Meat Thermometer Care Guide — Clean, Store & Maintain
Everything you need to know to keep your meat thermometer accurate and lasting for years.
Wipe with hot soapy water
Use a clean cloth or paper towel with dish soap and hot water. Wipe from the probe tip toward the handle — never dip the handle in water.
Sanitize with alcohol swab
Swipe with a 70% isopropyl alcohol pad. Allow to air-dry for 30 seconds before probing again. This kills bacteria left behind by soap.
Check for food residue
Inspect the probe tip. Any residue can affect accuracy and harbor bacteria. Reclean if needed.
Dry before storing
Never store a wet probe. Moisture accelerates corrosion of the probe tip, which reduces accuracy over time.
Store in the sleeve or case
The protective sleeve or sheath that came with your thermometer prevents the probe tip from damage. Bent or dented probe tips read inaccurately.
Keep away from extreme heat
Don't store in a spot that gets very hot (near the stove, in a hot car). Heat can degrade the probe's calibration and damage the display.
Replace batteries proactively
Low battery voltage affects digital thermometers' accuracy before the display dies. Replace batteries at the start of grilling season.
Check calibration seasonally
Use the ice water test (should read 32°F) or boiling water test at the start of each season. See our Thermometer Calibration Tester tool.
Never submerge the handle in water
Most digital thermometers are not fully waterproof. Water infiltration damages the electronics and can cause erratic readings.
Never use in an oven or grill unless rated for it
Only leave-in probe thermometers with heat-rated cables are designed to remain in a hot oven or grill. An instant-read thermometer left in a hot grill will be damaged.
Never use the same probe on raw and cooked meat without cleaning
Cross-contamination from raw to cooked meat is a major food safety risk. Always clean and sanitize between uses.
Never store with the probe bent
Bent probe tips change the location of the temperature sensor inside and cause inaccurate readings. Store flat or in the original case.
Frequently Asked Questions
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