Recall: Whirlpool Recalls Dehumidifiers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 31, 2002 Release # 02-096

Whirlpool Recall Hotline: (866) 640-7139 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058 Whirlpool Media Contact: Christopher Wyse, (616) 923-2727

CPSC, Whirlpool Announce Recall of Dehumidifiers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Whirlpool Corp., of Benton Harbor, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 1.4 million dehumidifiers. The dehumidifiers can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Whirlpool has received 13 reports of the dehumidifiers overheating and causing fires, three of which resulted in extensive property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled dehumidifiers were sold under the Whirlpool, Kenmore and ComfortAire brand names. The dehumidifiers are white plastic, about 2-feet high and have a front-mounted water bucket. They have serial numbers that begin with QG, QH, QJ, QK or QL. The serial number can be found on a label located on the wall behind the water bucket.

Department and appliance stores nationwide sold the dehumidifiers from February 1997 through December 2001 for between $130 and $260. Consumers should stop using these dehumidifiers and unplug them immediately. Contact Whirlpool to arrange for a free repair at (866) 640-7139 anytime or visit the firm's web site at www.repair.whirlpool.com.

Dehumidifiers with water buckets located in back are not involved in the recall.

Consumers can also view a video clip about this recall (transcript) . This is in "streaming video" format.