Smoke alarm clean in Exeter
Professional smoke alarm clean services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
10-15 mins per alarm
Location
Exeter, Devon
Smoke alarm properly cleaned to stop false alarms. Dust and debris removed, tested to make sure it still works, battery checked. Back to doing its job properly.
That 3am Screaming Smoke Alarm
Nothing worse than a smoke alarm going off for no reason. Usually happens at stupid o'clock in the morning when you're trying to sleep.
The problem? Dust. Smoke alarms are basically tiny particle detectors - brilliant at their job, but they can't tell the difference between smoke particles and dust particles.
💡 Pro tip: Kitchen smoke alarms need cleaning more often. Cooking fumes leave residue that builds up inside the sensor.
Why They False Alarm
| ✅ Clean Alarm | ❌ Dusty Alarm |
|---|---|
| Only triggers for actual smoke | Goes off at random times |
| Sensor clear and responsive | Dust buildup causing false triggers |
| Properly mounted and sealed | Sometimes loose in mounting |
| Working battery | Often dying battery adding to problems |
What You Get
🔧 The Clean
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Remove | Alarm carefully removed from ceiling/wall |
| Clean | Inside and outside cleaned with compressed air |
| Check | Battery tested, mounting checked |
| Test | Full test to make sure it's working |
| Replace | Put back up securely |
📦 You're Left With
- Clean alarm that won't false trigger
- Confirmed working sensor
- Fresh battery if needed (I carry spares)
- Date sticker so you know when it was done
Pricing Guide
| Situation | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single alarm clean + test | 10-15 mins | £60 |
| Multiple alarms (3-4) | 30-45 mins | £60 |
| Whole house service (5+) | 1 hr | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum callout. Makes sense to do them all at once.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ False alarms - going off when there's no smoke
✅ Regular beeping - usually means battery low, but worth a clean too
✅ Years since last clean - most people have never cleaned theirs
✅ Just moved in - no idea when previous owner last serviced them
Why Choose Us for Smoke alarm clean in Exeter?
Stops false alarms from dust buildup
Properly tested after cleaning
Can do multiple alarms in one visit
Batteries checked at same time
What to Expect
Step 1: Remove & Inspect
I take down the alarm and have a look at the state of it. Sometimes you can see the dust just from opening it up.
Step 2: Proper Clean
Compressed air through the sensor chamber, wipe down the outside, check the mounting bracket's clean.
Step 3: Battery Check
Test the battery. If it's low I'll replace it (I carry the common types). Better than another visit.
Step 4: Test & Replace
Full test with the button, then back on the ceiling. I'll make sure the mounting's secure while I'm at it.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to maintain them yourself? Here's the basics:
🔧 What you'll need
- Step ladder (safely positioned)
- Soft brush or vacuum with brush attachment
- Compressed air can (from computer shops)
- Spare batteries (9V or AA depending on model)
🧹 Basic cleaning
- Twist alarm anti-clockwise to remove from mounting
- Remove battery
- Vacuum outside gently with brush attachment
- Use compressed air on sensor (the mesh bit inside)
- Wipe down with dry cloth
- Replace battery, put back on ceiling
- Test with button
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Using water or cleaning products (don't - damages electronics)
- Not testing after cleaning
- Forgetting which way it goes back on the mount
- Disturbing the sensor with hard objects
💡 Pro trick: When you change your clocks (spring/autumn), clean your smoke alarms. Easy to remember and keeps them maintained.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
⚠️ Old alarms? Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. If yours are older than that, cleaning won't help - they need replacing. I can advise when I see them.
Multiple alarms? Bundle them all together - I'm already there with the ladder and kit, so additional alarms are quick.
Landlords: If you've got rental properties, regular alarm servicing is part of your legal duty. I can do scheduled maintenance visits if that's useful.
Interconnected alarms? If your alarms are all linked (one goes off, they all go off), I'll make sure the connections still work properly when I clean them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my smoke alarm keep going off for no reason?
Usually dust or insects inside. The sensor's really sensitive and even a bit of dust can trigger it. Cleaning sorts it out 9 times out of 10. If it's still playing up after cleaning, it might need replacing.
Can't I just vacuum it myself?
You can try, but the sensor's inside and needs proper cleaning with compressed air. Also good to check the mounting while it's down, make sure it's seated properly. Worth doing it right if it's waking you up at 3am.
How often should smoke alarms be cleaned?
Every 6-12 months ideally, especially in kitchens or dusty rooms. If you're getting false alarms, it's overdue. I can set up a reminder for you if you want regular maintenance.
Will you test it works after cleaning?
Absolutely - I test it properly before putting it back up. No point cleaning it if we don't know it still works. I'll also check the battery while I'm at it.
Can you do multiple alarms in one visit?
Yes - makes sense to do them all at once. First alarm's £60 minimum, additional ones are quicker so work out cheaper per alarm.
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Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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