Cleaning a thermometer is essential to prevent the spread of infections or illness. The method you use to clean it may depend on whether it’s a digital thermometer or a traditional mercury thermometer. Today I will cover some general tips for cleaning both types. Let’s look at how to clean a thermometer before and after use.
Being a mom of two boys and one girl gets a little crazy sometimes, especially when everyone comes down with an illness. You need to know how to clean your thermometer to prevent spreading sickness throughout your home. As a parent, we know that getting and running fevers just comes with the territory. In those times, we often have more than one child who gets sick at the same time.
This usually means monitoring and checking their temperatures using an oral thermometer. So, how do you clean your thermometer between uses? You want to sterilize it and remove all germs to keep your family from sharing. Let’s explore a few easy ways to clean a thermometer.
How to Clean Thermometer:
For Digital Thermometers:
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions: Always start by checking the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance specific to your thermometer.
- Turn it off: If your digital thermometer has an on/off switch, make sure it is turned off before cleaning to avoid damaging the electronic components.
- Remove the probe cover: If your thermometer has a removable probe cover, take it off and dispose of it properly. If it’s reusable, clean it separately.
- Wipe with a disinfectant: Use a soft, damp cloth or cotton ball soaked in a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol or a disinfectant wipe to clean the probe or the surface of the thermometer. Make sure not to submerge the entire thermometer in liquid.
- Avoid excess moisture: Be cautious not to let excess moisture enter the thermometer, as it can damage the electronics. Wipe the thermometer dry with a clean, dry cloth or allow it to air dry if necessary.
- Replace the probe cover: If your thermometer uses disposable probe covers, replace it with a new, sterile one before using it again.
- Store it properly: Store your digital thermometer in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
What is the best way to clean a thermometer?
Cleaning a thermometer properly is important to prevent the spread of germs and to ensure accurate readings. The best way to clean a thermometer depends on the type of thermometer you have:
- Digital Thermometer (Non-Invasive): a. Use a disposable alcohol swab or cotton ball soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol to wipe the thermometer probe. Ensure the probe is thoroughly cleaned. b. Be careful not to immerse the entire thermometer in liquid, as it may damage the electronic components. c. Allow the probe to air dry or use a clean, dry cloth before storing it.
- Glass or Mercury Thermometer: a. Glass and mercury thermometers can be more challenging to clean and should be handled with care. b. Wipe the thermometer with a disposable alcohol swab or a cotton ball soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Do not submerge these thermometers in liquid, as it can damage the internal components. c. Rinse with cold water if necessary but avoid hot water, as it can cause the glass to expand and crack. d. Dry the thermometer thoroughly before storing it. Store it in a protective case or tube to prevent breakage.
- Ear or Forehead Thermometer: a. Use a disposable alcohol swab or a clean, damp cloth with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to clean the probe. b. Make sure you clean both the tip and the surrounding areas. c. Allow it to air dry or use a clean, dry cloth before storing.
- Infrared (Non-Contact) Thermometer: a. Wipe the lens or sensor with a clean, dry, soft cloth. b. Avoid using liquids on the lens or sensor as it may damage the device.
Remember these general tips when cleaning a thermometer:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
- Dispose of single-use items like cotton balls, swabs, or wipes properly.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after cleaning the thermometer to prevent the spread of germs.
- Store the thermometer in a clean, dry place to protect it from contamination and damage.
Regular cleaning and proper maintenance of thermometers are essential for their accuracy and to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. If you have any concerns about the cleanliness or performance of your thermometer, contact the manufacturer for guidance or consider replacing it if it’s old or damaged.
How to Clean a Thermometer: Traditional Mercury Thermometers:
Mercury thermometers require special care due to the toxic nature of mercury. If you have a mercury thermometer, follow these steps for how to disinfect a thermometer:
- Wear gloves: Always wear disposable gloves when handling a mercury thermometer to avoid exposure to mercury.
- Handle with care: Hold the thermometer by the top or stem, not the bulb or reservoir, to prevent breakage.
- Clean up any spills safely: If the thermometer breaks or spills mercury, do not touch the mercury with your bare hands. Use a piece of stiff paper or cardboard to carefully scoop up the beads. Place the mercury and broken glass into a sealed container. Contact your local hazardous waste disposal facility for proper disposal.
