How can you get rid of clothing lice in a sofa at home? - briefly
Vacuum the sofa thoroughly, then apply a lice‑killing spray (e.g., permethrin‑based) according to the label’s safety directions. After the spray dries, cover the upholstery with a sealed plastic sheet for 24–48 hours, then vacuum again to remove dead insects.
How can you get rid of clothing lice in a sofa at home? - in detail
Clothing lice infest a sofa when infested garments are placed on the furniture. Immediate removal of the source and thorough treatment of the upholstery are essential to eradicate the insects and prevent re‑infestation.
First, isolate the sofa. Move any untreated clothing away, seal it in a plastic bag, and wash it in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) followed by a high‑heat dryer cycle. This kills all life stages on the fabric.
Next, clean the sofa itself:
- Vacuum every surface, including cushions, seams, and crevices, using a brush‑attachment. Empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the home.
- Apply steam to the upholstery. A handheld steamer delivering at least 212 °F (100 °C) for 10 seconds per spot will exterminate lice, nymphs, and eggs. Move the nozzle slowly to ensure penetration into fabric fibers.
- For removable cushion covers, launder them according to the manufacturer’s instructions at the highest safe temperature. If laundering is not possible, place the covers in a sealed bag and expose them to a commercial dryer for 30 minutes on the hottest setting.
If steam and washing are insufficient, use a residual insecticide labeled for indoor use against lice. Follow the label directions precisely:
- Spray the product evenly over the entire sofa, focusing on seams and folds.
- Allow the recommended dwell time (usually 8–12 hours) before re‑occupying the area.
- Ventilate the room by opening windows and using fans to disperse vapors.
After treatment, maintain a lice‑free environment:
- Keep clothing and bedding separate from the sofa until they have been washed.
- Use protective covers on cushions that can be removed and laundered regularly.
- Conduct weekly vacuuming and periodic steam treatments as a preventive measure.
By combining source elimination, heat treatment, thorough vacuuming, and, when necessary, a targeted insecticide, the infestation can be completely removed from the sofa.