How can I get rid of clothing lice in clothing? - briefly
Wash all affected garments in water at least 60 °C and tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes, then seal any items that cannot be heated in an airtight bag for several weeks to starve remaining lice. If heat treatment is impractical, apply an approved lice‑specific insecticide spray according to label directions and keep the clothing isolated until the product dries.
How can I get rid of clothing lice in clothing? - in detail
Effective eradication of lice that have colonized garments requires a systematic approach that combines thermal treatment, chemical control, and environmental sanitation.
Thermal methods destroy all life stages of the parasite. Wash affected items in hot water at a minimum temperature of 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Follow with a high‑heat dryer cycle lasting 20 minutes or longer. For fabrics that cannot be machine‑washed, place them in a sealed plastic bag and expose to direct sunlight for several hours, ensuring temperatures exceed 50 °C (122 °F).
Chemical treatment provides an additional safeguard. Apply an insecticide specifically labeled for clothing lice, such as a pyrethrin‑based spray, to dry, unwashed items. Follow the product’s instructions regarding concentration, contact time, and ventilation. After treatment, store the garments in airtight containers for 48 hours to allow residual activity.
Environmental sanitation prevents re‑infestation. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and mattress surfaces thoroughly, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister immediately. Clean hair‑brushes, combs, and personal accessories with hot, soapy water. Wash bedding, towels, and other textiles that have been in contact with the infested clothing using the same hot‑water protocol.
A concise checklist summarises the required actions:
- Wash contaminated garments in water ≥ 60 °C, 30 minutes.
- Dry on high heat, ≥ 20 minutes.
- Apply approved insecticidal spray to dry items; observe label directions.
- Seal treated items in airtight containers for 48 hours.
- Vacuum all surrounding fabrics and dispose of vacuum contents.
- Launder bedding, towels, and related textiles using hot‑water cycle.
If infestation persists after repeated cycles, consult a professional pest‑control service for advanced treatment options, such as fogging or specialized residual sprays. Prompt execution of the outlined procedures eliminates the parasite and reduces the risk of future outbreaks.