Steam cleaners sold at Walmart and Target recalled after 161 people suffered burn injuries

Steam cleaning should be a low-risk activity, but that hasn’t been the case for some owners of Bissell’s Steam Shot products.

Michigan-based Bissell Homecare has recalled about 1.7 million of its Steam Shot OmniReach and Steam Shot Omni Steam Cleaners with attachments.

The recall follows reports of the attachments coming undone and creating a burn hazard, according to an announcement from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Another 96,000 or so units sold in Canada have also been recalled. 

Of the 206 reports of malfunctioning products, 161 accounts have included notice of minor burn injuries. In one case, someone reported a second-degree burn. 

Where and when was the product sold?

The Bissell steam cleaners were sold in the U.S. and Canada at Target, Walmart, and a number of other stores nationwide. They were also available on the websites of Bissell, Amazon, and HSN, among others. 

The sales occurred between October 2024 and March 2026. Each item sold for between $9 and $55.

According to Bissell, a range of model numbers are included in the recall: 

• 4155
• 4155L
• 4155W
• 4155G
• 4155D
• 4155J
• 4155Y
• 4155P
• 4171
• 4171L
• 4171W
• 4171F
• 4171B
• 4171C
• 4171D
• 4171H
• 4171J
• 4171X

The products come in green, gray, white, blue, and dark blue. Across the different models, accessories include a nozzle, grout brush, flat scraping tool, extension hose, and more.

How dangerous is this product? 

Almost all of the burn injuries reported so far have been minor, except one case of second degree burn. Of course, no one wants to get any sort of burn. This product is dangerous and should not be used with the attachments.

What should I do if I have this product? 

Again, don’t use this product with the attachments, even if they have been working well for you.

Immediately unplug the product and find the model number on the back of the machine. If your product is affected, then gather all affected attachments and put them in the trash. Then, take a clear photo of them in the trash. 

Bissell outlines each of these steps with detailed pictures on its website.

You can request free new attachments here.

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