Keeping your oven thermometer clean and in tip-top shape is essential for ensuring that your food is cooked safely and consistently.

So, whether you’re a home cook, enthusiast, or professional chef, you are going to want to clean your oven thermometer well and you’re going to want to clean it often.

Here Is How To Clean An Oven Thermometer:

  1. Remove the thermometer from the oven.
  2. Rinse the thermometer under clean, warm water to remove any food particles that may be stuck to its body.
  3. Using warm soapy water and a soft-bristle brush or sponge, gently scrub the thermometer.
  4. Rinse the thermometer with water again to remove any soapy residue, then dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Pro Tip: If you have some grimy buildup that is really baked in, you can make a paste out of baking soda and vinegar. This semi-abrasive oven cleaner will give you just enough scrub power and should be safe enough to not damage the surface.

As you can see, cleaning your oven thermometer can be done quickly and easily, so do it often to ensure it stays in top shape for a long time.

But, how often is it enough?

Oven thermometers can get dirty

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven Thermometer?

You should clean your oven thermometer at least once every month or so. Cleaning it regularly will yield better results and provide the full benefits of having a working oven thermometer.

As a general rule, the more you use your oven the dirtier your oven thermometer is likely to get. As such, if you use your oven frequently, you should clean your oven thermometer more frequently.

Conversely, the less often that you bake, roast, and broil, the less often that you should have the need to clean your oven thermometer.

Oven Thermometer Recommendation

Safe Leave in OvenThermometerLooking buy an oven thermometer that’s easy to use and easy to clean? Try the Easy-Read extra large oven thermometer (from Amazon). It is made out of stainless steel and has a 3-inch dial that can be easily read in the lowest of lights. We like this model because it can stand on the oven rack, hang, or be easily moved to where you need it. Since it is not a permanent fixture you can easily pull it out and clean it as often as needed.

Which Type Of Soap Should You Use For The Best Results?

You can use whichever soap you prefer to clean your oven thermometer. However, the milder the soap the better results you will experience. I personally use this biodegradable plant-based dish soap from Mrs. Meyers (from Amazon) because it is made without the addition of parabens or artificial colors.

As long as your chosen soap is effective at removing grease and grime, you should be fine. However, I would advise that you stay clear of harsh or abrasive chemicals as these can gradually wear out the thermometer and impair its ability to provide accurate readings.

Another common concern people have when it comes to cleaning their oven thermometers is whether they should wash them under running water.

Cleaning an Oven Thermometer Under Running Water
Cleaning an Oven Thermometer Under Running Water

Is It Safe To Wash An Oven Thermometer Under Running Water? 

Most oven thermometers will be fine if you wash them directly under running water; after all, they are made to withstand the elevated temperatures that are generated inside the oven during cooking.

Having said that, it is important that you take care while washing your oven thermometer under running water because some thermometers have delicate components that may be damaged by the force of a strong stream of water.

It is always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. But, if you are concerned about safely washing or cleaning your oven thermometer under running water, you can always clean it by wiping it down with a clean, damp cloth. Under most circumstances, this will be enough

If your oven thermometer is digital, you have to be extremely careful since the electronic components are going to be far more fragile than those in analog thermometers.

Last update on 2024-03-23 at 22:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API