Detroit, Michigan – Bissell, an American floor care product company, has issued a recall of about 150,000 vacuum units sold in the U.S. and Canada due to a risk of fire. The recall was based on concerns over lithium-ion battery fires, as the number of incidents continues to rise.
The affected models include certain cordless Bissell Multi Reach Hand and Floor Vacuum Cleaners with “Multi Reach” printed on the hand vacuum portion of the product, which were sold at various retailers and online platforms from August 2016 through December 2022.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bissell has received reports of 17 affected products emitting smoke and a burning odor, with six reports of the battery pack catching fire, resulting in minor property damage and minor burn injuries in some cases.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled vacuums are advised to stop using them immediately and contact Bissell for instructions on how to deplete the charge on the battery and receive a free replacement vacuum. Disposal of the lithium-ion batteries should be done in accordance with local and state laws and not in the trash, as they can pose a fire hazard if damaged.
The affected vacuums were sold at various brick-and-mortar stores nationwide, as well as online, and were manufactured in China. Bissell emphasized consumer safety as its top priority, urging owners of the affected cordless vacuum models to check the model number for recall status.
Furthermore, Bissell instructed owners of the recalled models to deplete the battery before removing it from the vacuum. They also emphasized the importance of not putting lithium-ion batteries in the trash or battery recycling boxes due to the potential fire and explosion hazards.
The recall serves as a reminder of the safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries, sparking a wider discussion about the use and disposal of such batteries in various household products. As the number of incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires continues to rise, it is crucial for consumers to be aware of the potential hazards and the proper disposal methods to ensure safety in their homes.