Recall alert: These washing machines can start a fire
Did you know a few common mistakes could cause damage to your home appliances? It’s true. Tap or click here for 10 bad habits to avoid that could ruin appliances.
But things got even dire for specific washing machine models this week. Over half a million machines on the market since June 2021 are being recalled due to potential fire hazards. They could cause smoke, fire and even property damage.
Keep reading for all the details you need to keep your home safe.
Here’s the backstory
Imagine you start a load of laundry and leave the room. Suddenly, you smell smoke but can’t figure out where it’s coming from. Eventually, you’ll need medical treatment for smoke inhalation.
According to the recall report, this has happened to at least three owners of Samsung washing machines. Samsung officials know of 51 instances of washing machines doing things they aren’t supposed to, like:
- Releasing smoke.
- Melting.
- Overheating.
- Starting fires.
As scary as it sounds, it can get worse. In 10 of these situations, the washing machines damaged property. There are even explosion concerns, so you must check your washing machine immediately.
These smart washers require a software update to fix the safety hazard. For safety, check the software to ensure it’s updated. This should be easy if you have an internet connection. If not, grab a free dongle from Samsung to download the software upgrade.
How to know if you’re in danger
These machines come in white, black, champagne and ivory color schemes. The washers with super speed features were sold for $900 to $1,500 at big retailers like Best Buy, Lowe’s and Home Depot.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission released all 14 impacted models. If you want to know if your machine is affected, check the label on the inside lid. It will tell you the model number.
Are you having trouble finding the label? You can also find the label on the back of your washing machine. Here’s what it might look like on your machine.
Then, you can check this list to see if you own a machine that puts you in danger. Here are the models and details straight from the CPSC’s website:
| Model Number | Serial Number Range |
| WA49B5105AV/US | 01J457BT700001W through 01J457BTB00111H |
| WA49B5105AW/US | 01J557BT700001J through 01J557BT700010D |
| WA49B5205AW/US | 01HH57BT300006X through 01HH57BTB00932W |
| WA50B5100AV/US | 01J257BT70001B through 01J257BTB01232B |
| WA50B5100AW/US | 01J357BT770001L through 01J357BT700010F |
| WA51A5505AC/US | 01HA57BR700003P through 01HA57BTB00346F |
| WA51A5505AV/US | 01H257BR600003R through 01H257BTB02018L |
| WA51A5505AW/US | 01GY57BR600026P through 01GY57BTB00269W |
| WA52A5500AC/US | 01HB57BR700003Y through 01HB57BTB02968X |
| WA52A5500AV/US | 01H357BR600006A through 01H357BTB01820Y |
| WA52A5500AW/US | 01H457BR600003X through 01H457BTB01503Y |
| WA54A7305AV/US | 01H557BR600003P through 01H557BR800650T |
| WA55A7300AE/US | 01H057BR600001H through 01H057BTB05872Z |
| WA55A7700AV/US | 01H157BR600151Z through 01H157ZT700005K |
Is your machine in danger? Check the software and update it. You can find step-by-step directions on Samsung’s support page here.
How to update your Samsung washing machine software
Samsung says Wi-Fi-equipped machines should remain plugged into their power source. All Wi-Fi-equipped washers plugged in and connected to the internet will automatically download the free software repair over the air via the SmartThings app.
Don’t have the app? You can download it for free on iOS and Android devices.
If your washing machine does not have Wi-Fi capability, you should immediately stop using the washer and contact Samsung directly for a free dongle to plug in and download the software repair. Contact Samsung through email at washer@email.support.samsung.com with questions regarding this matter.
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Tags: Android, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Danger, home appliances, property damage, recall, safety, Samsung, software update, upgrades, Wi-Fi
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