How can a sofa be treated for lice at home?

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How can a sofa be treated for lice at home? - briefly
Vacuum the sofa, steam‑clean the upholstery, and launder any removable covers in hot water. Apply an approved lice‑specific insecticide spray to the dried surface and allow it to cure as directed.

How can a sofa be treated for lice at home? - in detail
A lice infestation on upholstered furniture requires a systematic approach that eliminates both the insects and their eggs. The following steps outline a complete home‑based protocol.

Isolation and preparation

Remove all removable covers, cushions, and throws.
Seal them in plastic bags for at least 48 hours; lice cannot survive without a host for longer than this period.
Vacuum the entire sofa, focusing on seams, crevices, and the underside of cushions. Use a brush attachment to dislodge any hidden nits. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and dispose of it.

Heat treatment

Apply a portable steam cleaner set to a temperature of 212 °F (100 °C).
Slowly move the steam nozzle over every surface, paying special attention to stitching, folds, and the back of the sofa. The high temperature kills both adult lice and their eggs on contact.
Allow the sofa to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Chemical option (optional)

Choose a lice‑specific insecticide labeled for fabric use, such as a permethrin‑based spray.
Test a small, inconspicuous area for discoloration or damage.
Lightly mist the entire upholstery, avoiding saturation. Follow the product’s dwell time, usually 10 minutes, then ventilate the room thoroughly.

Secondary cleaning

After the chemical or steam treatment, repeat vacuuming to remove any residual debris.
Wash all removable fabrics in hot water (≥130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.

Prevention

Keep the sofa covered with a tightly woven, washable slipcover.
Perform weekly vacuuming and periodic steam cleaning during an outbreak.
Limit direct head contact with the furniture until the infestation is fully resolved.

By following this sequence—isolating removable items, employing heat, optionally using a labeled insecticide, and maintaining rigorous cleaning—homeowners can eradicate lice from a sofa without professional intervention.