Has everyone checked their tumble dryers?

I don't have a tumble dryer Heirofthedog but before I moved to my present house I remember the house next door but one to me, had a really bad fire caused by a faulty tumble dryer. Thankfully it was situated in the garage so whilst the garage was almost burned down (to the point where it had to be demolished and rebuilt) thankfully the main house was fine.

Very important for everyone to check that their dryer is safe though.

I put details into the Indesit website and it said, "no further action needed" but I did put the vacuum nozzle down under the filter and was shocked at how much solid fluff came out.

My tumble dryer is one of the affected ones and I have now had an email to say that I will hear from an engineer in 8 weeks. Last week I decided to investigate the area below the filter (having had my dryer for 7 years). I do clean the filter when I remember, but have never looked underneath the filter. With the help of a torch and my hoover nozzle, I was able to remove several solid clumps of lint...... just like fire lighters! I know that the recommendation now is to clean the filters, but that is not enough if the lint has already fallen into the bottom of the machine, where it becomes compacted. Please take out the filter and clear the lint from the area underneath the filter. I think you will be as surprised as I was by what you find.

Mine is a Hotpoint. It has been vegetating unused in the garage since we moved here four years ago. I suppose I should find out whether it is one of the affected models.

Mine is not an affected one. However I wanted to ask if anyone has any cleaning fluff tips as I am amazed how fluff builds up in places that are impossible to reach nless I get in awkward back breaking positions!

From the amount of compacted lint that came out of the bottom of mine, I would think that a long 'hook' of some kind could be used to reach in and pull it out. I am thinking along the lines of a wire coat hanger maybe? Obviously the machine would need to be unplugged first!!!

I rinse out my tumble dryer's filter under the tap. A lot of lint is washed out and then I poke it with a skewer to get to any awkward bits. Obviously the filter slides out but I wonder if I should be looking what is behind it.

Yes Jay I discovered a large amount of compacted fluff at the bottom of the filter compartment.... it had obviously fallen off the filter and collected there over (dare I say) 7 years!

Thank you,Lynker. I looked behind the filter and there was a big wad of horribleness there.

When the issue with the dryers was first reported I checked the model number of my dryer on the website and all was supposed to be OK.

In December I received a one of the company's standard letters about the problems with the dryers but ignored it as I had previously checked mine.

Then today when sorting some papers I came across the letter and decided to check again only to be notified that my model of dryer is one of the at risk dryers.

I was not best pleased and would suggest to other grans that they also check again.

I also have an affected tumble dryer. I registered on their site and have now been told it'll be October before repair can be done. They've offered brand new machine, for £49. Checked on this machine on Which site and it is also one of the affected dryers but has been amended. Delivery and collection of old model free.
It's an offer too good to be true and why am I so suspicious.

My sister nagged me to check mine as she had just be offered and taken delivery of a new one for £60 so she wanted me to have a bargain. I registered mine at the weekend. I've had it for over six years without a single problem so I'm not bothered. They said they would let me know when they could repair it - its not broken!

You're ahead of me annic. My estimated date is November!

Pursuant to my message of 7th I have now ordered an exchange. Funny though the price jumped to £59 and website crashed before I could complete. However I have emails now to say my payment gone through and it's being delivered a week today!!

Mine is an affected model and we have been told to expect a visit in September. I always clear rhe fluff but never thought of looking below the filter. Will do so now!