How can lice be removed from clothing and linen? - briefly
Wash affected garments and linens in water of at least 130 °F (54 °C) for a minimum of ten minutes, then tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes. For items that cannot be heated, seal them in an airtight bag for two weeks to eliminate any surviving lice and nits.
How can lice be removed from clothing and linen? - in detail
Effective elimination of head‑lice infestations from textiles requires a combination of thermal, mechanical, and chemical actions. Each method targets the insect’s survival stages, ensuring that both adults and nits are destroyed.
Washing at high temperature represents the primary control measure. Use a washing machine set to at least 60 °C (140 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Detergent concentration should follow manufacturer recommendations; excessive dilution reduces efficacy. After washing, immediately transfer garments to a dryer operating at a minimum of 70 °C for 15 minutes. Heat exposure at these levels kills lice and prevents re‑infestation from residual eggs.
When fabrics cannot tolerate high temperatures, alternative strategies apply. Freezing offers a reliable non‑thermal option: place items in a sealed plastic bag and store at –20 °C (–4 °F) for at least 48 hours. The prolonged cold period disrupts the metabolic processes of both adult lice and nymphs, leading to mortality.
Mechanical removal complements thermal treatments. After laundering, inspect clothing and bedding for remaining nits using a fine‑toothed comb or a dedicated lice‑removal brush. Carefully slide the comb through each fiber, discarding any visible eggs. For delicate items, vacuum cleaning on a high‑suction setting can extract unattached insects; dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed container immediately.
Chemical interventions serve as a secondary line of defense when heat or freezing are impractical. Apply an approved insecticide spray labeled for textile use, following the product’s instructions regarding concentration, contact time, and ventilation. Ensure the fabric remains wet for the recommended duration, typically 10–15 minutes, before rinsing or air‑drying. Re‑treat after 7 days to address any hatchlings that may have survived the initial application.
Isolation of contaminated textiles prevents cross‑contamination. Store untreated clothing and linens in sealed plastic bags or airtight containers for a minimum of 2 weeks; this period exceeds the lice life cycle, allowing any surviving organisms to die without a host.
Summary of recommended procedures:
- Wash at ≥ 60 °C for ≥ 30 minutes; dry at ≥ 70 °C for ≥ 15 minutes.
- Freeze in sealed bags at ≤ –20 °C for ≥ 48 hours if heat‑sensitive.
- Comb or vacuum after laundering to remove residual nits.
- Apply textile‑safe insecticide, observe contact time, repeat after 7 days.
- Seal untreated items for ≥ 14 days to interrupt the life cycle.
Adhering to these steps eliminates lice from garments and bedding, reduces the risk of re‑infestation, and supports a comprehensive eradication program.