How can you eliminate lice at home using vinegar?

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How can you eliminate lice at home using vinegar? - briefly
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply to the scalp, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then comb out nits with a fine-toothed lice comb; repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks while washing bedding and clothing in hot water.

How can you eliminate lice at home using vinegar? - in detail
Vinegar can serve as an effective component in a home‑based regimen for removing head‑lice infestations. Its acidity helps to loosen the glue that attaches nits to hair shafts, making them easier to comb out. Follow these precise actions for maximum results.

Prepare the solution

Mix equal parts of white distilled vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle or bowl.
Ensure the temperature is comfortably warm, not hot enough to cause scalp irritation.

Apply to the hair

Saturate the scalp and hair from roots to tips, paying particular attention to areas behind the ears and at the nape.
Allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes; the acid will break down the adhesive bonds.

Comb out the debris

Use a fine‑tooth nit comb (spacing 0.2 mm) on wet hair.
Start at the scalp and pull the comb slowly toward the ends, rinsing the comb after each pass.
Repeat the process for the entire head, working in sections, until no live lice or nits are visible.

Rinse and repeat

Rinse hair thoroughly with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo if desired.
Perform the treatment daily for a minimum of seven days, as newly hatched lice may emerge after the initial session.

Prevent re‑infestation

Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats.
Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to starve any surviving eggs.

Safety considerations

Do not use undiluted vinegar on broken skin or open wounds.
Avoid prolonged exposure that may cause scalp dryness; follow with a light conditioner if needed.
Children under two years should not receive this treatment without medical supervision.

By adhering to the outlined protocol, vinegar‑based treatment can significantly reduce the presence of head‑lice and their eggs, offering a practical, low‑cost alternative to commercial pediculicides.