Over 3 million steam cleaners are under recall because they can spew hot water and cause burns

NEW YORK — About 3.3 million steam cleaners are being recalled in North America due to a fire hazard. Consumers have reported more than 150 injuries.

Certain models of Bissell-branded “Steam Shot Handheld Steam Cleaners” can spew hot water or steam while the products are in use or heating up, according to statements Thursday from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, posing a burn risk to users.

Bissell has received 183 reports of hot water or steam coming from its products. That includes 157 reports of minor burns, regulators noted, with 145 injuries reported in the U.S. and 12 in Canada as of June 4, according to Health Canada.

Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the now recalled steam cleaners and contact Bissell in Grand Rapids, Michigan for a refund or credit. Affected customers have the option of a $60 (CA$82) credit or a $40 (CA$55) refund for each.

The recalled steam cleaners, which were made in China, can be identified by their model numbers — listed on Bissell’s website, where consumers can also find more information about register for the recall and follow the instructions for cutting the cord of the products and uploading photos.

On its website, Bissell said that “safety is our top priority,” later adding that the company chose to voluntarily recall these steam cleaners “out of an abundance of caution.”

The recalled Bissell steam cleaners were sold from August 2008 through May 2024 at major retailers including Target and Walmart, and online at sites including www.bissell.com and Amazon.

An estimated 3.2 million were purchased in the US and nearly 355,000 were sold in Canada.