How to Sanitize Stuffed Toys

Wash stuffed animals and dolls without much decoration in the washing machine on the hot cycle. Dry them in a hot dryer. A half-hour in each will kill all germs.

Delicate animals such as stuffed horses that have long manes and tails can be put inside a pillowcase with the end tied shut. Keep them in the pillowcase in both the washer and dryer. This will preserve their looks and keep their fur from knotting while sanitizing them.

Place stuffed animals in a large garbage bag as another option. This method works better for someone without a washer and dryer whose child has a large collection of stuffed toys. Seal the bag shut with a twist tie. While some people keep the bag closed for two weeks, many school nurses recommend putting it away for 30 days. This kills lice by depriving them of food.

When the 30 days are over, open the bag. Remove stuffed animals one at a time. Vacuum each carefully with a hose attachment to remove dead lice from fur.

Buy one of the commercially prepared sanitizing sprays. Because young children often put stuffed animals in their mouths, read the labels carefully to make sure you choose one that is non-toxic and safe for children. If you're trying to rid a child's hair of lice, make sure the spray guarantees to eliminate lice rather than germs in general. Sanitizing sprays are fine for older children with stuffed animals.