From time to time, design fault in appliance can lead to a product recall. This is rare but has been known to happen. This is usually motivated by 7 safety concerns and is one of the reasons why it is always a good idea to register your product. In the event of a model fault, the manufacturer can contact with details and the solution, replacements or further advice.

As an example, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Frigidaire, of Cleveland, Ohio has recently announced a voluntary recall of the 35,000 Crosley, Frigidaire, Kelvinator, Kenmore, Wascomat, and White-Westinghouse clothes washers. Consumers were asked to stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

This was due to a hazard caused by an internal defect in the washer's drain pump can cause heat to build up, posing a fire hazard to the consumer. This pump was used in all these models as is often the case in this and other industries. In this case, there was a potential hazard. No incidents or injuries have been reported and it is stressed that this was a voluntary recall, but necessary none the less.

This recall involved the Crosley, Frigidaire, Kelvinator, Kenmore, Wascomat, and White-Westinghouse top load washers, 3.1 cubic foot front load washers and laundry centers – all popular design types in the area. The issue was not restricted to not just i.e. model, but affected multiple models that use the part.

Due to the scale of the problem, consumer were asked to cross reference their model number with a central database and give explicit instruction as to how to fine these details, which is something that is work knowing generally. Naturally some of the owners had registered their products, but some degree of automatic registration at the point of purchase would have made this recall easier. Alas no such program, beyond the registration of cars, exists for consumer products.

This is an exercise worth doing for your own safely. To find your model number on top load washer, open the product's lid, and the model and serial number are located inside the product's lid, on the top, right hand corner.

On front load washers, open the door, and the model and serial number are located with other information at the top, center.

On the laundry center models, simply open the door to the dryer, and the model and serial number are located on the outer edge of the door nearest the door's handle.

A point to note, is that in the event of a product recall on such a large energy hungry and potentially dangerous appliance, you should immediately unplug and stop using the machine, contact the shop where the product was purchased and schedule a free repair or product replacement.

Safety is always the primary concern. To protect consumers, the responsible vendors and manufacturers work closely with government authorities in the event a problem is detected. Keeping your products registered with the vendor or manufacturer is more than a formality and makes it easier for all parties to solve such problems should they occur.

About the Author: Andrew Washington has been advising on washing machines for over 10 years. Visit us today at http://www.andrewwashington.com