How to Sanitize Stuffed Animals
Sanitizing stuffed animals is often times necessary considering children take their stuffed animals everywhere with them. Fortunately, sanitizing such toys is relatively easy to accomplish. Simple cleaning supplies, including a steam cleaner, bleach and rubbing alcohol, sanitize without damaging the toys.
First: Steam clean
Although many consider the first route to sanitation is through the washer and dryer machines, there remains another method that are best attempted first. A simple steam cleaner, once applied to the surface of the stuffed animal, kills the most basic of germs that often rest on the toy's surface. Parents find this option the easiest and quickest method to freshen up the stuffed animal.
Second: Wash and bleach
Soaking the stuffed animal in a solution of water and bleach provides a deeper, more effective clean of the stuffed animal. Only a small portion of bleach should be used though so as not to permanently damage the toy. After the toy soaks for a few minutes, a gentle scrub eliminates whatever germs and dirt remain. This remains an effective approach for those who have more time to sanitize the toy.
Third: Rubbing alcohol
Lastly, a light spray of rubbing alcohol sufficiently cleans the stuffed animal. While the previous methods provide a deeper clean of the toy, this last method kills the most stubborn of bacteria. The rubbing alcohol residue does not harm children either. It merely acts as a last defense against approaching germs. After the toy dries for a few minutes, it is ready for play once again!