Potential Burn Hazard Triggers Canada-Wide Recall of Hand-Held Steam Cleaner

This photo provided by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows the Bissell Steam Shot Handheld Steam Cleaner. Some 3.3 million steam cleaners are being recalled across North America due to a burn hazard that has resulted in more than 150 injuries reported by consumers. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission via AP

Health Canada is recalling a brand of hand-held steam cleaners after reports of burn injuries from escaping steam or hot water.

The recall affects more than 350,000 Bissell-branded Steam Shot hand-held steam cleaners that may pose a burn hazard when steam is released or when the water heats during use, Health Canada said in its advisory, updated on Feb. 20.

The product was first recalled last year across North America due to the risk of burns, impacting more than 3 million units. The Michigan-based company had received 44 reports of incidents and 37 reports of injuries in Canada as of Aug. 31, 2024. The company also received 330 reports of incidents in the United States and 276 reports of injuries as of the same date.

The recall affects models series 2994, including 2994B, 2994C, and 2994D, as well as model series 39N7, including 39N7C, 39N7E, 39N7H, 39N7J, and 39N7X. Model information is printed on the label at the bottom of the product.

The recalled steamers, sold between August 2008 and May 2024, come in white, grey, green, and blue, and have the words “steam shot” printed on the side. The units were manufactured in China and distributed by the company’s Canadian branch in Mississauga, Ont.

Health Canada is asking the public to immediately unplug and stop use of the recalled products. Customers can contact the company to receive a new replacement model or a digital credit for Bissell Canada, the agency said.

Owners of the recalled products can receive an $82 digital credit or a $55 refund within up to six weeks of submitting their product information, according to the company’s recall. Digital credits cannot be transferred or refunded.

To submit the product information, owners must take a photo of the sticker on the bottom of the steamer and, if possible, move it to the side of the machine. They should then cut the steamer’s cord near the base using standard scissors, take a photo showing both the product label and the cut cord, and submit it by filling a form on the company’s website.

Users should not dispose of the product until they receive their refund or credit, the company said.

Bissell is a manufacturer of cleaning products founded in 1876. It has locations in America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China, Southeast Asia, and Australia.