I collected some beautiful lichen covered branches yesterday. Want to sanitize them without killing the lichen. Can I bake it in the oven, or just soak it in clear de-chlor water? The lichen is soooo pretty I don't want to wreck it.

I don't know the type of branch. Is it maybe not worth the risk? I can always use the branches for something else I suppose. Just want to be safe. They were collected from a park so no chemical stuff should be present. I just want to make sure there's no weird fungal stuff. Suggestions?