How can clothing and bedding be treated for lice and nits at home? - briefly
Wash all fabrics in hot water (at least 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat for 20 minutes; items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight bags for two weeks or placed in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 24 hours. Afterwards, vacuum the area, clean surfaces with a disinfectant, and repeat the process if any live insects are found.
How can clothing and bedding be treated for lice and nits at home? - in detail
Treating garments and linens for head‑lice infestations requires a combination of temperature, chemical, and isolation methods to eradicate both live insects and their eggs.
First, separate all washable items from non‑washable ones. Place clothing, sheets, pillowcases, towels, and stuffed toys in the hottest water the fabric can tolerate, typically 130 °F (54 °C) or higher. Run a full wash cycle lasting at least 30 minutes. Immediately transfer the items to a dryer set on high heat for 20 minutes; the heat penetrates fibers and kills any remaining stages.
For items that cannot endure high temperatures, use a sealed‑plastic bag method. Place the objects in a zip‑lock bag, remove excess air, and store them in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for a minimum of 48 hours. Freezing destroys lice and nits when the temperature is sustained throughout the period.
If freezing or heat is impractical, apply a lice‑specific spray or powder approved for fabrics. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring even coverage and allowing the recommended contact time before laundering. After treatment, wash the items as described above to remove residual chemicals.
Non‑washable fabrics such as delicate dresses, coats, or upholstery should be sealed in airtight containers for two weeks. Lice cannot survive beyond 48 hours without a host, and the extended isolation prevents re‑infestation.
Additional precautions include:
- Vacuuming mattresses, carpets, and upholstered furniture; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Cleaning hair‑brushes, combs, and hats by soaking them in hot water (≥130 °F) for 10 minutes or placing them in a sealed bag for two weeks.
- Avoiding direct contact between treated items and untreated clothing until the isolation period ends.
By combining high‑temperature washing, controlled freezing, targeted chemical treatment, and proper isolation, all clothing and bedding can be rendered free of lice and their eggs without professional intervention.