How to Disinfect Stuffed Animals in the Dishwasher

Stuffed animals require regular cleaning to keep them germ free.

A beloved stuffed animal becomes a breeding ground for germs and bacteria when hugged by a sick child. During cold and flu season, it's important to include the cleaning and disinfecting of stuffed animals in your germ-removal process. Germs and bacteria on washable stuffed animals can be disinfected in many ways, including the use of your dishwasher. Heat and detergent in the dishwasher successfully cleans and disinfects surfaces other than dishes, including toothbrushes and hair combs. Stuffed animals can be added to the list of items easily disinfected in the dishwasher.

Things You'll Need

• Dishwasher detergent
• White vinegar
• Drying rack

Instructions

1. Place the stuffed animals in a single layer on the top rack of the dishwasher.

2. Add liquid dishwasher detergent to the detergent compartment of the dishwasher. Fill the rinse agent reservoir with white vinegar to boost the germ-killing process.

3. Run the dishwasher with the hottest water possible to kill germs and sanitize the stuffed animals. Do not use a heated drying setting.

4. Remove the stuffed animals from the dishwasher and wring any excess water out of them in the sink.

5. Set up a drying rack in a sunny location inside or outdoors. Place the stuffed animals on the drying rack to air dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Use these steps to clean stuffed animals for children or pets.

• Clean plastic, water-safe toys in the same manner.

• Stuffed toys that cannot be washed in the washing machine or dishwasher should be sealed in a plastic trash bag for one to two weeks to kill germs and bacteria.

References

• Real Simple: Clean a Nursery of Child's Bedroom Checklist
• Next Day Pets; Dog Toy Maintenance; Honor Tarpenning
• Reader's Digest: 150+ Household Uses for Vinegar: Soften Fabrics, Kill Bacteria, Eliminate Static and More