Proudly owning a strain washer can seem to be a boon for householders wanting to wash decks, driveways and different outside surfaces. However in the event you personal one, examine the model and mannequin instantly: round 780,000 Ryobi-branded strain washers bought at Dwelling Depot and different US and Canadian retailers are being recalled.

The hazard is severe, in line with a discover posted Thursday by the Client Product Security Fee. “The strain washer’s capacitor can overheat and burst, inflicting components to be forcefully ejected, posing a danger of significant damage from affect to the consumer or bystanders,” the discover stated. 

Ryobi has acquired 135 stories of capacitors overheating, together with 41 stories of explosions, which resulted in 32 accidents to fingers, fingers, faces and eyes.

The recalled strain washers, mannequin numbers RY142300 and RY142711VNM, had been bought for $300 to $400 at Dwelling Depot and Direct Instruments Manufacturing facility Outlet between July 2017 and June 2024. Most had been bought within the US, although 16,000 had been bought in Canada.

When you personal one of many affected strain washers, cease utilizing it instantly. Go to Ryobi’s recall website to confirm in case your mannequin is affected. In that case, you may obtain a free alternative capacitor, together with cargo and set up directions. No receipt or proof of buy is required.

The affected Ryobi fashions weren’t a part of CNET’s best pressure washer list, which charges strain washers for affordability and adaptability in addition to evaluates that are finest for particular jobs, akin to cleansing RVs.