Clean Your Thermometer After Each Use—Here's How to Do It Safely

When someone in your family feels sick, one of the first things you typically do is take their temperature. Fever is a common symptom of many illnesses, including influenza and Coronavirus, making a thermometer an essential household tool. Because temperature readings often involve direct contact with a sick person, thermometers should be cleaned before and after each use. If multiple people are using the same device, to avoid passing germs between people, you should wash and disinfect the thermometer between each and every use. To make sure you're sanitizing it safely, follow these instructions for cleaning digital and infrared versions.

How to Clean a Digital Thermometer

Typically the least expensive option, a digital thermometer ($10, Amazon) uses an electronic heat sensor to measure a person's body temperature in less than a minute. These can typically be used in the mouth, armpit, or rectum, but each device should be limited to only one type of use in order to prevent cross-contamination. To clean a thermometer, you'll need rubbing alcohol with at least 60 percent alcohol to effectively kill germs, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Then follow these instructions to clean and sanitize, before and after use:

1. Soak a cotton ball or pad in rubbing alcohol and use it to thoroughly coat the entire device. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean the inside any small crevices.
2. Allow the alcohol to air-dry on the thermometer to effectively kill germs.
3. You can rinse the device under cool water to remove any traces of alcohol, taking care not to wet the electronic elements, such as the display.
4. Let the thermometer air-dry completely before using or storing.

Alternatively, you can wash with soap and water, but take care not to submerge the electronic components, which can damage the device. You should also avoid using hot water to clean a thermometer, as this could damage the sensor that reads the temperature.

How to Clean an Infrared or Forehead Thermometer

This type of thermometer ($19, Amazon) uses an infrared sensor to measure body temperature in a few seconds through a forehead scan. Although many are designed to be used without touching skin, the device should be sanitized before and after each use, in case contact has occurred. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for guidance on cleaning your specific model, but follow these basic steps for cleaning a forehead thermometer:

• Clean the thermometer's sensor with a cotton ball or pad soaked in at least 60 percent rubbing alcohol. You can also use a bleach wipe or alcohol pad ($4, Walmart).
• Let the thermometer air-dry completely before using or storing.

Cleaning a thermometer is vital for avoiding the spread of germs between members of your household. With these tips, you'll be ready to take a safe, effective temperature reading whenever you need it.