How should clothing be treated for lice? - briefly
Wash all garments, bedding, and personal items in water ≥130 °F (54 °C) for at least 10 minutes and dry on high heat for 20 minutes; seal any items that cannot be laundered in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to kill remaining lice and nits.
How should clothing be treated for lice? - in detail
Treating garments and textiles after a lice outbreak requires thorough decontamination to eliminate nits and adult insects. The process consists of washing, drying, and, when necessary, isolating items that cannot endure high temperatures.
Begin by sorting all clothing, bedding, and towels that have been in direct contact with the infested person. Place each batch in the washing machine and apply the hottest water setting the fabric can tolerate, typically 130 °F (54 °C) or higher. Use a regular laundry detergent; adding a small amount of bleach (5 % sodium hypochlorite) is optional for white, color‑fast items. Run a full wash cycle followed by an extra rinse to remove any residual detergent.
Immediately after washing, transfer the items to a dryer. Operate on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. The combination of hot water and sustained high‑temperature airflow destroys lice eggs and adults that might survive the wash.
For garments that are labeled “hand wash only” or “dry clean only,” adopt alternative measures:
- Seal the items in a heavy‑duty plastic bag, remove as much air as possible, and store for a minimum of two weeks. Lice cannot survive beyond 48 hours without a host; the extended period ensures any remaining insects die.
- If the fabric tolerates it, soak in a solution of 0.5 % permethrin or a commercial lice‑removal spray, following the product’s instructions, then air‑dry in direct sunlight for several hours. Sunlight’s ultraviolet rays contribute to egg mortality.
- For delicate items, consider professional dry cleaning, specifying that the service must include a high‑temperature press or steam cycle.
In addition to the above, inspect all treated clothing before returning it to use. Look for any remaining nits attached to seams or folds; a fine‑toothed comb can aid detection. If any are found, repeat the washing and drying steps.
Finally, prevent re‑infestation by laundering all newly acquired or previously stored clothing before the next wear. Consistent application of these methods eliminates lice from textiles and supports effective eradication of the infestation.