eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Clean Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Member
By T Campanaro
User-Submitted Article
(3 Ratings)
CO
CO

Carbon monoxide detectors are devices that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide (CO) in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide detectors can be either battery operated or plug-in style. Many people have these in their homes but rarely give any thought to properly maintaining them.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1
    Detector
     
    Detector

    Routine Testing. Test your Carbon monoxide detectors at least monthly to ensure they are still functioning properly. Most have a built-in test button that sounds when press to indicate the unit is functioning. In battery operated units, the batteries should be replaced annually whether the unit tests ok or not.

  2. Step 2

    Cleaning. Clean you detector on a quarterly basis. Open it up and vacuum, or brush out, any dust, debris or insects. Canned air will help to get into the smaller areas. Remove grim from the outside with a damp cloth and some cleaning solution. Don't get any cleaners on the electrical components of the detector as it may damage the unit.

  3. Step 3

    Replacing. Carbon monoxide detectors have a fairly short life span. Most manufactures recommend replacing them about every five years. So as a reminder, make sure you annotate the install date somewhere on the detector so you'll know when to replace it.

Comments  

kittykat3 said

Flag This Comment

on 6/6/2009 Great tips on how to clean carbon monoxide detectors. 5* and recommended.

jenng said

Flag This Comment

on 5/24/2009 Wow I have never thought of cleaning my carbon monoxide detectors 5*

Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2010 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden