A method and an apparatus for sterilizing objects, such as animal cages, are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a sterilizing chamber for the objects. The apparatus includes a first air inlet in fluid communication with the sterilizing chamber, and a first air outlet in fluid communication with the sterilizing chamber. The first air inlet and the first air outlet are structured to be placed in fluid communication with a source of dry heat. A second air inlet is in fluid communication with the sterilizing chamber and a source of filtered air. A second air outlet in fluid communication with the sterilizing chamber and an exterior space outside of the sterilizing chamber. Dry heat flows in the first air inlet, over the objects in the sterilizing chamber, and out the first air outlet. Dampers are then closed to seal off the first air inlet and the first air outlet. After sterilization, dampers are opened in the second air inlet and the second air outlet, and cooling filtered air is directed in the second air inlet, over the objects in the sterilizing chamber, and out the second air outlet. Dampers can then be closed to seal off the second air inlet and the second air outlet to avoid contamination of the objects.
