How do you maintain a smoke detector?

A smoke detector works less properly if dust collects on the inside and outside. This can cause the sensor to send false notifications. If the smoke detector goes off for no reason, it's down right annoying. What's even more annoying and in fact dangerous, is dust preventing your smoke detector from sounding the alarm in case of a real fire. That's why it's important to clean the smoke detector regularly and to check the batteries.

Dust off your smoke detector with a damp cloth once a month and vacuum the detector on the inside and outside twice a year. Use an attachment with a soft brush part for this. Unscrew the smoke detector from the mounting plate and also clean the interior and the mounting plate with a vacuum. Put the smoke detector back in place and don't forget to test it using the test button.

Not all products are suitable for cleaning your smoke detector. This is because there's a chance the smoke detector becomes damaged. Keep these tips in mind:

• Don't use any cleaning agents or solvents.
• Don't spray chemicals such as air freshener or hairspray near the smoke detector.
• Prevent water from getting in the smoke detector. Be sure not to use too much water for the damp cloth.

It's important to test the batteries of your smoke detector each month. This way, you can be sure the smoke detector responds as it should in a dangerous situation. In addition, keep in mind the lifespan of the smoke detector. Not every smoke detector lasts the same amount of time. Smoke detectors with the longest lifespan last 10 years. Write down the expiration date on the side of the smoke detector to remember it. You'll know for sure what the expiration date is, so you can replace the smoke detector in time.