Is Your Washing Machine On This Fire Hazard Recall List?

Samsung recently recalled nearly two-thirds of a million top-loading washers, saying they can "short-circuit and overheat, posing a fire hazard."

According to a release from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Samsung washing machines were sold at a variety of stores including Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot and Lowes.  Sale dates range from June 2021 to December of this year.

"Samsung has received 51 reports of smoking, melting, overheating or fire involving the washers; 10 of which resulted in property damage.  Three consumers have reported injuries due to smoke inhalation."

The fix requires a software update to make the unit safe.

"This recall involves several models of Samsung’s top-load washers with super speed wash. The washers were sold in white, black, champagne, and ivory colors and include model series WA49B, WA50B, WA51A, WA52A, WA54A, and WA55A.  The model and serial numbers are found on the washer’s label attached to the inside of the top lid."

If you own a Samsung washer, first check the model number to see if it is affected by the recall.  If it's included in the model numbers above, you need to check and see if your washer has the software update.  To do this, go to https://www.samsung.com/us/support/tlw-sw-update .

If your Samsung washing machine is Wi-Fi equipped, plugged in and connected to the internet, you're good to go.  Your machine will automatically download the software patch.

"Consumers whose washer does not have Wi-Fi capability or who otherwise wish to receive a free software repair without connecting to the internet, should immediately stop using the washer and contact Samsung directly for a free dongle to plug in and download the free software repair."