How should you clean a house that has lice? - briefly
Wash all bedding, clothing, towels, and washable items in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) and dry on high heat, while vacuuming carpets, upholstery, and cracks and discarding or sealing the vacuum bag. Seal non‑washable objects in airtight containers for two weeks to eliminate any remaining lice and nits.
How should you clean a house that has lice? - in detail
A thorough approach to eradicating head‑lice from a residence involves three phases: removal of live insects, decontamination of the environment, and prevention of re‑infestation.
First, eliminate all active parasites from people. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on wet hair, moving from scalp to tip in small sections. Repeat the combing every 4–6 hours for two days, then again after seven days to catch any newly hatched nymphs. Apply an FDA‑approved topical treatment according to the product label; do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Second, sanitize the household environment. Follow these steps:
- Strip all bedding, pillowcases, and towels; wash in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and tumble dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Launder all clothing worn within the previous 48 hours, using the same temperature and drying cycle.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and floor cracks thoroughly. Empty the vacuum container into a sealed bag and discard it outside the home.
- Clean hard surfaces (bed frames, nightstands, door handles, light switches) with a disinfectant spray or a solution of 1 % bleach and water. Wipe with disposable cloths that are discarded after use.
- Treat hair‑brushes, combs, and hair accessories by soaking them in hot water (at least 130 °F) for 10 minutes, then rinsing and drying on high heat.
Third, establish barriers to avoid recurrence. Assign each family member a personal set of bedding and towels, store them in sealed containers, and wash them regularly. Encourage daily inspection of hair, especially after sleep, using a fine comb. Keep hair tied back or covered with a hat when in close contact with others. Limit sharing of personal items such as hats, scarves, and hair accessories.
By executing these measures systematically—direct parasite removal, rigorous environmental decontamination, and strict preventive practices—the infestation can be eliminated and the risk of future outbreaks minimized.