How do you treat bedding for lice and nits? - briefly
Wash all sheets, pillowcases, blankets, clothing, and towels in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) and dry on high heat for 20 minutes or longer; seal any items that cannot be laundered in a plastic bag for two weeks or discard them. Vacuum mattresses and surrounding areas, then empty the vacuum bag into a sealed container and discard.
How do you treat bedding for lice and nits? - in detail
Treating linens, blankets, and other sleep surfaces for lice and their eggs requires a combination of heat, thorough cleaning, and isolation of items that cannot be laundered. Follow each step precisely to eliminate the infestation and reduce the risk of reinfestation.
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Immediate laundering: Place all washable bedding, pillowcases, and clothing that have contacted the infested person in the washing machine. Use water at a minimum of 130 °F (54 °C) and a regular detergent. The high temperature kills both adult insects and viable eggs.
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Drying: Transfer the wet items to a dryer set on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Heat exposure longer than 20 minutes is sufficient to destroy nits; the longer cycle adds a safety margin.
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Non‑washable items: For items that cannot be laundered (e.g., certain comforters, mattress toppers, or delicate fabrics), apply one of the following methods:
- Steam treatment: Use a handheld steamer or a professional steam cleaner to saturate the surface, maintaining steam temperature above 212 °F (100 °C) for a minimum of 5 minutes.
- Freezing: Seal the item in an airtight plastic bag and place it in a freezer set to –4 °F (–20 °C) for at least 48 hours. The prolonged cold exposure kills lice and nits.
- Encasement: Cover mattresses, box springs, and pillows with zippered, allergen‑proof encasements rated for pest control. Keep the encasements on for at least two weeks, allowing any surviving insects to die without a host.
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Vacuuming: Thoroughly vacuum the mattress, bed frame, and surrounding floor area. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter; discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outdoors. Vacuuming removes loose eggs and nits that may have fallen from the bedding.
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Cleaning surfaces: Wipe all hard surfaces (headboards, nightstands, rails) with a solution of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water, or a disinfectant approved for pest control. Allow the solution to remain on the surface for at least 10 minutes before wiping dry.
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Isolation period: After treatment, keep the cleaned bedding out of use for 24 hours to verify that no live insects are present. Replace the encasements only after the isolation period ends.
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Preventive measures:
By adhering to these protocols—high‑temperature laundering, targeted heat or cold treatment for non‑washable items, thorough vacuuming, and surface disinfection—bedding can be rendered free of lice and their eggs, breaking the infestation cycle.