How should items be treated to eliminate lice and nits? - briefly
Wash all washable items in water of at least 130 °F (54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat; seal non‑washable objects in airtight bags for two weeks or apply a lice‑specific insecticide according to label directions.
How should items be treated to eliminate lice and nits? - in detail
Effective eradication of head‑lice and their eggs from personal belongings requires a combination of heat, chemical treatment, and isolation.
Heat destroys both lice and nits when temperatures reach at least 130 °F (54 °C) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Washable fabrics—clothing, pillowcases, sheets, towels—should be laundered in hot water meeting this temperature, then dried on high heat for at least 20 minutes. Non‑washable items such as hats, scarves, or stuffed toys can be placed in a sealed plastic bag and heated in a dryer on high for the same duration, or subjected to a portable steamer that delivers steam above 130 °F.
Chemical solutions provide an alternative when heat is impractical. A 0.5 % permethrin spray, applied according to label instructions, kills lice on surfaces and penetrates the protective coating of nits. For delicate items, a 1 % dimethicone lotion can be sprayed, allowing the liquid to soak for 10 minutes before wiping away. All treated objects must be handled in a well‑ventilated area, and contact time must not be shortened.
Isolation prevents re‑infestation. Items that cannot be heated or chemically treated should be sealed in airtight containers (e.g., zip‑lock bags) for two weeks, the typical lifespan of a louse without a host. This duration ensures that any surviving insects die of starvation.
A concise protocol:
- Wash all washable fabrics in water ≥130 °F; tumble‑dry on high for ≥20 minutes.
- Apply a 0.5 % permethrin or 1 % dimethicone spray to non‑washable items; allow recommended contact time.
- Use a dryer or steamer to expose heat‑sensitive objects to ≥130 °F for ≥30 minutes.
- Seal untreated items in airtight bags for 14 days.
By combining these methods—thermal destruction, approved insecticidal agents, and prolonged isolation—personal belongings can be rendered free of lice and their eggs.