How can lice be killed from clothing? - briefly
Lice and nits are eliminated by washing garments in water at 130 °F (54 °C) or hotter and drying on the highest heat setting for at least 20 minutes. Sealing items in an airtight bag for two weeks or applying a lice‑specific insecticidal spray also provides complete control.
How can lice be killed from clothing? - in detail
Lice that have transferred onto fabrics can be eradicated through thermal, chemical, and isolation techniques. Each method targets the insect’s ability to survive outside a host, ensuring complete removal from clothing items.
Thermal elimination
- Wash garments in water at a minimum of 130 °F (54 °C) for at least 10 minutes.
- Use a dryer on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes; temperatures above 120 °F (49 °C) are lethal to both lice and their eggs.
- For items that cannot be machine‑washed, apply a steam iron for 5 minutes on each side, ensuring the fabric reaches the same temperature range.
Cold‑shock method
- Place non‑washable clothing in a sealed plastic bag and freeze at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 48 hours. The prolonged exposure to sub‑zero temperatures kills all life stages.
Chemical treatment
- Soak fabrics in a solution containing 0.5 % permethrin, pyrethrin, or a similar EPA‑registered insecticide, following the manufacturer’s dilution guidelines.
- Allow the solution to remain on the material for the specified contact time (usually 10–15 minutes) before rinsing thoroughly.
- For delicate fabrics, apply a spray formulated for textiles, ensuring even coverage.
Isolation and disposal
- Seal infested items in airtight bags for at least two weeks; lice cannot survive without a host beyond 48 hours, but extended isolation guarantees no residual eggs hatch.
- Discard items that cannot be decontaminated by heat, cold, or chemicals, placing them in sealed containers before removal from the premises.
Precautions
- Verify that all heat‑based processes meet the required temperature thresholds; low‑temperature cycles are ineffective.
- Use gloves and protective eyewear when handling insecticidal solutions.
- Label treated garments to avoid accidental reuse before the process is complete.
By applying these procedures—high‑temperature washing and drying, prolonged freezing, appropriate insecticidal exposure, or strict isolation—clothing can be rendered free of lice and their eggs.