4 ms·how do you boil water properly? minimum period of time?by berberous 8y agohow do you boil water properly? minimum period of time?balls187 8y agoyes. Get it a rolling boil, and hold it for at least a minute. Longer at higher altitude.ams6110 8y agoVery little is going to survive once it's over 160 degrees (F). That's "well done" for meat.