Carpet Cleaner Recall Due to Risk of Bacterial Infections

Six brands of dry carpet cleaning powder are affected by a carpet cleaner recall because they may contain harmful bacteria and pose a risk of infection to consumers. These powders are sprinkled on carpets and rugs to clean and deodorize them.

550,167 units of Arm & Hammer, Capture, Healthy Home, Oreck, Resista and Riccar brand dry carpet cleaners have been recalled by the manufacturer Milliken & Company, of Spartanburg, S.C., because they may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause respiratory and other infections in people. According to the manufacturer, immunocompromised individuals are most at risk. The bacteria generally do not affect people with a healthy immune system.

Consumers may have purchased these dry carpet cleaning powders at Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, Oreck, Walmart and other specialty carpet and vacuum stores nationwide from July 2015 through September 2016 for between $7 and $39 for the individual pails or $19 and $49 for the kits. They can identify the recalled carpet cleaners by finding the lot number printed on a sticker affixed to the product.

The company advises consumers to immediately stop using any products listed in the carpet cleaner recall. They may register for a free replacement product or call 1-888-770-7142 for assistance.

Products affected by the carpet cleaner recall: