How to Sanitize a Thermometer

This season, parents may find themselves using thermometers more than usual. That’s because two serious viruses—seasonal influenza and the coronavirus (COVID-19)—often manifest with a fever. But did you know that dirty thermometers can spread disease-causing bacteria between members of your household? 

“If the thermometer is being used on the same person each time, there is no need for sterilization,” explains Dr. Robert Frenck, Medical Director, Division of Infectious Diseases at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. But if it’s used on multiple people, you should take measures to kill germs and bacteria before each use—even if everyone’s temperature reads normal.

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Here’s how to clean digital, rectal, forehead, and ear thermometers. 

"If you’re using a digital thermometer, it’s best to wipe the thermometer down with rubbing alcohol or a bleach wipe and let the thermometer dry,” says Dr. Frenck. Here are the steps:

1. Choose a rubbing alcohol with at least 60 percent alcohol, since that’s most effective at killing bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dowse a cotton pad or ball with rubbing alcohol. You can also grab a bleach wipe.
2. Coat the entire body of the thermometer with the disinfectant solution, making sure to rub it in thoroughly.
3. Rinse the thermometer in cool running water to eliminate traces of alcohol. Avoid wetting the digital components, such as the display. If you want to clean these parts, wipe them with a damp cloth.
4. Let the digital thermometer air dry before putting away. Wiping with a towel could reintroduce bacteria.

As an alternative, you can use soap and water. But again, you shouldn’t submerge the digital components, since this could damage the device, says Dr. Frenck. 

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You'll probably choose a digital rectal thermometer before your child turns 3. Use the rubbing alcohol method outlined above for digital thermometers (although soap and water works as well, as long as you don’t submerge the device). Make sure to clean rectal thermometers before and after using. 

Also, to be safe, you shouldn't use the same thermometer rectally and orally, even if the packaging says you can use it both ways, says Jennifer Shu, M.D., coauthor of Heading Home with Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality.  Label the one you only use rectally so that you don't make a mistake.

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These thermometers gauge temperature externally—usually on the forehead—and they’re a great option for those with finicky children. Some products work without directly touching the skin, but you should still sanitize them before and after each use. Clean the sensor with a cotton ball or pad soaked with rubbing alcohol; it should have at least 60 percent alcohol volume. Bleach or alcohol wipes also work. Let the thermometer dry before putting it away. 

As the name suggests, ear thermometers are inserted into the ear canal to read temperature. Wipe the tiny sensor with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, and ten let dry. You can also wipe the body of the thermometer with a slightly damp cloth—but again, you should avoid submerging in water to prevent damage. 

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