Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Disinfect a medical thermometer
• Method 2 of 2: Disinfect a food thermometer
• Tips

A thermometer can be a very useful tool whether it is used in the kitchen or to measure a fever. However, it is important that you clean it properly after use. All you need to do is rinse the thermometer and then disinfect it with alcohol, disinfectant, or boiling water, depending on the type of thermometer you have. A properly disinfected thermometer is important so that the next time you use it, it is clean and does not spread germs.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Disinfect a medical thermometer

1. Rinse the tip of a bar or pacifier thermometer with cold water. After using the thermometer, hold the end that was on your body, called the wand, under cold water for one or two minutes. This will remove any germs or bacteria that may be on the surface.
   • Make sure all digital parts, such as the display, stay out of the water when you rinse the thermometer.
2. Wipe the thermometer with rubbing alcohol. Put rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or cotton pad. Rub it up and down all over the surface of the thermometer and clean the body and wand. Make sure to thoroughly clean the entire surface.
   • Always clean the sensor of an infrared thermometer with alcohol. Non-contact thermometers that measure temperature through the skin, such as a forehead or ear thermometer, have a sensor that needs to be cleaned. Put some rubbing alcohol on the tip of a cotton swab or on a piece of cloth. Rub it on the sensor until it looks shiny and clean.
   • Rubbing alcohol will kill any germs on the thermometer.
3. Rinse the tip of the stick or pacifier to remove the alcohol. Rinse off any bit of alcohol that remains on the rod quickly. Be careful not to submerge a digital thermometer as this can damage or destroy it completely.
4. Let the thermometer dry before putting it away. After the thermometer has been cleaned, it is important to let it dry before returning it to a pencil case or drawer. Just put it down to air dry, as using a towel increases the risk of new germs or bacteria on the surface.

   Tip: If you need to store the thermometer right away, use a clean soft cloth to wipe it before putting it in its box.

   
   

Method 2 of 2: Disinfect a food thermometer

1. Wash the rod in warm, soapy water. It is important that you clean your thermometer after use. Put soap on a sponge or on the tip of the bar and soap the area that will come into contact with food. Once the thermometer rod is covered with soap and all food debris has been removed, rinse it with warm water.
   • If you are using a digital thermometer, be careful not to submerge the digital portion of it in water. This can damage your thermometer.
2. Dip the rod in boiling water for easy disinfection. To sterilize the thermometer, you can use a sterilizing solution or boiling water. To completely disinfect the thermometer rod with boiling water, it must reach a temperature of 80 ° C. This is the temperature that kills bacteria. Hold the tip of the thermometer in boiling water for about 30 seconds, keeping your fingers a safe distance from the water.
   • Be careful not to let any electronic parts of the thermometer, such as a digital display, get into the water. This will likely destroy your thermometer.

   Tip: Wipe any food residue off the wand before submerging the thermometer in the boiling water.

   
   
3. For a faster option, use a food-safe sanitizing solution. A food-safe sanitizing solution can be made by mixing 15 ml of bleach in 4 L of water. Let the thermometer rod sit in this solution for at least a minute so that the bleach can kill any bacteria that remains on it.
   • Rinse the wand with cold or warm water after using any disinfectant. This will remove any remaining bleach residue.
4. Let the thermometer air dry. Once you have disinfected the thermometer, it is best to let it air dry so that it doesn't get new bacteria on it like when you wipe it with a towel. Instead, put it on a dish rack or hang it somewhere in the kitchen until all the water has evaporated from it.
   • If you do need to wipe it, consider using a paper towel or a clean towel that has not been used after washing.

Tips

• If you are concerned about keeping your medical thermometer completely clean, consider using disposable plastic covers that keep germs and bacteria off the thermometer rod.
• Make sure your oral and rectal thermometers are labeled as such so that you don't confuse them when using them.