How soon must smoke detectors be tested after cleaning?

Testing smoke detectors after cleaning is a critical step to ensure they are functioning properly. The correct interval for testing them is no later than 1 week after the cleaning process. This timeline allows enough time for any residual cleaning agents or debris that might interfere with the device's operation to be resolved, while still ensuring that the detectors are adequately checked to maintain compliance with safety regulations.

Regular testing is essential to ensure that smoke detectors will respond accurately during an emergency situation. Waiting too long, like 2 weeks or beyond, could increase the risk of undetected issues that may compromise the smoke detector's ability to function effectively. Testing immediately after cleaning could be impractical due to the potential lingering effects of cleaning agents that may not fully dissipate right away, which can falsely affect the detector's operation or obscure the effectiveness of the testing.