpool said a flaw with the door-locking system has been found in the models that could lead to them overheating and potentially catching fire.

That's because when the heating element in the washing machine is activated, in "very rare" cases a component in the door lock system can also overheat, which, depending on product features, can pose a risk of fire.

Whirlpool said the issue was identified by its safety team, adding that "no serious injuries have been reported".

Noel added: "This is an issue we inherited from buying Indesit Company, but as the new owner, it is our responsibility to keep our customers safe.

"We are recalling these products because it is the right thing to do for people's safety and we will do whatever it takes to put the situation right for our customers."

It was also keen to point out that it was only Hotpoint and Indesit machines that are affected – not Whirlpool branded ones.

Which Hotpoint and Indesit washing machine models are affected?

The problem affects models manufactured between October 2014 and February 2018.

These are the models Whirlpool said had the problem:

• FML 742P UK Hotpoint
• WMAOD 743G UK Hotpoint   
• WMAOD 743P UK Hotpoint   
• WMAQB 721P UK.M Hotpoint 
• WMAQC 641P UK.M Hotpoint 
• WMAQC 741G UK Hotpoint   
• WMAQC 741P UK Hotpoint   
• WMAQC 741P UK.M Hotpoint   
• WMAQF 621G UK Hotpoint   
• WMAQF 621P UK Hotpoint   
• WMAQF 641 P UK.M Hotpoint   
• WMAQF 721G UK Hotpoint   
• WMAQF 721P UK.M Hotpoint   
• WMAQL 621G UK Hotpoint   
• WMBF 742G UK Hotpoint   
• WMBF 742K UK Hotpoint   
• WMBF 742P UK Hotpoint   
• WMBF 742P UK.M Hotpoint   
• WMBF 763P UK Hotpoint   
• WMEF 722 BC UK Hotpoint   
• WMEF 742 P UK Hotpoint   
• WMEUF 722P UK Hotpoint   
• WMEUF 743G UK Hotpoint  
• WMEUF 743P UK Hotpoint   
• WMFG 741P UK Hotpoint   
• WMFG 741P UK.M Hotpoint   
• WMFUG 742 P UK.M Hotpoint   
• WMFUG 742G UK Hotpoint   
• WMFUG 742P UK Hotpoint   
• WMFUG 842P UK.M Hotpoint  
• WMJLF 842P UK Hotpoint   
• WMJLL 742P UK Hotpoint   
• WMSAQG 621P UK Hotpoint   
• WMXTF 742G UK Hotpoint   
• WMXTF 742K UK Hotpoint   
• WMXTF 742P UK Hotpoint   
• WMXTF 742P UK.M Hotpoint   
• WMXTF 842P UK.M Hotpoint   
• WMYL 7151PS UK Hotpoint   
• XWA 81252X K UK Indesit   
• XWA 81252X W UK Indesit   
• XWD 71452X K UK Indesit 

Where to find the make and model number of your washing machine

Both codes can be found inside the washing machine's door as well as on a label at the back of the appliance.

You can then check if your washing machine is one of the ones at risk by visiting https://washingmachinerecall.whirlpool.co.uk or calling 0800 316 1442 free where an adviser can help you check your model and offer further information.

The online site includes an online model checker tool as well as a full list of model numbers.

What if you need to keep using your washing machine?

To avoid all risk associated with the use of affected models, Whirlpool advised owners to unplug their washing machines and not use them.

If you had to use them, Whirlpool said you should only use cold water cycles of 20C or lower as this "significantly reduces the risk".

All affected customers will have the choice of either a free-of-charge like-for-like replacement washing machine, or a free-of-charge in-home repair of their existing appliance.

Under the replacement option, Whirlpool said it will collect and dispose of your washing machine and deliver the new one free-of-charge.

Whirlpool is also taking steps ahead of the recall to speed matters such as doubling its call centre team and upping its engineer workforce for repairs – as well as increasing production at its washing machine factories for people who want replacements.

It also said it would write directly to all registered owners of the affected appliances in January.

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