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How to Degerm a Used Stuffed Animal

Purchasing used stuffed animals can seem like a bargain -- until your child comes down with a nasty virus. Protect your child as well as save money by degerming used stuffed animals so they are not spreading germs or bacteria. Toys that are borrowed from school or daycare friends should also be degermed, even if the toys will be with your child temporarily. However, when borrowing used toys, check the label to make sure you can clean the toy without ruining it, or you may find yourself in a sticky situation.

Things You'll Need

Pillowcase
Mild laundry detergent
Washing machine
Clothes dryer
Hair dryer (optional)
Antibacterial spray

Instructions

Machine Washable
- 1
  Place the stuffed animals in a pillowcase. Tie a knot in the open end of the pillowcase.
- 2
  Add the pillowcase to the washing machine. Turn the washing machine on small load to use the least amount of water and the cold-water setting. Allow the washing machine to fill with water before adding 1/8 cup mild detergent to the water.
- 3
  Wash and rinse the stuffed animals.
- 4
  Place the bag of stuffed animals in the drier and turn it on low heat. Dry the animals for 10 minutes. Look at the animals to see if they are being damaged from the drier, and if not continue drying for 10 additional minutes. Otherwise, allow the stuffed animals to air-dry in a warm place or use a hair dryer set on low to dry them.
Antibacterial Spray
- 5
  Surface-clean the stuffed animal if it cannot be machine-washed.
- 6
  Spray an antibacterial spray over the entire surface of the stuffed animal.
- 7
  Place the stuffed animal in a warm place to allow it to air-dry.

Stuffed Animals