Original; see modified release: Procter & Gamble Recall of Sweep+Vac Battery-Operated Vacuum Cleaner by Swiffer

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

This is the original of a document that has been modified. To see the modified version, click here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2004
Release # 05-057

Firm's Hotline: (800) 487-5915
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
P & G Media Contacts: Marie-Laure Salvado, (513) 983-7643 or Terry Loftus, (513) 983-9736
CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058

CPSC, Procter & Gamble Announce Recall of Sweep+Vac Battery-Operated Vacuum Cleaner by Swiffer

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of product: Sweep+Vac by Swiffer Vacuum Cleaner.

Units: About 175,000

Distributor: Procter & Gamble Company (P&G), of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Hazard: In some cases, when the vacuum cleaner is left in the "on" position, the rotor can lock up and cause the unit to overheat. This poses a smoke and fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Procter & Gamble has received 14 complaints of the Sweep+Vac overheating, including one report of a fire with minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled Sweep+Vac by Swiffer is a battery-operated, upright vacuum cleaner used to vacuum floors. The vacuum cleaner stands about 4-feet-tall and has a green base and silver pole. The name "Swiffer" is printed across the front of the base in white letters. UPC numbers included in this recall are 37000-46522 and 37000-02553. The UPC numbers are printed on the product's packaging.

No other Swiffer products are involved.

Sold at: Retail and grocery stores nationwide from September 2004 through November 2004 for about $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the product immediately and disconnect the Sweep+Vac by removing the top section of the pole. To disconnect the vacuum cleaner, press the small green button on the pole, about 12 inches below the handle, then pull the handle straight out. This eliminates any possibility of the unit overheating. Consumers should contact Procter & Gamble for more information on returning the product to receive a refund. Disassembly Instructions (pdf).

Consumer Contact: Consumers should contact (800) 487-5915 daily between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET or visit www.swiffersweepandvac.com to receive shipping materials to return the Sweep+Vac unit to Procter & Gamble and receive a refund.