Boiling water kills the germs in the water, and it also can kill germs on surfaces of items submerged in the boiling water. Using moist heat is an excellent method of sterilization, which is why boiling baby bottles for five minutes is a recommended practice to sterilize the them.

How long do you have to boil water to sterilize it?

Boiling is sufficient to kill pathogenic bacteria, viruses and protozoa (WHO, 2015). If water is cloudy, let it settle and filter it through a clean cloth, paperboiling water towel, or coffee filter. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute.

Does boiling water kill all germs?

Does boiling water kill bacteria? Yes, boiling water kills bacteria as well as other pathogens. ... According to the World Health Organization (view pdf), “water temperature of 158°F (70°C) will reduce (or kill) 99.999% of bacteria, protozoa, and viruses.”