How to Clean a Simplex Smoke Detector

Rotate the smoke detector head counterclockwise. Pull the head straight down to remove it. Silence the trouble detection alarm on your smoke detector panel.

Turn the smoke detector head over and find the three notches on the inner circle of the detector cover.

Insert the flat screwdriver into each of the three notches and move the tabs back. These tabs hold the detector cover in place.

Turn the smoke detector head over and pull the cover straight up. Now you will see the top of the smoke detection chamber. Blow any dust you might see away from the edges.

Place your thumb on the notch located on one side of the chamber top and two or more fingers on the opposite side, in a larger slot. Pull up using your thumb first, then your fingers. The chamber cover will pop off.

Blow any dust off the inside of the chamber cover and inside of the chamber itself. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt.

Replace the chamber cap by aligning the notch on the top of the cap with the infrared LED in the chamber. Press the cap into place.

Replace the smoke detector head cover by aligning the hole you see on the inside of the cover, with the LED. The cover also has a larger latch which fits into the larger slot. Push it down in each of the three latch areas and you will feel it snap into place three times.

Turn the smoke detector head over after making certain it has locked securely and blow out any remaining dust. Line the metal contacts on the back of the smoke detector head with the small hooks of the base and rotate it clockwise.

Test your smoke detector by creating smoke. The alarm should sound and the red light on the detector should come on. Silence your alarm.