The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·90029·Announced 1990-01-18

J.C. Penney Recalls Electric Garment Steamer Due to Burn Risk

J.C. Penney is recalling electric garment steamers because a defective locking mechanism can cause the fill plug to pop out, releasing hot water and steam that may burn users.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves reported first and second-degree burn injuries, which constitutes significant injury reports under the severity rubric.

Plain-English summary

J.C. Penney Company, Inc. is recalling approximately 1,100 electric Garment Steamers, Lot Number 784-1008, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall was initiated because the locking mechanism on the fill plug can break during use. When this occurs, the fill plug can pop out, causing hot water and steam to escape and potentially burn the user.

The company reported four incidents involving five injuries, including first and/or second-degree burns to the hands, arms, face, and other parts of the body. The affected garment steamers were sold in J.C. Penney department stores beginning in August 1989.

Consumers should return the garment steamer to any J.C. Penney store for a full refund of the purchase price.

The recalled product

Product
J.C. Penney electric Garment Steamer
Manufacturer
JC Penney

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.