If you have a Bissell handheld steam cleaner, check the model number on the product label. Bissell recently recalled over 3 million Steam Shot Handheld Steam Cleaners because they have the potential to cause steam burns.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), at the time of the recall, Bissell had received “183 reports of hot water or steam escaping from the product, including 157 reports of minor burn injuries.”
If you or a loved one were injured by a Bissell steam cleaner, contact our Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys. We would be happy to schedule a free consultation to determine if you may be eligible to file a personal injury case.
Steam Cleaning Advertised as a Safe Way to Kill Germs
Steam cleaning is considered to be generally safe. Machines use high-temperature water vapor to remove dirt, grime, stains, and germs from various surfaces. Many consumers prefer this method of cleaning, particularly in areas frequented by children and pets, as it requires no harsh chemicals.
In a 2019 study, scientific researchers found that steam cleaning was as effective against drug-resistant bacteria as a two-step cleaning process involving water/detergent and disinfecting. In addition, steam cleaning was 76 percent and 91 percent cheaper than the two-step cleaning process.
Bissell advertises its handheld steam cleaners as being convenient and portable, allowing customers to “take the all-natural power of steam” wherever needed.
According to the company’s website: “Our steam cleaners allow you to remove tough grime from hard surfaces like showers, windows, and countertops—all without harsh chemicals.”
Bissell failed to warn, however, of any potential dangers associated with the product.
Consumer Reports Noted Problems with Bissell’s Handheld Steam Cleaners
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.”
Consumer Reports also recently reported on the recalled devices. They noted that during an evaluation by their team, “we found that the steam cleaner’s body became extremely hot during operation and that hot water leaked from the cap when we forgot to empty the water tank before refilling it.”
That is the same problem that triggered the recall and caused the burn injuries that consumers reported. Bissell has downplayed those injuries, noting on its recall site that “in rare cases,” the products may expel hot water or steam onto users while heating or during use.
Consumers Must Fill Out Bissell’s Form for a Credit or Refund
To determine whether this recall may affect your steam cleaner, look at the product rating label sticker on the bottom of the machine. You should be able to find a model number there. Check for numbers in the model series 39NF and 2994—you can find the complete list of model numbers on Bissell’s recall site.
To address the issue, Bissell is offering consumers the choice of a $60 USD/$82 CAD digital credit for Bissell.com or Canada.Bissell.com or a $40 USD/$55 CAD refund. Once you submit your information to the Bissell recall site, you should receive your chosen option within up to six weeks.
Before you can receive your credit or refund, you must fill out the form on the company website. The process includes taking a picture of the steam cleaner with the product label visible and the electric cord cut. You can find instructions here.
Whatever you decide, be sure to stop using your Bissell handheld steamer immediately to avoid the possibility of being burned.
Steam Burns Can Be Particularly Dangerous
Though any burn requires immediate attention, steam burns can be particularly dangerous. The burn may not look as damaging as other types of burns at first because the outer layer of the skin is less affected than the deeper, lower layers.
According to a 2018 study on steam burns, burns due to accidental exposure to hot steam “have often been reported to be more severe than the ones occurring from dry heat.” The researchers explained that steam can penetrate deeper layers of the skin much faster than equivalent dry heat.
If you or a loved one suffers a steam burn, the Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America (BRCA) recommend that you rinse the area with tepid or slightly warm water until the burning process stops. Then gently wash (do not scrub), pat dry with sterile gauze, and apply a cooling aloe gel or lotion to the area.
Avoid putting ice on the burn, as it may cause more damage to the wound. Instead, if the burn is still uncomfortable, place a damp towel on it for ten-minute increments. If the burn covers a large area or creates blisters, check with your doctor.
We Have Experience Helping Burn Victims
If you or a loved one suffered a steam burn from a handheld steamer or other similar household device, our seasoned Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys can help. We have over three decades of experience and will work hard to get you the financial compensation you deserve, like this $2.5 million jury award we obtained for one client who died when his riding lawnmower exploded without warning, burning him to death.
When manufacturers fail to ensure the safety of their products for consumers to use, they must be held accountable. Our personal injury attorneys serve clients in the Virginia Beach area, as well as in Norfolk, Hampton, and Portsmouth.
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An experienced personal injury attorney with dual licensure in Virginia and North Carolina, Eric Washburn received a B.B.A. in Finance from James Madison University—initially worked in the information technology field before obtaining his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Once an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Danville, Va., Eric has been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as a “Rising Star” Super Lawyer in Virginia since 2014.
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