Vornado, Steamfast and Sharper Image recalled two million clothes steamers after dozens of reports of hot water expelling for the nozzle, and over 20 reports of burn injuries—the latest steamers to face recalls over the last year.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Thursday two million Vornado clothes streamers, which are also sold under the brand names Steamfast and Sharper Image, were voluntarily recalled.
There were 122 reports of hot water either spraying or spitting from the steam nozzles, and 23 reports of burn injuries caused by the steamers, though the severity of the burns is unclear.
Vornado recalled its VS-410 model, Sharper Image recalled its SI-428 model and Steamfast recalled five models, according to the announcement: SF-425, SF-435, SF-440, SF-445, and SF-447.
The steamers were sold at major retailers like Walmart, Amazon and Bed, Bath & Beyond between July 2009 and 2024, and were priced between $14 and $35; the companies are offering full refunds or free replacements for affected models.
An additional 13,000 steamers sold in Canada were recalled as well, and the companies advise their customers to stop using affected steamers immediately as the expelled hot water poses “a serious burn hazard to consumers.”
276,086. That’s how many people received medical treatment for unintentional burns in 2020, according to the American Burn Association, based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
The CPSC initially announced in April 2023 Vornado recalled around 317,000 travel safe steam irons sold in the U.S., and an additional 5,000 sold in Canada. The company received 38 reports of the iron’s power cord smoking, sparking, burning or other signs of overheating, and 12 reports of cord damage, though no injuries were reported. However, that recall was expanded in December to include an additional 1.75 million travel steam irons after receiving 18 additional reports regarding issues with the power cord, and two reports of “minor shocks.” The irons were sold at Walmart, Amazon, Bed, Bath & Beyond and other retailers between January 2009 and September 2023, and were priced between $13 and $30.
Burns caused by something wet like steam or hot water are called scalds, according to the World Health Organization. Most scalds can be treated at home, though some more severe burns require medical attention. Children under five and adults 65 years and older are the most at risk for these types of burns, Healthline reports. Scalding can cause pain and damage to the skin, and this type of burn can affect tissues and cells, or even cause the body to go into shock. Applying cool water—not ice or ice water—to the affected area, covering the scald in a clean cloth or moist bandage and elevating the burned area are the best ways to treat it, according to Healthline.
Vornado Recalls Two Million Handheld Garment Steamers Due to Serious Burn Hazard (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
Vornado Recalls Steamfast and Brookstone Travel Steam Irons Due to Fire, Burn and Shock Hazards (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
Burns from Boiling Water (Healthline)Report the details…
