How to clean lice at home? - briefly
Use a lice‑removal shampoo or conditioner, then comb hair with a fine‑tooth lice comb while the product remains wet; wash clothing, bedding, and towels in water at least 130 °F (54 °C). Repeat combing and laundering every 2–3 days for two weeks to eradicate remaining nits.
How to clean lice at home? - in detail
Removing head‑lice infestations at home requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or physical treatments, thorough cleaning of personal items, and environmental decontamination. The following protocol outlines each component in detail.
A fine‑toothed nit comb should be employed on wet, conditioned hair. Apply a lice‑killing shampoo or lotion according to the product label, leave it on for the specified duration, then rinse. While the hair remains damp, run the comb from scalp to ends, wiping the teeth after each pass. Repeat the combing process at 24‑hour intervals for three consecutive days to capture any newly hatched nymphs.
Key items for treatment include:
- Lice‑specific shampoo or permethrin‑based lotion
- Fine‑toothed nit comb (metal or plastic)
- Conditioner to facilitate comb movement
- Disposable gloves for handling contaminated materials
- Plastic bags for sealed disposal of combed lice and nits
Environmental control measures:
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Place non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed toys, hats) in sealed plastic bags for two weeks, the typical lifespan of a louse.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats thoroughly; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately after use.
- Clean hair‑care accessories (combs, brushes, hair ties) by soaking in hot water (≥ 50 °C) for ten minutes, then rinsing and drying.
Preventive actions:
- Advise regular head inspections, especially after close contact with others.
- Encourage avoidance of sharing personal items such as hats, scarves, hairbrushes, and headphones.
- Maintain a household routine of weekly hair checks during peak infestation seasons.
By adhering to the outlined steps—chemical or mechanical treatment, meticulous personal item laundering, and comprehensive environmental sanitation—the likelihood of persistent infestation diminishes dramatically. Continuous monitoring for at least two weeks post‑treatment confirms successful eradication.