[header] How to avoid false alarms with your smoke alarm [title] Clean your smoke detector regularly. [step] Any dust or dirt that covers your smoke detector or its internal sensor chamber can set it off when there is no fire. By cleaning the unit every couple of weeks, you may minimize the number of false alarms you experience or avoid them altogether. 
[substeps] Make sure to dust or clean not only the outside cover of your unit, but also inside the cover, where dust often accumulates. You can use a dusting brush or vacuum the alarm with the soft brush attachment.