GE Washer Recall--Please Read!

Probably every picture that was taken of these washers when they were for sale was better than this one.

Last week we talked about the dangers of dryers catching on fire. One of our customers gave us the heads up that certain models of General Electric appliance manufacturer’s front loading washers are being recalled due to a fire hazard.

71 fires have been reported by homeowners who purchased GE Profile™ top-loading clothes washers. They contain internal electrical components which have the potential to overheat and catch on fire. Three of the known fires caused by these units did $129,00 worth of damage. No one has been injured or killed in the fires, but they have prompted GE to a good faith voluntary recall on these appliances.

If you have a Profile™ top-loading clothes washer which is one of the models numbered  WPGT9150, WPGT9350, or WPGT9360,  DO NOT USE the washer. Unplug it immediately and call General Electric to arrange for a free repair. The washers come in gold, grey, and white.

Look here for model number. If your washer isn't conveniently located in the middle of the room for easy access to the model number, try using the front-facing camera on your phone and take a picture to read it.

The model number on the washer can be found on the plate in the back of the washer above the water valve connections, as shown. If you have trouble getting back there to read it, or pulling it out from the wall, you might be able to slide your cellphone between the washer and wall and use the front camera to photograph the model plate. This doesn't always work, but it's worth a try.

Many of the affected models were sold by the following stores:  Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowes, Sears, from 06/03-10/11. 222,000 of these were sold in the U.S. About 450 were sold in Canada.

You can also check to see if your model was affected here. 

GE had another washer recalled in 2012, that one due to injury risks. No one wants to buy a risky washer, but it happens sometimes. The important thing is the General Electric is offering an in-home repair for absolutely free on these models.

If you have questions or comments, you can call them at 1-877-830-9732 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET.  They ask that you have your model and serial numbers at hand before you make the call.

If yours is one of the models affected, they will schedule a free, in-home repair to take care of the problem. While GE is committed to ‘Made in America’ products, the particular units in the recall were made in South Korea.