How to Disinfect Plush Toys

Washing Machine

• 1

  Place plush animals directly into the washing machine. Front load washers have a tendency to suck smaller plush toys into the drain tubes, so place toys that are smaller than your hand into a lingerie bag for safekeeping. You can substitute a pillowcase for a lingerie bag by tying the ends of the case together to create a bag.

• 2

  Add the appropriate amount of detergent and set the water cycle to "normal" with hot water.

• 3

  Remove the plush toy when the cycle completes and allow to air dry.

Surface Cleaning

• 4

  Mix a cleaning agent, such as laundry detergent, with hot water.

• 5

  Soak a sponge in the mixture and wipe, or blot, the surface of the plush toy. Do not saturate the toy; you want to clean the surface only and avoid wetting the interior stuffing.

• 6

  Wipe the surface with clean, hot water to remove the cleaning agent.

• 7

  Allow the plush toy to air dry completely.