For Immediate Release<br>
January 31, 2002<br>
Release # 02-096<br>
CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic (301) 504-0580  Ext. 1183<br>
Whirlpool Media Contact: Christopher Wyse (616) 923-2727<br>
Whirlpool Recall Hotline: (866) 640-7139<br>
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CPSC, Whirlpool Announce Recall of Dehumidifiers
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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.
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Whirlpool has received 13 reports of the dehumidifiers overheating
and causing fires, three of which resulted in extensive property damage.
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No injuries have been reported.
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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.
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Department and appliance stores nationwide sold the dehumidifiers
from February 1997 through December 2001 for between $130 and $260.
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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.
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Dehumidifiers with water buckets located in back are not involved
in the recall.