The thermometer is a very useful tool, both when used in the kitchen and when used to measure fever. However, after using it, it is important to clean it properly. All you have to do is rinse it and then disinfect it with alcohol, a sanitizing solution, or boiling water, depending on the type of thermometer you have. It is important to properly disinfect a thermometer to keep it clean and not spread germs during the next use.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Disinfect a Clinical Thermometer
Step 1. If you have a wand or pacifier-shaped thermometer, rinse its end with cold water
After using it, rinse the end that has come into contact with your body (i.e. the tip in the case of a wand thermometer or the teat in the case of a pacifier-shaped thermometer) with cold water for 1 to 2 minutes.. This will start removing any germs or bacteria left on the surface.
Make sure digital parts, such as the display, do not come into contact with water when rinsing
Step 2. Disinfect the thermometer with isopropyl alcohol
Pour the alcohol onto a cotton ball or pad. Rub it over the entire surface of the thermometer, cleaning both the body and the tip of the device. Make sure you clean the entire surface thoroughly.
- If you have an infrared thermometer, be sure to clean the sensor with alcohol. Thermometers that measure temperature through the skin, such as forehead or earbuds, have a sensor that needs cleaning. Dip the tip of a cotton swab or piece of cloth in isopropyl alcohol. Rub it on the sensor surface until it looks clean and shiny.
- Isopropyl alcohol kills all germs on the surface of the thermometer.
Step 3. Rinse the thermometer wand or teat to remove the alcohol
Do a quick rinse to get rid of any residual alcohol left on the surface. Make sure you don't get the thermometer wet in case it is digital, as this can damage or break completely.
Step 4. Allow the thermometer to dry before putting it away
Once you've cleaned it, it's important to let it air dry before putting it back in its case or drawer. Simply let it air dry, as using a towel increases the risk of introducing new germs or bacteria to the surface.
Advise:
if you need to store it immediately, use a soft, clean cloth to dry it before putting it in its case.
Method 2 of 2: Disinfect a Kitchen Thermometer
Step 1. Wash the wand with warm soapy water
After using the thermometer, it is important to clean it. Pour some detergent on a sponge or on the end of the wand and lather all the area that has come into contact with the food. Once you have lathered the thermometer rod and removed all food residue, rinse it off with warm water.
If you are using a digital thermometer, be careful not to immerse the electronics in water. This could damage it
Step 2. Immerse the wand in boiling water to disinfect the thermometer in an easy way
To sterilize the thermometer, you can use a special solution or boiling water. To disinfect the wand well, it is necessary to bring the water to a temperature of about 80 ° C, which is necessary to eliminate bacteria. Simply dip the thermometer wand into the water for about 30 seconds, making sure to keep your fingers away from the liquid.
Be careful not to get the electronic parts of the thermometer wet, such as the digital display. If not, it is likely to break
Advise:
Before dipping the wand into boiling water, remove any food residue using a napkin.
Step 3. Use a food sanitizer solution if you are looking for a quicker solution
It can be prepared by mixing 1 tablespoon (45 ml) of bleach with about 4 liters of water. Leave the thermometer wand in this solution for at least a minute so that the bleach can eliminate any bacteria remaining on the surface.
Rinse the wand with cold or lukewarm water after using the sanitizer solution. This will remove any bleach residue left on the surface
Step 4. Let the thermometer air dry
After disinfecting it, it is better to let it air dry rather than using a towel, so as not to introduce new bacteria. Instead, place it on a dish drainer or hang it in the kitchen until the water has evaporated completely.
If you need to dry it differently, try to use a clean paper towel or tea towel that hasn't been used since the last wash
Advice
- If you're concerned that you won't be able to keep a clinical thermometer clean, try using disposable plastic caps to protect the wand from germs and bacteria.
- Make sure you put a label on your oral and rectal thermometers so you don't risk mistaking them inadvertently.
