Appliances sold between October 2014 and February 2018 could be faulty, and customers who have bought them are urged to contact Whirlpool immediately to check if their washing machine is one of the models affected.

Whirlpool said it was working at "full speed" to recall appliances potentially impacted.

In the meantime, it advised consumers to unplug their washing machines and not use them.

Those who chose to continue using their machines should only use cold water cycles of 20C or lower as this significantly reduces the risk, Whirlpool said. This is because the issue is associated with the washing machines heating element being activated during washing cycles above 20C.

Under the recall, all affected customers will have the choice of either a free-of-charge like-for-like replacement washing machine, or a free-of-charge in-home repair of their existing appliance.

Whirlpool Corporation vice president Jeff Noel said: "We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and concern this may cause to our customers, particularly over the Christmas period, but we hope people will understand that we are taking action because people's safety is our top priority.

"Preparing for a recall of this scale is a complex operation and we are working tirelessly to ensure we are ready to start offering replacements or repairs to our customers from early January."

Consumers can check if their washing machine is affected by visiting here. This site includes an online model checker tool, as well as a full list of model numbers.

Alternatively, customers can call Whirlpool's freephone hotline 0800 316 1442 where an adviser can assist with checking their model and providing further information. To check if a washing machine is potentially affected, customers will need both the model number and the serial number of the appliance. Both of these codes can be found inside the door, or alternatively on a label on the rear of the appliance.