How to clean pillows from lice? - briefly
Remove any washable cover and launder it and the pillow at ≥60 °C (140 °F) using a hot cycle, then tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; for non‑washable pillows, seal them in a plastic bag and freeze for 48 hours before vacuum‑cleaning the surface. This eliminates lice and their eggs.
How to clean pillows from lice? - in detail
Lice infest a pillow when eggs or nymphs fall from an infected host and become embedded in the fabric. Immediate removal prevents re‑infestation of other bedding and reduces the risk of skin irritation.
First, isolate the pillow from other linens. Place it in a sealed plastic bag to contain any insects while you gather cleaning agents, a washing machine, a dryer, a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and optional disinfectants such as diluted bleach or a lice‑specific spray.
Washing procedure
- Set the machine to the hottest cycle the pillow’s care label permits (typically 140 °F/60 °C).
- Add a full dose of laundry detergent.
- Include ¼ cup of non‑chlorine bleach for white or color‑safe fabric; for delicate materials, use an oxygen‑based bleach.
- Run an extra rinse to eliminate residue.
After washing, transfer the pillow directly to a dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Heat above 130 °F (54 °C) kills both adult lice and viable eggs. If the pillow cannot be tumble‑dried, place it in a sealed bag and store it in a household freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 24 hours; the sustained cold kills the parasites.
Supplementary techniques
- Vacuum the surface with a HEPA‑equipped hose before washing to remove any visible nymphs.
- Apply a steam cleaner (minimum 212 °F / 100 °C) to the pillow’s seams and folds; steam penetrates deep fibers.
- For persistent infestations, lightly mist the pillow with an EPA‑registered lice spray, following the product’s contact time before laundering.
Once the cleaning cycle is complete, inspect the pillow under bright light. Look for remaining nits attached to the fabric; if any are found, repeat the washing or steam step. Allow the pillow to dry completely before returning it to the bed.
Prevention measures include encasing pillows in zippered, washable covers, laundering bedding weekly in hot water, and avoiding head‑to‑pillow contact during an outbreak. Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of future infestations.