Cordless vacuums powered by lithium-ion batteries have become a household staple — and their batteries are catching fire with increasing regularity. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued recalls against multiple cordless vacuum brands in 2025 and 2026 for lithium battery fires and burn hazards, including a recall of Rowenta cordless vacuums whose lithium-ion batteries can overheat and ignite.
Why Cordless Vacuum Batteries Fail
Lithium-ion batteries in cordless vacuums are subject to the same thermal runaway risk as those in e-bikes and hoverboards, though their smaller size is sometimes mistakenly taken as evidence of lower risk. A battery stored in a closet or charging in a bedroom carries the same fire risk as a larger battery — and a fire that starts in a closet while a family is sleeping can grow quickly before anyone detects it.
The hazard is particularly acute with vacuums purchased from online marketplaces where sellers may use uncertified or counterfeit battery cells. CPSC has increased enforcement against imported electrical products — including cordless vacuums — that carry fake safety certification marks and lack the internal protections that prevent thermal runaway.
Safe Storage and Charging Rules
- Never store a cordless vacuum with a lithium battery in a bedroom or in an enclosed area with limited ventilation.
- Always charge cordless vacuums using the charger that came with the product.
- Do not leave a cordless vacuum charging unattended for extended periods.
- Check SaferProducts.gov to verify whether your cordless vacuum brand has been recalled.
- If a cordless vacuum battery becomes hot during charging or use, unplug it immediately and move it to an outdoor or well-ventilated area.
- If you detect a burning smell or see swelling in the battery, do not continue using the product.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
