How to Clean a Smoke Detector

How often do you check to ascertain that your smoke detector is in good condition? Once, maybe twice a year?

If this is you, you are doing a subpar job! Consequently knowing or unknowing, you are somehow subjecting yourself and family to a lot of harm. Albeit not now but in the future!

Just like any other device in your home, smoke detectors need proper maintenance and thorough cleaning often.

For all you know, it maybe the first time you have thought about it! No problem. I get a lot of questions around this topic from so many people!

I will get you set up for success. That is why I have written this article. If you want to ensure your smoke detector does not fail to live up to your expectations (especially you when you need it most), read on.

General Smoke Detector Maintenance Routine

All year through, there is something you should be doing to ensure your home is safe. For smoke detectors, ensure that the batteries are in good working order by testing them at least once monthly.

To do this, press and hold the test button for not less than five seconds. Then wait for the beeping sound. If the batteries are working properly, you will hear a beeping sound after the five seconds.

Next, to keep a smoke detector clean, dust and vacuum it twice a year. While at it, ensure you do not leave any free particles around its surfaces. This is very important.

You can do this even thrice or four times a year just to be extra careful. However, if you are constrained by time, twice a year should be fine.

Remember, the cleaner the smoke detector, the less false alarms you are likely to have.

The smoke detectors batteries are replaceable once every 12 months. Although you can still continue using them if they are still working.

However, by doing so the batteries may suddenly drain, which you do not want happening in emergency situations.

With this in mind and to be on the safe side, change them periodically as stated (even if they are not entirely dead). Please note that this does not apply to lithium batteries which last the full life of your smoke detector.

You ought to replace your smoke detectors every ten years. However, check the manufacturer’s guidelines on this in case you need to replace them earlier.

If you ever feel that something is not right with your detector, call your manufacturer for further guidelines or a technician to assist efficiently.

Concurrently, you can contact the nearest fire department. In my experience they are more than willing to help.

Why You Should Clean and Maintain Your Smoke Detector

How would you prefer it; having a smoking detector that you discover is not working during an emergency, or having one that works at all times?

I bet most, if not all of us, would prefer the latter. While it can sometimes seem a bit too exhausting to clean all your smoke detectors, it is entirely worth it.

Check this article also: How to test your smoke detector

For starters, the cost of cleaning and maintaining a smoke detector is relatively low. Besides, replacing the batteries annually is also feasible and worthwhile. If you prefer not to clean the smoke alarms, you can hire someone to do it.

Admittedly, this only takes 30 to 60 minutes per smoke detector. Cumulatively, it will only take few hours yearly. And what does that even account for? Quite a small fraction of your time if asked!

Smoke Detectors Come in Two Types; Ionization and Photoelectric

The photoelectric smoke detector has a light-sensitive sensor and emitting diodes within its sensing chamber. They are the most popular of the two and specialize in detecting smoke and not flames necessarily.

Ionization detectors use radioactive substances to ionize air within the sensing chamber. They work best in the kitchen since they are less likely to cause a false alarm during cooking.

Both types need thorough cleaning and proper maintenance, as illustrated in the manufacturer’s guide. If you do not pay attention to their performance, you are likely to spend more replacing them before their time.

Dust accumulates naturally around the smoke sensors regardless. Of course the frequency and magnitude is dependent on the environment.

When dust particles build up around a smoke detector, you will likely have more false alarms, making you imagine that the system could be faulty.

While the latter might also be a valid reason, it would help if you first checked the detector’s hygiene state before reaching any conclusion.

Other items that might clog up your sensor include cooking vapor, smoke, pet dander, and pollen.

How to Clean the Smoke Detector

As recommended by many manufacturers, ensure you clean your smoke detectors twice yearly.

You can add a reminder in your phone, so that you do not forget or miss the frequency.

To properly clean the sensor:

1. Vacuum it to clear out all dust and foreign particles in the device.
   
2. Wipe clean the outside for a thorough and spotless finish.

Most manufacturers also include a cleaning guideline in the detector’s package. Read this to ensure you are using the right formula when cleaning your unit.

To be specific, you will need to:

1. Take of the detector’s cover or face
   
2. Use a brush to scrub off the dust
   
3. Use a vacuum cleaner to complete the process
   
4. Attach the detector’s face back
   
5. Use a clean cloth to wipe the detectors surface and the area around it
   
6. If the area around the detector was also overwhelmingly dusty, use a vacuum cleaner to clear out the dust (However, vacuum the surface first before vacuuming the detector’s internal components, since the air blowing out the dust might re-accumulate into the device)
   
7. Check that the detector is working accordingly before concluding the task is complete

As evident in the step by step guide, it is not too much trouble to get a smoke detector spic-and-span.

Once you do it for the first time, repeating the process will be much easier.

If an accident occurs during cleaning and you presume that it has interfered with the detector’s functioning, call the manufacturer or an experienced technician to check it.

Proper Maintenance for Lasting Benefits

Many devices last as long as you keep maintaining them the right way. That is true for your home appliances for example your laptop, washing machine, refrigerator, air conditioner etc.

Hence, this is no different for a smoke detector. The only way you will ensure it serves you as it should and maybe longer is by taking care of it. Show it some love!

You cannot risk having a detector that is not working appropriately just because it’s dirty. The effects could be catastrophic!

As has been noted, the effects maybe significant to the extent of a house burning down to ashes only because you didn’t detect the fire early. Keep your home safe from unforeseen fires by having a well-functioning smoke detector.

For further guidelines on how best to clean and maintain your detector, consult with the brand’s support team. 

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