Cleaning is a chore that you either love or hate.
It can be tough to make sure everything is squeaky clean all the time, but it's something that has to be done.
But there may be one important thing that you're failing to dust regularly.
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The effects of a fire in the home can be devastating.
Between 2022 and 2023, there were 26,822 dwelling fires alone, which draws attention to the importance of smoke alarms.
It's important alarms are installed and maintained correctly, and it's also vital they have a good clean now and then.
Expert at Wickes, Chris Moorhouse, said there are seven common heat and smoke detector mistakes that people make regularly – and one of them involves cleaning.
Dusting your devices now and then is vital to keep you safe.
Relying on smoke alarms alone
As the name suggests, a smoke alarm detects smoke and should be fitted in all rooms where a fire could start.
Heat alarms, on the other hand, detect increases in temperature and are better for steamy, smoky or dusty rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens and workshops.
Smoke alarms on their own are not sufficient as a home fire detection system.
Every home also needs a heat alarm in the kitchen.
Not realising your devices need vacuuming
It’s recommended that you vacuum your smoke alarm every six months to remove any build-up of dust.
You can do this using the soft brush attachment.
Simply run it along the sides and face of the device.
Not having enough devices
Although it’s most important to install a fire detection device in the kitchen and then at the top of the stairs, ideally, you should install smoke detectors in any room where a fire could start.
This includes any room where you leave devices plugged in, especially unoccupied rooms.
Electrical devices are the fourth most common cause of fires in the home.
Any room that houses white goods or where you charge electrical devices should have an alarm fitted.
Removing the batteries
Up to 90 people die each year because their alarm batteries were either flat or missing.
You should routinely replace batteries. It’s usually advisable to do this once a year, but refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
In addition to this, your home insurance may be invalid if you are deemed not to have taken proper fire safety precautions.
This includes removing the batteries from an alarm.
Using an inadequately tested alarm
UKCA or CE marks are legal requirements and indicate that fire safety products have been adequately tested to UK and EU safety and performance standards.
Check your alarms feature one of these essential symbols.
Your alarm may also feature a kitemark.
These give extra assurance about the quality and reliability of the alarm.
Not testing your detectors regularly enough
Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month, although some manufacturers suggest you test them weekly.
You should do this by pressing the button until the alarm sounds as this tests both the power supply or battery, motherboard, sensor and sounder.
Not checking device expiry dates
Some people are dangerously unaware that fire detectors have expiry dates.
Much like other household items, fire alarm functionality may degrade over time.
For this reason, British Standard guidelines recommend that all fire alarms should be replaced after a maximum of ten years.
Bear in mind different manufacturers provide different warranties so please refer to the datasheet or manufacturer website.
If your alarm doesn’t show a replacement date on a label, it may not meet all of the essential safety requirements and we would recommend you replace it as soon as possible.
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