SAMSUNG Electronics Australia Pty Ltd has ordered for the recall of at least six models of its top loading washing due to a string of reported fire risk and hazards incidents.

The particular models were SW75V9WIP; SW65V9WIP; SW70SPWIP; SW80SPWIP; WA85GWGIP; and, WA85GWWIP that were manufactured between 2010 and 2013.

At least 150,000 of these models were sold in Australia, while 36,000 were purchased by customers in New Zealand.

At least 15 fires that occurred in Australia were traced to the faulty, exploding top loader Samsung washing machines. When the models were continuously operated and used, moisture penetrate the electrical connectors, thus giving off an electrical spark.

This could ignite a fire in the "connector housing area", Samsung said.

"Samsung recommends, as a precaution, you only use your washing machine if you are present or nearby to monitor it. If you notice any smoke or smell coming out of the washing machine, turn off the machine at the power point," an advisory on the ACCC's Product Safety website read.

Samsung has likewise established various channels for customers to field in their washing machine recall enquiries, to include:

  • a 24-hour hotline - 1800 239 655 and 1800 680 174
  • email address - wm.samsung@samsung.com
  • microsite - www.samsung.com/au/washingmachinerecall

A free home repair will be arranged for those with affected models. Authorized technicians will fix the problem with a "minor product repair" by sealing the electrical connectors to prevent moisture getting through.

Customers could check the 13-digit model name on the back of their machine to confirm if they owned one of these models.