Do not over do it with the soap. 1/2 the measure is sufficient. If a stuffed animal has long or acryillic/ nylon type fur, air dry, do not put in the dryer. Do not use bleach, but you can add 1/2 up white vinegar in the wash water if they smell bad. Only use 1/2 measure of softener, or none at all. It is best to air dry most all of the toys you wash.

UNplug the HEATER if you have one. An aquarium heater will break if not in water! This is for your tank only, am assuming you have already netted your fish/ snails/ other creatures and put them into a suitable container. I use a 5 gallon bucket, it also holds my tank cleaning supplies when I am not using them. Leave your filter dirty, but unplug it, you will need the beneficial bacteria to recycle your tank. IF you had a disease problem, then you must clean your filter and use new...