Test and clean your smoke alarms

A quick testing and cleaning help keep your family safe.

Time

10 minutes per alarm

Difficulty

Easy

Expertise

None

Frequency

Press the test button once a month, clean and test them with smoke twice a year, and replace the battery once a year.

Where

All US

Overview

Your smoke alarms can only protect you if they work properly, so take a few minutes to test and clean them. And install a fresh battery while you're at it (be sure to recycle the one you remove).

Pressing the test button shows that the alarm makes noise but doesn't show that it detects smoke. That's why you have to test it with smoke. If the alarm fails either the noise or smoke test, replace the battery. If that doesn't correct the problem, replace it.

Steps

1. If your home has a security system connected to a central station, contact the security company before testing the smoke alarms.
2. Every month, press the test button to verify that the unit has power and an audible alarm.
3. Twice a year, test and clean the unit:
   • Use an aerosol smoke detector tester to blow smoke into the unit. If you don't have a tester, use a candle or smoke stick. It should take very little smoke to activate the alarm.
   • Open the alarm's cover and lightly vacuum the interior with a fine brush attachment.
4. Once a year, replace it the battery.