How should you wash laundry after lice? - briefly
Launder all affected fabrics in water at a minimum of 130 °F (54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes to eliminate lice and nits. Separate these items from untreated clothing and store the latter in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours to avoid re‑infestation.
How should you wash laundry after lice? - in detail
Lice and their eggs (nits) survive only on the scalp and in the surrounding environment for a short period. Effective laundering eliminates both stages and prevents re‑infestation.
- Use water temperature of at least 130 °F (54 °C). This heat level kills lice and nits within minutes.
- Add a regular laundry detergent to the wash cycle. Detergent reduces surface tension, allowing water to penetrate fibers fully.
- For white or color‑fast items, include a non‑chlorine bleach (oxygen‑based) or a small amount of regular bleach (5 % sodium hypochlorite). Bleach further guarantees mortality of any residual organisms.
- Run the machine on a long, vigorous cycle (minimum 30 minutes) to ensure thorough agitation.
- Transfer washed items immediately to a dryer set on high heat (≥ 130 °F / 54 °C) for at least 20 minutes. The combination of heat and tumbling removes any surviving nits.
- If a dryer is unavailable, lay garments in direct sunlight for a minimum of four hours; ultraviolet radiation and heat together provide a lethal environment.
Items that cannot endure high temperatures—such as silk, wool, or delicate synthetics—require alternative treatment. Seal these pieces in a plastic bag for two weeks, a period during which lice cannot survive without a host. For shoes, hats, and hair accessories, place them in a sealed container with a desiccant or expose them to a dry‑heat device (e.g., a hair dryer) for at least 30 minutes.
After completing the wash, clean the washing machine drum with hot water and a disinfectant wipe. Run an empty hot‑water cycle with bleach to eradicate any lingering insects. Store cleaned laundry in a closed container until use, preventing accidental re‑contamination.