How can you clean a house of lice and nits? - briefly
Wash all clothing, bedding, and washable fabrics in water above 130 °F (54 °C) or dry‑clean them, then vacuum carpets, upholstery, and drapes thoroughly, discarding the vacuum bag afterward; apply an EPA‑registered lice spray to non‑washable surfaces and seal them in airtight containers for two weeks to eradicate any remaining nits.
How can you clean a house of lice and nits? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations from a home requires a systematic approach that targets both live insects and their eggs (nits). Begin by treating all affected persons with a proven pediculicide, following product instructions precisely to ensure complete ovicidal action. After treatment, wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used during the previous 48 hours in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight plastic bags for two weeks, a period that exceeds the life cycle of lice.
Next, address the environment:
- Vacuum all carpeted floors, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after use.
- Clean hard surfaces (floors, countertops, door handles) with a disinfectant containing ethanol or isopropyl alcohol at a concentration of 70 % or higher.
- Wash hair accessories, combs, and brushes in hot, soapy water; soak for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry.
- Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on dry hair for at least 10 minutes per person, repeating every 2–3 days for two weeks to remove any surviving eggs.
For items that cannot be heat‑treated, such as delicate fabrics or stuffed toys, place them in a sealed bag and expose them to a freezer set at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 24 hours, then return to normal storage. This temperature kills both lice and nits.
Finally, maintain vigilance by inspecting all household members twice weekly for a month. Repeat the combing procedure and environmental cleaning if any live insects or viable nits are detected. Consistent application of these steps eradicates the infestation and prevents re‑colonization.