Samsung recalls top-loading washers

Samsung on Friday announced a recall of 34 models of its top-load washing machines - more than a month after the U.S. government first issued a warning that the machines are unsafe.

The washers can become dangerous when washing bulky items, such as comforters, which can cause the machines to vibrate violently or even burst apart.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) listed the recall Friday, saying that Samsung has received 733 reports of faulty machines. Nine resulted in injuries, including a 'broken jaw, injured shoulder, and other impact or fall-related injuries,” the agency said.

Customer complaints submitted to the government described washers that exploded and lodged debris in the walls, levitated or ripped sockets from their screws. The recall includes an estimated 2.8 million washers sold between March 2011 and November 2016. A full list of the affected models is online. Front-load washers are not included in the recall.

The CPSC first issued a warning about the washers in late September, while Samsung was actively dealing with the massive recall of its Galaxy Note 7, which was also prone to exploding as a result of faulty batteries. After recalling its initial batch of devices and issuing replacements, the company had to issue a second stage of the recall when the replacement phones also began catching fire.

The close timing of the two faulty product issues raised some questions about whether consumers would start to doubt the general safety of Samsung products.

Samsung is offering a few remedies to those who've bought the faulty washing machines. Those affected by the recall can elect to have a technician come to their home for free to reinforce their machines. That also comes with a one-year extension of the manufacturer's warranty.

Those who have purchased a new washer in the last 30 days also can get a full refund.

Until customers make their decision, they are advised to only wash bulky items on the delicate or waterproof cycles.