BISSELL Steam Cleaners Recall: What You Need To Know

Disclaimer: This resource is for informational purposes only. Morgan & Morgan is not currently accepting cases related to these products.

Popular steam cleaner brand BISSELL recalled millions of units in July 2024 due to serious consumer safety concerns. These products were distributed in the United States and Canada from August 2008 through May 2024. For more than a decade, they were sold at Target, Walmart, Amazon, HSN, BISSELL’s website, and just about any other major shopping outlet.  

An Overview of the BISSELL Recall

The primary issue with these steam cleaners is that they can expel hot water or steam unexpectedly. This can happen while the unit is heating up or during use. Nine times out of ten, the hot water or steam catches users off-guard, causing serious burns.

Over 3.2 million units have been recalled so far in the U.S. alone. This makes it one of the largest product recalls in the country in recent years.  

Products Affected by the BISSELL Recall

Not all BISSELL steam cleaners have been recalled. The recall, as of now, applies to BISSELL Steam Shot models in the 39N7 and 2994 series.

Perhaps the easiest way of checking whether your steam cleaner is part of this recall is by locating the model number. You’ll find it on the rating label at the bottom of your device. While at it, check for labels like “STEAM SHOT” or “POWER STEAMER” on their sides.

The recall also covers products ranging in color, including red, pink, blue, green, orange, black, purple, and white. 

Dangers of the BISSELL Steam Cleaners  

A quick look at the numbers behind the recall should give you some perspective about the dangers of using the recalled products. BISSELL has received about 183 cases of hot water or steam gushing from these devices. 

Out of these, 157 cases involved minor burn injuries. Fortunately, no fatalities or severe injuries have been reported so far.  

Steam cleaners are supposed to steam the surfaces they are designed to clean. Your skin is not that surface.  Keep in mind that this machine has a release temperature of about 230 degrees Fahrenheit.

That’s more than enough to cause second and third-degree burns. A second-degree burn affects both the epidermis and dermis and can cause extreme pain, swelling, blistering, and redness.

Third-degree burns, on the other hand, usually destroy both skin layers. The underlying bones, muscles, and tendons, aren’t spared, either. 

What You Should Do If Impacted

The most logical thing to do if you own one of the recalled units is to stop using it immediately. Your health and life in general aren’t worth the few dollars these products cost.

Understandably, you may be concerned about losing a steam cleaner you cherish and find super useful around your house. Or, perhaps, it has some sentimental value to you. We get that, but if you continue to use these products, you increase the risk of injury. 

BISSELL is offering two “solutions” for those impacted; a $60 credit or a $40 refund. The choice is yours. To claim either of these remedies, you’ll need to visit the official recall website and follow the provided instructions. But before you do that, the section below might interest you. 

Potential Liability for Defective BISSELL Steam Cleaners 

These steam cleaners were imported by BISSELL Homecare Inc., a company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. However, the devices themselves were manufactured in China.

That’s pretty common in the appliance industry. One company designs a product, and another, usually a foreign country, manufactures it. With that said, liability might fall on either party. They just can’t distance themselves from the product when it harms users and then be proud of it when it’s making profits. 

Many of these companies are usually so focused on raking up profits that they ignore the most fundamental aspect—user safety. So when profit is more of a priority than safety, those injured by such products may have the legal right to file a claim for compensation.

Speaking of compensation, BISSELL’s refund for the product price isn’t enough if you’ve suffered burns caused by their steam cleaners. That’s because treating burns costs thousands of dollars. It may, however, be necessary to substantiate your claim.

Secondly, you may not be able to work or even take care of your loved ones as you nurse your injuries. For this very reason, you deserve the kind of compensation that’ll make you feel whole again.

That’s where an experienced defective product attorney comes in. If you’ve suffered burn injuries due to a defective BISSELL steamer, you should have your case reviewed by a defective product lawyer. They may be able to help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve.