How do you treat clothing for lice? - briefly
Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) for 10 minutes and dry on high heat for 20 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or discarded.
How do you treat clothing for lice? - in detail
Treat garments that could contain lice by eliminating viable insects and their eggs through heat, cold, or chemical exposure. The process begins with immediate removal of all clothing, bedding, and personal items from the infected person’s environment.
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Hot‑water wash
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High‑heat drying
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Sealing non‑washable items
- Place delicate or dry‑clean‑only clothing in sealed, airtight plastic bags.
- Store bags at ambient temperature for at least two weeks; nits cannot survive beyond this period without a host.
- Alternatively, freeze sealed items at 0 °F (‑18 °C) for 72 hours, then thaw and launder.
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Chemical treatment for stubborn items
- Apply an EPA‑registered lice spray or insecticide formulated for fabrics, following label instructions precisely.
- Ensure proper ventilation and avoid direct skin contact during application.
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Inspection and repeat
- After laundering and drying, inspect seams, folds, and cuffs for remaining nits.
- Repeat the washing/drying cycle if any are detected.
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Environmental control
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats thoroughly.
- Dispose of vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately to prevent re‑infestation.
By adhering to these steps, clothing and related textiles become inhospitable to lice, reducing the risk of re‑colonization after treatment of the host.