I too use the bathtub for the submersibles. And as for the drying, well that's what the weekend is for! lol. I don't do this every week, as a result. For disinfecting, mostly, I use diluted rubbing alcohol. Bleach and other chemicals are toxic and leave residue that you have to rinse off. Alcohol kills all and then evaporates away. Board books are wipe able. Paper books usually have plasticized covers you can wipe too. You washed barbies in the machine? Aren't they submersible too? Ok. Stuffed animals and soft dolls, sure, actually, it is soon time for that for me because I like to hang these out to dry on the line in warm weather.