Stop using PowRyte pressure washers now, CPSC warns

Federal safety officials are telling owners of PowRyte pressure washers to stop using them right away. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says the machines are missing a key shock guard and can cause death or serious injury.

There is no recall to fall back on. The CPSC says the maker, which is based in China, has not answered its requests for one, so the agency is asking owners to take the washers out of service themselves.

Key facts

• The CPSC posted the warning, number 27-036, on October 22, 2026.
• The washers have no ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) on or near the plug, the agency says.
• The missing device creates a risk of electrocution and shock that can kill or badly injure a user.
• Buyers paid between $92 and $320 for the washers online.
• The CPSC says the maker has not responded to recall requests.

Background

A GFCI is a small safety device built into or near the power plug of many outdoor and wet-area tools. A CPSC fact sheet explains that it watches the current in a circuit and shuts off power when the flow is off by as little as 0.006 amperes. That fast cutoff is meant to stop a shock before it turns deadly.

The agency credits these devices with a major part in cutting electrocutions, and it recommends GFCI protection where electrical equipment is near water. A pressure washer fits that description well. It sprays water at high force while plugged into a wall outlet, and the user often stands on wet ground.

According to the CPSC warning, the PowRyte units do not have this kind of immersion protection near the plug. Without it, a fault in the cord or motor may not cut the power, and the user could take the full shock.

The agency has logged one incident involving a unit that lacked a GFCI. The warning does not say whether anyone was hurt in that case, and it does not say how many of the washers were sold.

What it means for you

Anyone who bought a PowRyte pressure washer on Amazon or eBay is covered by the warning. Those two sites are where the CPSC says the washers were sold, at prices from $92 to $320.

To check whether you own one, look at the brand name and the color. The affected units are green with black. They came with extras such as a hose, several quick-connect nozzles and a foam cannon.

The biggest point for owners is that no fix is on the way. Because the maker has not agreed to a recall, the CPSC warning offers no refund or remedy. That means there is no repair kit, replacement or money back through the agency at this time.

The warning also covers what happens to the machine after you stop using it. In the agency's words: "Do not sell or give away these hazardous pressure washers." The CPSC notes that passing one on to a friend, a neighbor or a buyer online would move the same shock risk to someone else.

It is not known whether either online marketplace has taken down listings or reached out to past buyers. Owners should not wait for a message from the seller before acting.

Practical steps

The CPSC lays out a short list of steps for owners:

1. Stop using the pressure washer now.
2. Unplug it from the outlet.
3. Cut the power cord so the machine cannot be plugged in again.
4. Throw the washer away.

Cutting the cord is the step that matters most. It makes sure no one else in the home, or anyone who later finds the machine, can plug it back in and use it.

If you had a safety problem with one of these washers, such as a shock, you can report it to the CPSC on SaferProducts.gov. Reports help the agency track how often a hazard shows up.

Owners with questions can also reach the agency's toll-free consumer hotline, which is listed on the warning page along with a TTY line.

For future outdoor work, a CPSC fact sheet points out that portable GFCIs are sold to add shock protection on the spot, even when the outlet or circuit has none built in. That can be useful for any corded tool used near water.

What happens next

For now, there is no recall in place. The CPSC says it issued the public warning because the maker did not reply when the agency asked for one.

The CPSC warning names the maker, which is based in China. The agency, based at 441 G Street NW in Washington, has not said what further steps it may take.

If the maker later agrees to a recall, any remedy would be announced by the agency. Until then, the guidance stays the same: stop, unplug, cut the cord and dispose of the washer.

FAQ

Which pressure washers are affected?

PowRyte-brand pressure washers that are green with black and were sold on Amazon or eBay are covered by the warning.

Will I get a refund?

No refund is offered right now. The CPSC warning includes no remedy because the maker has not agreed to a recall.

Why is the missing GFCI so dangerous?

According to a CPSC fact sheet, a GFCI shuts off power when the current is off by as little as 0.006 amperes. Without one, a user near water can suffer a serious or fatal shock.

Can I sell my washer or give it away?

No. The CPSC says not to sell or give away the washers, since that would pass the hazard to someone else.

What should I do with it?

Unplug it, cut off the power cord and throw it away, as the CPSC advises.