How do you clean a glass thermometer?

Have you ever had a thermometer that looked like it had gone through the ringer? Were you convinced there was no possible way to clean it? Well, have no fear, because cleaning your glass thermometer is not as difficult as it may seem.

Tools of The Trade

First things first, let’s talk about what you need to get started. While some people might be tempted to use their spit and an old t-shirt, we promise that using actual cleaning supplies will provide better results. Here are a few options:

• Rubbing alcohol
• Warm water
• Dish soap
• Cotton swabs
• Gloves (if necessary)

Now before we jump into how to properly clean your thermometer with these items, we should note that different situations require different cleaning methods.

Normal Day-to-Day Cleaning

For most day-to-day usage scenarios (and if all you have on the thermometer tip is saliva or earwax), wiping down the delicate instrument with rubbing alcohol is sufficient enough. Simply dip a cotton ball in some rubbing alcohol and gently wipe off any residue on both sides of the device. Voila!
However, sometimes accidents happen…

When Things Get Sticky

You know when your significant other makes dinner for the first time and insists on checking whether their culinary masterpiece has hit 165°F inside while cooking? And in doing so they inevitably end up spilling some sauce or oil onto your beloved thermometer creating six weeks worth of build-up overnight (just me?) In this case…

It’s time to break out something stronger than just rubbing alcohol…

Soapy Solution

Using warm soapy water can power through more stubborn grime than just plain ol’ H2O. Make sure NOT to use any strong alkaline or acidic solutions as they can cause the thermometer to be inaccurate. Any mild dish detergent will suffice. Dip a soft sponge in the solution, and gently clean off any residue on both sides of your thermometer tip until you see clear glass again.

Say Goodbye To Stubborn Residue

But what if both of those choices don’t work? Fear not dear friend, there is one more area we haven’t tapped into yet utilizing… rubbing alcohol AGAIN!
Take note that this method must be done with extra precaution (and gloves).

You’ll Need:

• A bowl
• Isopropyl Alcohol
• Water

Mix one-part water with one-part 91% isopropyl alcohol in a bowl.

Dip the temperature probe end of your glass thermometer only into the mixture using circular motions until you see all remaining gunk removed from any crevices around it. Inspect between each cleaning session for areas still requiring further upkeep and repeat steps as needed. Rinse well after completion with distilled water and let air dry

If things are still looking rough go ahead, throw this tool out like last week’s trash but remember to recycle properly first!

The Dos And Don’ts When Cleaning A Glass Thermometer

To sum up some key dos and don’ts when dealing with sensitive but important objects such as thermometers:

Do	Don’t
Wear gloves (we know we said it twice, just wearing them once isn’t enough)	Use excessive force
Clean immediately after usage (if possible)	Use toothbrushes or scratchy materials
Take caution	Mix acids/bases together
Use mild detergents	Clean batteries with the same solution that cleaned the thermometer

Bonus Tips

How To Tell If Your Thermometer Is Accurate

Has your thermometer been giving you some strange readings lately? Here’s an easy way to check if it’s still working properly:

Prepare a bowl of ice water by putting both elements into one container. Wait for five minutes and insert it in the mixture until extra agitation around the tip stops. You should see 0°C (or lower) as a reading indicating proper functionality.

Storing Your Glass Thermometer

After you finish cleaning, resist throwing your freshly washed glass device back into a drawer – this may result in damages or defects from handling or storage over time. Keep it separate in its plastic casing away from other tools accustomed to undergoing fraternizations such as hammers, pliers or wrenches!

In Conclusion…

Overall, cleaning a glass thermometer is quite simple! Don’t let any initial build-up discourage you because most stains on thermometers are usually temporary (unless yours now has six weeks worth of spaghetti sauce like mine did) just remember to try using rubbing alcohol first before upgrading methods – discretion is key!