How should furniture be treated after a lice infestation? - briefly
Wash all removable fabrics in water of at least 130 °F or have them dry‑cleaned, and vacuum upholstered surfaces, cushions, and carpets repeatedly, discarding the vacuum bag afterward. For non‑washable items, apply high heat (e.g., a dryer on high, steam, or professional heat treatment) or isolate them in sealed plastic for two weeks to eliminate any remaining lice or eggs.
How should furniture be treated after a lice infestation? - in detail
After a lice outbreak, furniture can harbor live insects and viable eggs, so direct intervention is required to eliminate the infestation.
First, remove all detachable cushions, covers, and linens. Place them in sealed plastic bags for at least 48 hours before washing. Wash each item in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. If laundering is impossible, seal the item in a plastic bag for two weeks; the lack of a blood meal will cause lice to die.
Next, treat hard surfaces and non‑washable upholstery. Use a high‑temperature steam cleaner, applying steam for a minimum of 10 seconds per spot to ensure penetration into seams and crevices. Follow with a thorough vacuuming of all fabric, carpet, and upholstered areas, disposing of the vacuum bag or emptying the canister into a sealed bag. For stubborn items, apply a pediculicide spray labeled for fabric use, following the manufacturer’s contact time and safety instructions.
For furniture that cannot endure heat or chemicals, isolate it in a sealed enclosure for at least two weeks. After the isolation period, inspect closely; any remaining debris should be removed with a lint roller or a fine‑toothed comb, then repeat steam treatment.
Finally, implement preventive measures. Keep all furniture legs off the floor, use protective covers that can be laundered regularly, and maintain a schedule of weekly vacuuming with a HEPA filter to capture any residual eggs.
Summary of actions
- Strip and bag all removable fabrics; wash at ≥130 °F, dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items for 14 days if heat treatment is not feasible.
- Apply steam (≥212 °F) to all surfaces, focusing on seams and folds.
- Vacuum thoroughly; discard vacuum contents in sealed bags.
- Use approved pediculicide sprays only on items that cannot be heated.
- Isolate untreated furniture for two weeks; re‑inspect before reuse.
- Adopt routine cleaning and protective covers to deter future infestations.