How can you treat pillows and bedding for lice and nits? - briefly
Launder all pillowcases, sheets, and blankets in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in an airtight plastic bag for two weeks or treated with a commercial heat‑treatment device such as a steam cleaner.
How can you treat pillows and bedding for lice and nits? - in detail
Treating pillows and bedding to eliminate lice and their eggs requires a combination of heat, thorough cleaning, and isolation techniques.
First, remove all removable covers, pillowcases, sheets, and blankets. Wash each item in hot water at a temperature of at least 130 °F (54 °C) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Use a regular detergent; adding a small amount of laundry sanitizer can increase effectiveness. After washing, place items in a dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 20 minutes. The heat kills both adult insects and developing nits.
For items that cannot be laundered, such as memory‑foam pillows or delicate quilts, apply one of the following methods:
- Seal the item in a heavy‑duty plastic bag for two weeks. Lice cannot survive beyond 48 hours without a host, and nits will not hatch in the absence of warmth and moisture.
- Freeze the item at 0 °F (‑18 °C) or lower for 48 hours. Prolonged freezing destroys lice and nits.
- Use a steam cleaner that reaches a temperature of at least 212 °F (100 °C). Direct steam onto all surfaces, allowing the moisture to evaporate completely before reuse.
Vacuum mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture thoroughly. Employ a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter; discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
After treatment, inspect all sleeping surfaces with a fine‑toothed comb or a nit‑removal tool. Remove any remaining debris. Repeat the washing and drying cycle after seven days to address any newly hatched nits that may have survived the initial process.
Finally, maintain a preventive routine: wash bedding weekly in hot water, keep bedroom temperature low, and avoid sharing personal items such as hats or hair accessories. Consistent application of these steps eliminates infestations and reduces the risk of recurrence.