How can you get rid of lice from bedding? - briefly
Wash all sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and washable items in water at 130 °F (54 °C) or hotter with detergent, then dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes; vacuum the mattress, bed frame, and nearby furniture, emptying or cleaning the vacuum afterward.
How can you get rid of lice from bedding? - in detail
Lice survive on fabrics only long enough to reach a new host, so thorough cleaning is essential. Begin by removing all bedding, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress protectors. Wash each item in hot water (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C) for at least 10 minutes, then dry on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes or longer. Heat denatures the insects and their eggs, ensuring complete eradication.
If washing is impossible for a particular item, place it in a sealed plastic bag and expose it to direct sunlight for 48 hours. Sunlight and ambient heat will kill both nymphs and eggs. Alternatively, use a commercial steamer on the fabric surface, maintaining steam temperature above 212 °F (100 °C) for several minutes.
Vacuum the mattress, box spring, and surrounding area with a high-efficiency filter. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to prevent re‑infestation. After vacuuming, spray the mattress and frame with an EPA‑approved insecticide labeled for lice, following label instructions precisely. Allow the product to dry completely before replacing any bedding.
To prevent recurrence, encase the mattress and pillow in zippered, lint‑tight covers that can be washed regularly. Wash all clothing, towels, and personal items that may have contacted the infested area using the same hot‑water protocol. Store any items that cannot be laundered in sealed containers for at least two weeks, the typical lifespan of a louse without a host.
Summary of actions:
- Wash bedding in hot water (≥130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Sun‑expose or steam non‑washable fabrics.
- Vacuum mattress and surrounding surfaces; dispose of vacuum contents safely.
- Apply approved lice insecticide to mattress and frame; let dry.
- Install washable, zippered mattress and pillow encasements.
- Launder all potentially contaminated clothing and linens.
- Seal unlaunderable items for two weeks.
Following these steps eliminates the current infestation and reduces the likelihood of future outbreaks.