How do you disinfect stuffed animals, dolls, etc. after your kids have been sick?

[neesek]

We have been fighting virus after virus since November, and they are all three sick right now. When they are all better, I want to disinfect everything, but a lot of their things (i.e. Webkinz, electronic items) say surface washable only. Do you go ahead and wash it all anyway or is there a better way?

TIA

[Tammy]

nt

[Cathy in IL]

I know when we were eliminating dust mites, the doctor said to freeze any stuffed toys we could not wash. I would think it could kill germs too, but I guess if they have batteries or something that may not work either. I wonder if it would help to blow dry the animals and let the heat disinfect them? Just guessing really.

[j.griff]

I always have just went ahead and washed plush toys- but I figure if they are ruined (fall apart) I'll just toss them. If you're not willing to toss them I might be a bit more hesitant. Actually, a couple of beanie babies of my dd's needed to be washed, and I hand washed them in cold water with Woolite, let them air dry for a bit, then threw them in the dryer a load of towels on the low heat setting. They turned out fine. If it's electronic, I'd see if I could remove the voice box and wash it by hand or machine on delicate, but if it's wired throughout I'd probably just surface wash.

[sdWTMer]

I was thinking that if you have a nice, sunny clear day; you could put them out in the sun. ?!?!

[mcconnellboys]

If I can't wash it, I spray it down heavily with Lysol.

Regena