Why is BISSELL recalling Steam Shot™ Handheld Steam Cleaner? Out of an abundance of caution, BISSELL is voluntarily recalling its Steam Shot™ Handheld Steam Cleaner because, in rare cases, this product can expel hot water or steam onto users while heating or during use, posing a burn hazard.
Bissell recalled more than 3 million of its popular Steam Shot Steam Cleaners in July 2024 because the appliance posed a burn hazard to users.
The affected products sold in the U.S. and Canada are models 1985, 19851 (also called Multi Auto), 19859, 1985T, 1985C, 2151, 21512, 21513, 21517, 21518, 21519, 2151A, 2151C, 2151T, 2151W, 2151V during August 2016 through December 2022. BISSELL has spent 147 years producing quality products that consumers can trust.
The recall involves multiple models of the Bissell Steam Shot Handheld Steam Cleaners in the model series 39N7 and 2994, with "STEAM SHOT" or "POWER STEAMER" printed on the side. Colors include, green, pink, blue, orange, white, back, purple and red.
A: The only difference is the price. They both do the same things most importantly sanitize... Helpful? Thank you for your feedback!
Out of an abundance of caution, BISSELL is voluntarily recalling its Steam Shot™ Handheld Steam Cleaner because, in rare cases, this product can expel hot water or steam onto users while heating or during use, posing a burn hazard.
The manual recommends distilled water. Water contaminants will clog the steam nozzle, which is applicable to the question about additives. Spray cleaners like 409, etc. on the extreme dirt areas of the floor or surface before steaming.
Boasting 1,000 watts of steam power, the Bissell Steam Shot cleans and sanitizes surfaces without harsh chemicals. It's kind of like a mini power washer and steamer in one, eliminating 99.9% of germs and bacteria along the way.
The recall was issued after numerous incidents and reports that the My Little Steamer products had caused significant harm to its user. There were 227 reports filed with the HSN after customers had used the steamer and experienced hot water spraying or leaking from the steamer. These reports included 106 burn reports.
The standard temperature for water to turn into steam is 212 degrees F but because the water is presurized in the container it actually increases the temperature. The Bissell you mentioned has a max limit of 245 degrees F as to not let it get too dangerous. Its typical release temperature is around 230 degrees F.
Bissell Inc., also known as Bissell Homecare, is an American privately owned vacuum cleaner and floor care product manufacturing corporation headquartered in Walker, Michigan in Greater Grand Rapids.
The Bissell Steam Shot steamer is like a handheld power washer. It operates with a 6.6-ounce water tank that shoots hot steam from its spout and all kinds of attachments.
A: No, no, no, NO, PLEASE DO NOT ever put anything but distilled water into the water tank!
Recall Details
This recall involves multiple models of the BISSELL Steam Shot Handheld Steam Cleaners in the model series 39N7 and 2994. “STEAM SHOT” or “POWER STEAMER” is printed on the side of the product. The model numbers are printed on the product rating label located on the bottom of the unit.
The CPSC states in its recall notice that the Bissell Steam Shot Handheld Steam Cleaners can “expel hot water or steam onto users while heating or during use, posing a burn hazard.”
A steam mop may stop producing steam due to blockages in the nozzle, low water levels, a faulty heating element, or mineral buildup from hard water.
The build-up is likely limescale and mineral deposits that are clogging the appliance, causing it to work at a less than optimum performance. For clothes steamers that are used daily, a monthly cleaning is recommended to keep the appliance in top working order.
A: There is an overheat switch inside the fabric steamer that will shut down the unit if it runs out of water and isn't turned off. But, there will be damage to the unit before it kicks in.
BISSELL do not recommend using steam cleaners on leather, wax polished furniture or floors.
A: Anything other than water will likely burn itself onto the heater elements making them less efficient and eventually burning them out. Also, turning cleaning agents into steam will possibly change their chemical nature and could become harmful to your floors and dangerous to you.
Just like the PowerEdge, this machine works as a handheld steamer, but it also works as an extended reach surface cleaner. The extended reach lets you bring the power of steam to grout that may be harder to clean because it's in the high corner of the shower.
Not only does the calcium carbonate in tap water stain your clothes, but it also clogs steamers. If the buildup becomes great enough, it can interfere with the flow of heat/steam in the appliance. The result of this is it takes longer for the steam to be generated and for the clothes to be completely de-wrinkled.
Steam power penetrates surface pores, disintegrating dirt and impurities that can hide in hard-to-reach places, like tile grout and shower corners. This makes the bathroom not only clean but also hygienically safe for the whole family, without using irritating or allergenic substances.