How should pillows be treated for lice and nits? - briefly
Wash pillows in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) for 10 minutes and tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting, or place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to starve any remaining insects. Ensure the cover is also laundered or replaced to prevent re‑infestation.
How should pillows be treated for lice and nits? - in detail
Treating a pillow that may harbor head‑lice eggs requires eliminating all live insects and any viable nits. The process combines high‑temperature laundering, thorough drying, and, when necessary, additional isolation methods.
First, remove the pillow cover if it is detachable. Wash the cover in hot water at a minimum of 130 °F (54 °C) for at least 10 minutes. Use a regular laundry detergent; adding a small amount of bleach (non‑chlorine for colored fabrics) can increase efficacy. After washing, tumble‑dry the cover on the highest heat setting for a full cycle, ensuring the temperature reaches at least 130 °F.
If the pillow itself is machine‑washable, place it in the washer with hot water and the same temperature and time specifications as the cover. Follow with a high‑heat dryer cycle. For pillows that cannot be laundered, apply these alternatives:
- Encase the pillow in a zip‑pered, heat‑resistant bag rated for at least 130 °F and leave sealed for 14 days; nits cannot hatch without a blood meal.
- Expose the pillow to direct sunlight for several hours, turning it periodically to heat all surfaces.
- Use a household steam cleaner set to the highest temperature, moving the nozzle across the entire pillow surface.
- Vacuum the pillow thoroughly with a HEPA‑rated vacuum; discard the bag or clean the canister afterward.
After any heat treatment, inspect the pillow for remaining nits. Visible eggs appear as tiny, oval, yellow‑white specks attached to the fabric. If any are observed, repeat the washing and drying steps or replace the pillow entirely.
Prevent future infestations by:
- Using pillow protectors that can be washed weekly at high temperature.
- Maintaining regular hair‑care routines and checking household members for lice.
- Laundering bedding and clothing after any confirmed case of infestation.
Following these procedures eliminates both adult lice and unhatched eggs, ensuring the pillow is safe for continued use.