How can you remove clothing lice from garments at home? - briefly
Wash the items in hot water (≥130 °F) with detergent and dry them on high heat for at least 30 minutes; for delicate fabrics, place them in a sealed plastic bag and treat with an approved lice‑removing spray or freeze at –20 °C for 48 hours. Ensure all seams and folds are fully exposed during treatment to eliminate any remaining insects.
How can you remove clothing lice from garments at home? - in detail
Clothing lice infestations require immediate action to prevent spread and recurrence. The following protocol eliminates the insects from all affected garments using household methods.
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Isolation – Place every suspect item in a sealed plastic bag. Keep the bag closed for at least 48 hours; lice cannot survive without a blood meal beyond this period.
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Washing – Transfer the sealed items to the washing machine. Use the hottest water setting the fabric can tolerate (minimum 60 °C/140 °F). Add a regular laundry detergent; for added efficacy, include a small amount of boric acid or a commercial lice‑killing additive approved for fabrics.
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Drying – Immediately move washed garments to a dryer. Run a high‑heat cycle for at least 30 minutes. Heat above 55 °C (130 °F) kills all life stages of the parasite.
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Heat treatment for non‑machine‑washable items – Place delicate fabrics in a sealed bag and expose them to a portable garment steamer for 10 minutes, ensuring steam penetrates all layers. Alternatively, use a domestic iron on the highest safe temperature, pressing each side for several seconds.
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Freezing – For items that cannot endure heat, seal them in a plastic bag and store in a freezer set to –20 °C (–4 °F) for at least 72 hours. This temperature eliminates lice and eggs.
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Vacuuming – After laundering, vacuum storage areas, closets, and floor surfaces. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter; discard the bag or clean the canister immediately to avoid re‑contamination.
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Inspection and repeat – Examine each garment under bright light. If any live insects or nits remain, repeat the washing or heat step. A second wash is advisable for heavily infested items.
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Preventive storage – Store clean clothing in airtight containers or garment bags. Avoid piling untreated laundry with clean items.
By following these steps, all stages of the lice life cycle are eradicated from clothing without professional intervention. The combined use of temperature extremes, thorough washing, and environmental sanitation ensures complete removal and reduces the risk of reinfestation.