How to disinfect after lice? - briefly
Remove infested hair and wash clothing, bedding, and washable items in water ≥130 °F for at least 10 minutes, then tumble‑dry on high heat; vacuum, steam‑clean, or seal non‑washable surfaces and objects for two weeks to eliminate remaining lice and eggs.
How to disinfect after lice? - in detail
After an infestation, thorough decontamination eliminates surviving nits and prevents reinfestation. Begin with personal hygiene, then treat clothing, bedding, and the surrounding environment.
Personal treatment
- Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion according to the product label; leave it on the scalp for the recommended time, usually 10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Comb wet hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb, moving from scalp to tip in sections. Remove each visible egg or nymph before discarding the comb.
Clothing and textiles
- Place all worn garments, towels, and bed linens in a sealed plastic bag for at least 48 hours; lice cannot survive beyond this period without a host.
- Wash items in hot water (≥ 130 °F / 54 °C) and dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- For items that cannot be laundered, seal them in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 24 hours, then thaw and vacuum.
Household surfaces
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and floor mats thoroughly; dispose of vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately.
- Wipe hard surfaces (door handles, countertops, toys) with a solution containing 70 % isopropyl alcohol or a diluted bleach mixture (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Allow the surface to remain wet for at least 5 minutes before wiping dry.
- Clean hairbrushes, combs, and hair accessories by soaking them in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes, then rinsing and air‑drying.
Environmental control
- Keep the home temperature low (below 68 °F / 20 °C) for 24 hours; lower temperatures reduce lice activity.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as hats, scarves, and headphones until the cleaning process is complete.
Follow‑up
- Repeat nit‑combing 7–10 days after initial treatment to capture any newly hatched lice.
- Conduct a second wash of clothing and bedding after this interval to address any eggs that survived the first cycle.
Adhering to these precise steps eliminates residual parasites, safeguards household members, and minimizes the likelihood of a recurring outbreak.