Safety of Used Cat Toys/Scratching Posts?

Our local SPCA has a bunch of donated cat toys and scratching posts. We were told today we could have some if we wanted. I haven't seen them yet, so not sure what types.

My question is this: How safe (from carrying disease or bacteria) would these items be? Is free cat furniture worth any possible risks? What could I do to clean/disinfect any non-plastic items just to be on the safe side? Would scrubbing carpeted areas with bleach and water be sufficient?

that is a good question. I'm always very leary of used kitty items. Hopefully someone else on the board will be able to put both our minds at ease!

I would use 1/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water and a carpet shampooer. Use the hottest water you can. You may just want to replace the carpet and rope bits and bleach the wood pieces.

bump

Does anyone else have thoughts on this?

I know the bleach will kill ringworm spores and most virus and bacteria. The hot water should kill any parasite eggs or larva. I thought Mary Anne might know something too. Oh well at least this will bump it up again!