How and with what should bedding be treated for lice? - briefly
Wash all sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress covers in water at 130 °F (54 °C) or hotter and dry them on the highest heat setting for at least 20 minutes. For items that cannot be laundered, apply a lice‑approved spray or steam‑clean them thoroughly.
How and with what should bedding be treated for lice? - in detail
Treating linens that have been exposed to head‑lice requires a systematic approach that eliminates both live insects and their eggs. Prompt action prevents re‑infestation because nits can survive several days without a host.
First, remove all bedding from the sleeping area. Separate sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress protectors, placing them in sealed plastic bags if they cannot be launched immediately. This containment stops lice from migrating to other surfaces.
Wash each item in hot water. The temperature must reach at least 130 °F (54 °C) for a minimum of 10 minutes; this level destroys both adult lice and nits. Use a regular detergent; adding a small amount of white vinegar or an enzymatic cleaner does not hinder effectiveness. Run a full wash cycle rather than a quick‑wash setting to ensure thorough saturation.
Dry the laundered fabrics on the highest heat setting available. A dryer cycle of at least 30 minutes at 135 °F (57 °C) guarantees that any surviving eggs are killed. If a dryer is unavailable, place items in direct sunlight for several hours; ultraviolet exposure combined with heat reduces survivability, though it is less reliable than mechanical drying.
When washing is impractical, apply alternative methods:
- Steam cleaning: Use a handheld steamer delivering steam at 212 °F (100 °C). Direct the jet onto all surfaces of the bedding for at least 5 seconds per spot; the heat penetrates fibers and neutralizes eggs.
- Freezing: Seal items in airtight bags and store them at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 72 hours. Extreme cold kills lice and nits, but the process requires a freezer large enough to accommodate the bedding.
- Chemical treatment: Apply an EPA‑registered lice spray formulated for fabrics. Follow the label’s concentration and contact‑time instructions precisely; rinse after the recommended period to avoid residue buildup.
After treatment, protect the mattress and pillows with zippered, lint‑free encasements designed to block insects. These covers should be left on for at least two weeks, the typical lifespan of a newly hatched nymph, then washed and inspected before removal.
Maintain a schedule of weekly laundering of all sleep‑related textiles at the specified temperature. Combine this routine with regular visual inspections of hair and clothing to detect any resurgence early. Consistent execution of these steps eliminates lice from bedding and minimizes the risk of future outbreaks.