How to Clean and Disinfect a Thermometer

Thermometers are handy devices for checking your body temperature and monitoring your health. But they can also spread germs, so cleaning and disinfecting thermometers after each use is important.

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Use as directed.

Cleaning and disinfecting a thermometer after use, especially if you share it with others, is important to help stop the spread of germs. A diluted bleach and water solution made with Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach is easy to use to disinfect thermometers and kill bacteria and viruses that cause illness, including the virus that causes Covid-19. Here are a few easy steps to get started.

What you need

Steps to clean and disinfect a thermometer

  1. Preclean surface before disinfecting

    Use the dish detergent to wash the thermometer, then rinse.

    Tip

    If the thermometer is digital, make sure it is turned off and avoid getting moisture in the battery compartment or on the display.

  2. Mix the bleach and water solution

    Measure 1 gallon of water into a large bowl, then add 1/3 cup Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach into a bucket or large bowl and stir to mix.

  3. Apply the bleach and water solution

    Use a clean washcloth to wipe the bleach solution onto the thermometer as needed to keep the surface wet for 6 minutes.

    Tip

    A glass thermometer can soak in the bleach solution for the required time; avoid getting the bleach solution onto electronic displays or buttons on digital thermometers.

  4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water

    After 6 minutes, rinse the thermometer with clean water to remove any bleach residue. If the thermometer is digital, avoid exposing displays, buttons or the battery compartment to rinse water.

  5. Air dry

    Let the thermometer air dry completely before storing it.

    Tip

    If you need to use the thermometer immediately after washing, bleaching and rinsing, you can dry it off with a clean cloth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store my thermometer properly?

Store your thermometer in a clean, dry place away from heat sources when not in use.