
How To Clean Two Types For Safe Use
- Direct contact thermometers come into direct contact with your body
- Choose a brand that includes a special storage case or cap that fits over the portion of the thermometer that is placed inside the mouth or against the skin. Always keep it stored with the cap.
- Always clean after every single use, with hot water and soap.
- The probe should be sanitized by using alcohol wipes, wiping any remaining sanitizer with clean water
- Let the thermometer either air dry or wipe the surface of the thermometer completely dry with a clean disposable towel. Avoid using a dishrag or kitchen towel to dry your thermometer since cloth towels are more likely to house germs and bacteria than disposables.
- Instant read thermometers (or infrared thermometers) offer quick and accurate readings without having to make any direct contact with the sick person’s skin.
- Wipe off the surfaces of an instant-read thermometer with an alcohol wipe or a cotton ball soaked with alcohol to eliminate any chance of accidental contamination.
- Wipe down after every use to remain clean and sanitized. WikiHow, Smart Home Keeping
Taking Temperatures

- Do health checks every morning and every night
- Take your temperature and/or that of family members being cared for
- In addition to fever, watch for any other symptoms of COVID-19, including cough or difficulty breathing.
- Keep track of temperature and any symptoms
- Write family members’ temperatures and symptoms that need monitoring.
- Before you Take Your Temperature
- Wait 30 minutes after eating, drinking, or exercising.
- Wait at least 6 hours after taking medicines that can lower your temperature, like: Acetaminophen, (also called paracetamol) , Ibuprofen, or Aspirin
- Turn the thermometer on by pressing the button near the screen.
- Hold the tip of the thermometer under your tongue until it beeps. Do not bite the thermometer.
- Read your temperature on the screen. If your temperature is 100.4°F/38°C or higher, you have a fever.
- Write the temperature down.
- Clean your thermometer with soap, water and alcohol and dry it well.
PLEASE NOTE: For infants and children younger than 4 years old, use an age-appropriate thermometer such as an ear thermometer. If you do not have one, use a regular thermometer by placing it under the child’s arm in the center of the armpit.
For the armpit method, if the child’s temperature is 99.4°F/37.4°C or higher, they have a fever. Tell the public health worker that you are taking the child’s temperature this way.
- Put the tip of the thermometer in an armpit. Make sure the armpit is dry.
- Close the armpit by holding the elbow against the chest. Do this until it beeps (about 10 seconds)