2. Cover the Detector. Covering the smoke detector with a dishcloth can work. You could also use a shower cap or a rubber band and plastic wrap to temporarily disable the smoke detector.

No, you should never put a towel over a smoke detector, as it is extremely dangerous and often illegal. Covering a smoke detector—even "temporarily" to prevent nuisance alarms from cooking or steam—effectively disables its life-saving function. A smoke detector needs unrestricted airflow to "sniff" the air for particles of combustion; a towel creates a physical barrier that prevents smoke from reaching the sensor, potentially delaying an alarm by several minutes during a real fire. In a hotel or apartment building, tampering with fire safety equipment like this is a violation of fire codes and can lead to heavy fines, eviction, or even criminal charges in some jurisdictions. If you are experiencing frequent false alarms, the correct solution is to use the "hush" or "silence" button on the device (if equipped), improve ventilation in the room, or replace the battery if it is "chirping." In 2026, many modern detectors are designed to be "smarter" about distinguishing between steam and smoke, but the fundamental safety rule remains: never obstruct or disable a smoke alarm.