A food thermometer is a must-have gadget in any kitchen. Without it, it’s difficult to know when the meat is cooked to the perfect internal temperature. However, here’s the thing most of people miss: properly washing and drying the thermometer after use is equally a must-do. You might just wipe it dry with the nearest dish towel or give it a shake and put it away, but these methods are not scientifically sound. The safest and most effective way to dry a thermometer is to let it air dry completely. Want to know why and how to air dry it? Keep reading to learn more.
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Can You Use a Meat Thermometer to Take Your Temperature?
How to Use a Wireless Meat Thermometer?
How Often Should a Food Thermometer Be Calibrated?
Why You Should Wash and Dry Thermometer After Each Use?
Much like your toothbrush, a thermometer accumulates germs, bacteria and viruses after each use, and if not cleaned promptly, these microorganisms can multiply. That’s why you need to wash and sanitize it before storing, especially if you use it to measure both raw and cooked meat, which is the easiest way to break the chain of infection and avoid cross-contamination.
Then, what about drying it? This might feel like an extra step, but leftover moisture can be a breeding ground for bacteria, defeating the entire purpose of cleaning it. Moreover, since thermometer is precision instrument, residual moisture on the probe can affect its accuracy, and in more serious cases, can lead to corrosion or rust.
Therefore, whether for food safety or to extend the lifespan of your thermometer, always remember to wash and dry it properly after each use, rather than as an afterthought.
How Should a Thermometer Be Dried After Washing?
You might not believe it, but the best and most straightforward way to dry a thermometer is air drying, not either wipe it with a towel, cloth, or paper towel. There’s no need for any special tools, simply:
- Give it a Gentle Shake. After the final sanitizing rinse, flick your wrist over the sink to shake off the big droplets. Be careful not to whack it against anything.
- Find a Clean Parking Spot. Place the thermometer on a clean, dry surface where it can stand upright or lie flat and won’t be disturbed by anything else. A dedicated clean-dish drying rack is perfect.
- Allow to Air Dry Completely. Just let it sit out in the open air, and evaporation will take care of the rest. Make sure your thermometer is completely dry before storing or using it. Any leftover moisture can cause inaccurate readings or even damage it.
How Not to Dry Your Thermometer?
Now, let’s talk about the shortcuts that can get you into trouble. We’ve all been tempted, but these methods come with hidden costs.
The Dish Towel Rub-Down. That handy towel hanging by your sink? It’s a lint factory and can be a haven for germs from earlier wipes. Using it on your clean probe can transfer fibers and bacteria right back onto it.
The Paper Towel Pat. While better than a cloth towel, paper towels can still leave behind tiny lint particles. They also aren’t sterile, and if the box has been open, they can collect dust. It’s a better-than-nothing option if you’re in a serious rush, but it’s not the best.
The Blow Dryer Blast. It might seem logical to speed things up with a blast of warm air. But hand dryers and hair dryers blow around all the dust, skin cells, and particles in the air, plastering them onto your freshly sanitized surface.
The “Just Put It Away” Method. This is the worst offender. Tucking a damp thermometer into a dark case or drawer is a guaranteed way to promote mold and bacterial growth. Please don’t do this.
How Long Does It Take for a Thermometer to Air Dry?
Not as long as you might think. In a kitchen with decent airflow, it usually only takes 10 to 30 minutes to dry completely. In most cases, an hour should be more than enough. However, if your kitchen is extremely humid, it might take longer.
The best way to check? If it’s cool and completely dry to the touch, you’re good. If you’re still unsure, let it air dry a bit longer.
Can You Wash Thermometer in Dishwasher?
For most instant-read thermometers, the answer is a resounding NO, unless the instruction manual explicitly states "Dishwasher-Safe." Both heat and water pressure can damage them.
However, newer models, such as the INKBIRD Wireless Thermometer, come with probes that are both waterproof and dishwasher-safe, meaning you can conveniently toss them in the dishwasher for cleaning. But not all wireless meat thermometer share this quality. Again, if it doesn’t explicitly state it's dishwasher-safe, assume it's not.
How to Store Thermometer After Drying?
Storage is about protection. A completely dry thermometer should be kept in a way that keeps it clean until its next use. If it came with a protective case, use it. That’s what it’s for. But if you’ve lost the original case, store it in a clean, dry drawer or a dedicated container away from splashes and clutter. Always avoid letting the probe get bent or banged around with other utensils.