- Wipe with alcohol: If the thermometer is dirty, you can wipe the stem and bulb with a cotton ball or cloth soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Dispose of the cotton ball or cloth properly.
- Store it safely: Store your mercury thermometer upright in a protective case, away from children and pets.
Remember that mercury thermometers are becoming less common due to the environmental and health hazards associated with mercury. It’s advisable to switch to a digital thermometer for safety and accuracy.
Always follow the specific cleaning and maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the proper care of your thermometer.
How to Disinfect Thermometer: Option 1:
Clean your thermometer with a soapy, wet paper towel. Allow your thermometer to air dry. Do not use a kitchen hand towel to clean it, as it may transfer germs and bacteria. Only use a fresh, disposable paper towel.
How To Clean the Thermometer Option 2:
Rubbing alcohol is an excellent way to clean your oral/mouth thermometer. I like to use a cotton swab soaked with rubbing alcohol to wipe it down. If you do not have rubbing alcohol on hand, you can use some liquid hand sanitizer applied to a fresh, clean paper towel to wipe it down.
How To Clean Your Thermometer before and after use: Option 3:
Moistened sanitizing wipes are another good option to clean your thermometer. I like the ones that contain a disinfectant and state that they kill most germs. Wipe your thermometer down with these wipes and allow to air dry.
I hope you have found this information beneficial on the best way to clean a thermometer. Subscribe to my site for tips and tricks to clean everything in your home.
Here is a quick video using the rubbing alcohol method to clean a thermometer before use. It is one of the best ways to clean a thermometer.
I blog about cleaning and decluttering everything in your home. Below is some helpful information to get you started!
Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and checklists to help you declutter every room in your home. You can sign up here.
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Need to deep clean? I have lists for you to guide you along.
You can find My How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen list on my website here.
Or, you can check out My How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom list found here.
My How to Deep Clean Your Kids’ Rooms list can be found here.
Also, you can read My How to Deep Clean Your Living Room list on my website here.
Finally, My How to Deep Clean Your Bedroom list can be found here.
Also, to keep up the general housework, you may need to create a daily housekeeping schedule that suits your specific needs. Every home is unique and has different cleaning needs that you can add to your daily cleaning schedule. To do so, I have created a helpful series you can read here.
Do You Need to Declutter Every room? I have declutter checklists for every room and every space in your home to guide you along below.
Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and checklists to help you declutter every room in your home. You can sign up here.
My How to Declutter the Guest Room or Your Kid’s Room checklist can be found here.
Next, my How to Declutter Your Laundry Room and Patio checklist can be found here.
The How to Declutter Your Coat Closet/Hall Closet/Linen Closet checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Home Office checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Attic checklist can be found here.
My How to Declutter Your Garage checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Living Room checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Kitchen Checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Entry/Foyer/Mudroom checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Clothing checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Bedroom checklist can be found here.
How to Declutter Your Bathroom checklist can be found here.
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The Year Long Thorough Declutter Series is designed to help you declutter every room and every space in your home.We declutter 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. It includes daily tasks, so you can track your progress. It also includes detailed lists to declutter each room and each space within your home.
Happy Decluttering!
New to deemiddleton.com and don’t know where to start? I recommend going in this order:
Step 1: Check out this post on the 1st step you should take to get organized. Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here. The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and checklists to help you declutter every room in your home. You can sign up here.
Step 2: Create a daily Housekeeping Schedule. You can use this series to start to set up your own schedule. You can also use this simplified weekly schedule.If you often ask: What is the fastest way to clean a dirty house? Or, if you struggle to get organized and have tried and failed time and again, you can likely find out which of these 11 reasons cause you to fail to get organized.
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Step 4: What is the fastest way to clean a dirty house? Use a timer and use the Deep Cleaning Checklists above. They will help you get your home sparkling after you’ve decluttered.
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Check out the most popular posts on deemiddleton.com:
14 Things That Make Your Home Look Cluttered
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Also, check out a great post on decluttering over here from becomingminimalist.com. Joshua Becker has some great tips on decluttering and minimalism.
For further reading, check out the fly lady here. She has some great cleaning and decluttering ideas plus excellent organization tips to get you started.
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