How to Clean Centrally Wired Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are battery operated, wired into the building's electrical system or a combination of both. It may seem more difficult to remove wired devices, but in fact, they are just as easy to disconnect for cleaning as battery-operated detectors. Dust and dirt tend to accumulate on ceilings and fixtures, which isn't necessarily harmful to the smoke detector, though it’s important to wipe them down when dirty.

Things You'll Need

• Gentle spray cleaner
• Paper towel or sponge

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Twist the outer unit until it comes loose from the base.

   • 2

     Pull the outer unit off the base and pull the wire plug apart from the plug sticking out of the ceiling.

   • 3

     Spray a gentle cleanser on a paper towel or sponge, enough to dampen but not soak it.

   • 4

     Wipe the smoke detector clean and dry it thoroughly with a paper towel.

   • 5

     Reattach the wires and twist the unit into place.