Dunelm issues urgent warning as it recalls popular winter gadget
DUNELM shoppers have been urged to return a popular gadget used to dry clothes in winter.
Those who bought the brand’s heated airer with wings have been told to stop using it “immediately” as it could pose a fire risk.
The item was sold online and in stores between February 2022 and January 2025 and has the article code 30752153.
Now it’s feared the gadget, which can be an affordable way to dry clothes in cold weather, could overheat and start a fire.
In an email to customers, Dunelm said: “We have identified a safety issue with the Heated Airer with Wings.
“The airer could overheat causing burning which could be a fire risk.”
Anyone with the item can now take it back to their nearest store and get a refund or call 0333 2340870 for more information.
The store added: “The safety of our customers is very important to us, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Users can identify the item with the article number which will be on the batch label, which can be found near the on/off switch.
Heated clothes airers have become more popular in recent years after an increase in energy bills have driven people to find alternatives to tumble driers which can be pricey to run.
Rober Dyas is currently selling a similar portable heated clothes airer with wings for £39.99 which costs an average 6p an hour to run.
It depends on the model but a a condenser tumble dryer can cost an average £1.51 a cycle in energy to run, according to Currys.
If you are one of Dunelm’s customers who bought the recalled item, you should be issued with a full refund when returning the item.
A spokesperson for Dunelm said: “We have issued a product recall on our Heated Winged Airer following the identification of a safety issue.
“All customers who have purchased the product should return the item to their nearest Dunelm store for a full refund.
“The safety of customers is our highest priority and all of our products go through a comprehensive safety testing process.
“In very rare circumstances such as this, where we subsequently identify an issue with a specific product, we take steps to alert customers and recall the product. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
If you still want a heated airer Dunelm is currently selling an XL Sure Dri heated airer with wings for £40 down from £80.
It comes after bargain hunters raced to stores to get their hands on a £10 buy to keep feet warm.
Shoppers are a deal have also been nabbing furniture down from £249 to £24 in the brand’s sale.
Recalled items
From time to time, manufacturers discover problems with products sold. This can include electrical items, toys, as well as food.
Items have usually been found to have a safety issue or could cause harm and so consumers are contacted and told to return items.
You should be offered a full refund and shouldn’t have to pay for any repairs.
For example, supermarkets recently issued a recall on Christmas dinner favourites while a children’s game was pulled off shelves following government advice.
Matalan issued a recall over a Christmas decoration that could cause choking and Stanley gave an alert over mugs that were a burn hazard.
Your product recall rights
Chief consumer reporter James Flanders reveals all you need to know.
Product recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods.
As a general rule, if a recall involves a branded product, the manufacturer would usually have lead responsibility for the recall action.
But it’s often left up to supermarkets to notify customers when products could put them at risk.
If you are concerned about the safety of a product you own, always check the manufacturer’s website to see if a safety notice has been issued.
When it comes to appliances, rather than just food items, the onus is usually on you – the customer – to register the appliance with the manufacturer as if you don’t there is no way of contacting you to tell you about a fault.
If you become aware that an item you own has been recalled or has any safety noticed issued against it, make sure you follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer.
They should usually provide you with more information and a contact number on its safety notice.
In some cases, the manufacturer might ask you to return the item for a full refund or arrange for the faulty product to be collected.
You should not be charged for any recall work – such as a repair, replacement or collection of the recalled item
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