How can lice be removed from items? - briefly
Wash fabrics in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) and dry on high heat for 20 minutes; alternatively, seal items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. For non‑washable objects, apply an approved pediculicide spray or freeze at –20 °C for several days.
How can lice be removed from items? - in detail
Lice infestations extend beyond the scalp; clothing, bedding, and personal items can harbor viable eggs and nymphs. Effective decontamination requires eliminating any stage of the parasite through heat, isolation, or approved chemical agents.
Heat is the most reliable method. Temperatures of 130 °F (54 °C) sustained for at least 5 minutes destroy eggs and adult insects. Washable fabrics should be placed in a dryer on high heat for 20 minutes after a hot‑water wash (≥130 °F). Non‑washable textiles, such as coats or delicate curtains, can be sealed in a heavy‑duty plastic bag and left untouched for at least two weeks; the lack of a viable host will cause the insects to die.
For items that cannot tolerate high temperatures, chemical treatment is appropriate. Use a lice‑specific spray or powder that lists permethrin or pyrethrin as the active ingredient; follow the manufacturer’s contact time, typically 10–15 minutes, then wipe or vacuum the treated surface. Afterward, rinse or launder the item if possible to remove residual chemicals.
Typical household objects and the recommended actions:
- Clothing, socks, sheets, pillowcases – machine wash in hot water (≥130 °F), tumble dry on high heat for 20 minutes.
- Hairbrushes, combs, hats, scarves – soak in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry on a clean towel.
- Stuffed toys, plush items – place in a plastic bag for 48 hours, or wash according to the label on the highest safe temperature; alternatively, freeze at 0 °F (‑18 °C) for 24 hours.
- Car upholstery, seat covers – vacuum thoroughly, then apply a lice‑approved aerosol, allowing the recommended dwell time before wiping with a damp cloth.
- Shoes, boots – insert a heat‑generating packet (e.g., silica gel) and seal in a bag for 48 hours; for leather, use a lice‑safe spray after cleaning the surface.
Items that cannot be laundered, heated, or chemically treated should be discarded if infestation risk is high. This includes worn‑out hats, damaged clothing, or heavily soiled fabric that cannot be sanitized.
Preventive practices reduce the need for repeated decontamination: store clean clothing in sealed containers, avoid sharing personal accessories, and conduct regular inspections of high‑risk items after an outbreak. Maintaining these protocols limits reinfestation and ensures that all belongings remain free of viable lice stages.