How to Clean Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors should be cleaned regularly.

Carbon monoxide detectors, an important home safety tool, can alert you and your family of deadly, yet otherwise undetectable carbon monoxide leaks in your home. Much like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors must be regularly maintained so they work properly. With little more than a vacuum cleaner and some canned air, you can keep your carbon monoxide detector clean and in good operational order.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning cloth
• Vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment
• Canned air

Instructions

1. Wipe down the outside of the detector with a dry, soft cloth. Wipe away any large pieces of dust or debris from the area around the sensor. Slightly dampen the cloth if there are any particularly dirty spots that require extra scrubbing. Don't moisten the detector's sensor, however.

2. Attach the soft brush attachment to your vacuum hose. Gently vacuum the carbon monoxide detector, focusing on the area around the sensor. Try not to touch the sensor with the hard plastic of the vacuum attachment. The sensor is sensitive and can be easily damaged.

3. Spray the area around the sensor with canned air or a gas duster. The canned air will take care of any remaining debris without causing damage to the carbon monoxide sensor.

4. Repeat this process once every six months.

Tips & Warnings

• When cleaning your carbon monoxide detector, take the opportunity to perform other maintenance tasks such as changing the detector's batteries and pressing the detector's test button.

References

• Home Wizard: Carbon Monoxide Detector Maintenance
• Government of Quebec: Carbon Monoxide Detector
• Home and Garden Ideas: Installing Carbon Monoxide Detector