How to Clean Your Smoke Alarm

You know that your smoke alarm can save your life, but sometimes, you just wish it looked a little better! The truth of the matter is that smoke alarms should be cleaned on a regular basis. It improves their appearance and you will also find that it allows your smoke alarm to function more effectively.

When you are just doing a quick clean around the house, use your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment on the smoke alarm. This will help you get rid of the dust that accumulates on it so easily. Another thing for you to consider is whether you can remove the dust inside it as well. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before you try anything, but in general, you can open the alarm and very gently use a soft brush to remove the dust and debris inside. Do not be surprised if you find some dead insects.

If there is a lot of dirt and dust, you can very, very carefully clean it off with a clean cloth that has been very slightly dampened. Use this to wipe off the front of the smoke alarm and some parts of the interior . Avoiding getting any water on the circuit board if you can help it at all.

Test your smoke alarm after you clean it. You never know when you accidentally put something in backwards or when you actually need a new battery. Get a stick of incense, light it, and hold it directly underneath the smoke alarm. The smoke alarm should beep, and you should be able to turn it off by hitting the reset button.

It is very tempting to set your smoke alarm aside when you are done cleaning it. Smoke alarms can be tough to get back on the wall or the ceiling, but be diligent about replacing it. Smoke alarms need to be high up to do their job properly, so put it back where it belongs as soon as you are done with it.

Take a moment to think about the last time that you saw to your smoke alarm, and give it a quick clean!

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