How do you treat surfaces for lice? - briefly
Clean bedding, clothing, and washable items in hot water (≥130 °F) and dry on high heat; vacuum carpets and upholstery, then seal non‑washable items in airtight bags for at least two weeks. Replace or discard heavily infested objects if cleaning is insufficient.
How do you treat surfaces for lice? - in detail
Treating environments where head‑lice infestations occur requires a systematic approach that eliminates viable eggs (nits) and adult insects from all potentially contaminated items. The process can be divided into three categories: washable fabrics, non‑washable objects, and the surrounding area.
Washable fabrics
- Launder bedding, towels, clothing, and hats in water at a minimum of 130 °F (54 °C) for at least 10 minutes.
- Use a high‑efficiency dryer on the hottest setting for a minimum of 20 minutes; heat destroys both lice and nits.
- If laundering at high temperature is not possible, seal items in a heavy‑duty plastic bag for 2 weeks; the insects cannot survive beyond 48 hours without a host.
Non‑washable objects
- Place shoes, helmets, hair accessories, and other heat‑sensitive items in a sealed bag for 2 weeks, or store them in a freezer set to –4 °F (‑20 °C) for at least 24 hours.
- Apply a lice‑specific spray containing permethrin, pyrethrin, or a non‑chemical silicone‑based formulation to upholstered furniture, car seats, and other porous surfaces. Follow the manufacturer’s contact time and ventilation guidelines.
- Vacuum carpets, curtains, and upholstered cushions thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after use to prevent re‑infestation.
Surrounding area
- Clean hard surfaces (floors, countertops, door handles) with a disinfectant solution of at least 0.1 % bleach or an EPA‑registered insecticide.
- Steam‑clean carpets and upholstery using a device that reaches a temperature of 212 °F (100 °C); the combination of heat and moisture kills lice and nits on contact.
- After treatment, keep the environment dry and well‑ventilated for several hours to inhibit any surviving organisms.
Follow‑up protocol
- Repeat the entire cleaning cycle 7–10 days after the initial treatment, coinciding with the hatching period of any remaining nits.
- Re‑inspect personal hair and clothing daily; remove any newly discovered nits with a fine‑tooth comb.
- Document the dates of each cleaning session to ensure compliance with the recommended timeline.
Adhering to this structured regimen removes lice from all vectors, minimizes the risk of re‑infestation, and aligns with public‑health recommendations for effective environmental control.