How should you treat an apartment if a child has lice? - briefly
Launder all bedding, clothing, and washable items the child used on hot water (≥130 °F) with a high‑heat dryer, then vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floors thoroughly, discarding or sanitizing the vacuum bag or canister afterward.
How should you treat an apartment if a child has lice? - in detail
Treating a residence where a child has head‑lice requires a systematic approach that eliminates both live insects and their eggs from all surfaces.
Begin with the affected person. Apply a recommended pediculicide according to label instructions, repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched nymphs, and comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb to remove remaining nits.
Next, address textiles that have been in direct contact with the child. Wash bedding, clothing, towels, and any washable fabric in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, a duration that exceeds the lice life cycle.
For furnishings and floor coverings, follow these steps:
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstery, and mattress seams thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after use.
- Steam‑clean sofas, chairs, and any fabric‑covered surfaces; steam at 212 °F/100 °C destroys both lice and eggs.
- Wipe hard surfaces (door handles, light switches, railings) with an alcohol‑based solution (minimum 70 % isopropyl alcohol).
Non‑fabric items such as toys, books, and electronic devices should be either:
- Placed in a sealed container for two weeks, or
- Treated with a diluted isopropyl alcohol spray, allowing it to dry completely before reuse.
If the home contains heavy curtains or drapes, launder them on the hottest cycle possible; otherwise, remove and store them in sealed bags for the same two‑week period.
After cleaning, reduce the risk of reinfestation by:
- Instructing all household members to avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, or bedding.
- Maintaining a regular schedule of hair checks, especially after the second treatment.
- Keeping the environment dry and well‑ventilated, as humidity can favor lice survival.
Finally, document the cleaning actions taken and monitor the situation for at least four weeks. If live lice persist despite these measures, consult a health professional for alternative treatment options.