Washer warning: Is your machine at risk of exploding?
Across NSW nearly 35,000 washing machines are potential time bombs known to start fires.
They are all Samsung top loaders, six models of them, and all considered a serious risk to consumers.
Model numbers affected are:
SW75V9WIP/XSA
SW65V9WIP/XSA
SW70SPWIP/XSA
SW80SPWIP/XSA
WA85GWGIP/XSA
WA85GWWIP/XSA
They have not been returned for repair despite a company recall two years ago, and so far 25 fires have been started.
Jacquie Briskham's washing machine did not make it through laundry day. Her top loader had been running for 10 minutes when it burst into flames.
"There was an amazing amount of acrid smoke going through the house," Ms Briskham said.
"My house could have burnt to the ground. My kids, God knows what could have happened to them. It's a complete botch up."
Firefighters have seen 19 such blazes in NSW over the past year. All of them were sparked by Samsung top loaders.
"If you're going to use that appliance, make sure you are home at the time," NSW Fire & Rescue's Mick Forbes said.
The company recalled six faulty models two years ago, but the concern is that only 41 percent of customers have come forward.
The damage is caused when water condenses on the internal motor, causing overheating.
Owners should check their machine's serial number and contact Samsung for a free repair service.
There could be many more accidents waiting to happen.
The latest figures show 144,000 of the machines were sold to Australian households before they were taken off the shop floor.
News break - May 21
