WASHINGTON -- Maytag Corp. is recalling about 636,000 Hoover self-propelled upright vacuum cleaners after receiving more than 200 reports of the vacuums overheating.

The company said the recalled vacuums have defective on-off switches that can overheat the handle and toolholder areas of the vacuum, resulting in a fire hazard.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said there have been 249 reports of vacuums overheating. One consumer suffered a minor burn, according to the CPSC.

The model and serial numbers of the recalled vacuums are printed on a label on the back of the product.

The following model numbers are included in the recall: U6423-900, U6425-900, U6425-950, U6445-900, U6445-960, U6449-900, U6450-900, U6451-900 and U6455-900.

The recalled vacuums were sold at household appliance and floorcare retailers nationwide from May 1998 through July 2000 for between $259 and $279.

Consumers should stop using the recalled product immediately and contact Maytag to obtain the name and address of the nearest Hoover repair center to schedule a free repair.

Consumers should not return their vacuum cleaners to retailers.

Consumers can call Maytag at (800) 250-6075 or visit the company's Web site for more recall information.