How do you wash clothing infected with lice? - briefly
Launder infested garments in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) for a minimum of 10 minutes, then tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for at least 20 minutes. Items that cannot be washed should be placed in a sealed bag for two weeks to eliminate any remaining lice.
How do you wash clothing infected with lice? - in detail
When garments are suspected of harboring lice, immediate treatment prevents re‑infestation. Follow these precise actions:
- Separate all potentially contaminated items from regular laundry. Include clothing, bedding, towels, and hats.
- Set the washing machine to the hottest temperature the fabric can tolerate—typically 130 °F (54 °C) or higher. Heat kills both adult lice and their eggs.
- Add a regular detergent; a bleach‑free formula is sufficient because high heat is the primary lethal factor.
- Run a full wash cycle lasting at least 30 minutes. The extended duration ensures thorough saturation and heat penetration.
- Transfer the washed items directly to a dryer. Use the highest safe dryer setting—usually “high heat” for 20–30 minutes. The combination of heat and tumbling eliminates any surviving nits.
- For fabrics that cannot withstand high temperatures, place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. Lice cannot survive longer than 48 hours without a host, and the sealed environment deprives them of oxygen.
- Inspect all items after drying. If any live lice are observed, repeat the wash‑dry process or consider professional cleaning.
- Clean the washing machine and dryer lint trap to remove any stray insects or eggs that may have escaped during the cycle.
Additional precautions: vacuum floors and upholstery, and store untreated items in sealed bags until the two‑week period expires. By adhering strictly to these steps, the risk of ongoing infestation is eliminated.