How to disinfect an apartment from lice? - briefly
Wash all bedding, clothing, and removable fabrics in water ≥ 130 °F (or freeze them for 48 hours) to destroy eggs and insects. Afterwards, vacuum carpets, upholstery, and crevices thoroughly, then apply a lice‑approved insecticide spray to all surfaces according to the product label.
How to disinfect an apartment from lice? - in detail
Lice infestations require a systematic approach that eliminates both the insects and their eggs from every surface. Begin with a thorough inspection. Identify all areas where lice may hide: bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, curtains, and personal clothing. Use a fine-toothed comb on hair and a magnifying glass for close inspection of fabrics.
Cleaning and laundering
- Strip all bedding, pillowcases, blankets, and towels. Wash at 60 °C (140 °F) or higher; if the fabric cannot withstand high heat, place items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to starve the insects.
- Dry cleaned items on the hottest dryer setting for at least 30 minutes.
- Launder all washable clothing in hot water, then tumble‑dry on high heat.
- For non‑washable fabrics, seal in airtight bags for a minimum of 48 hours; the lack of oxygen will kill lice and nits.
Vacuuming and surface treatment
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstery, and cracks in flooring with a high‑efficiency vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed bag and discard it immediately.
- Mop hard floors with a solution of 1 % sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) diluted in water. Apply to baseboards, window sills, and other crevices.
- Spray a licensed insecticide formulated for pediculosis on upholstered furniture, mattress seams, and behind wall hangings. Follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and allow the recommended exposure time before re‑entering the room.
Heat treatment
- Use a portable steam cleaner set to at least 120 °C (250 °F) on mattresses, sofas, and curtains. Steam penetrates fabric fibers and destroys eggs.
- For larger areas, rent a professional heat‑treatment unit that raises ambient temperature to 55 °C (130 °F) for several hours; this method eradicates hidden stages without chemicals.
Preventive measures
- Seal all cleaned items in zip‑lock bags for 72 hours before reuse.
- Install mattress and pillow encasements labeled “mite‑proof” that also block lice.
- Encourage regular hair inspections and personal hygiene practices.
- Limit sharing of personal items such as combs, hats, and headphones.
By executing these steps in a coordinated sequence—inspection, laundering, vacuuming, chemical or heat treatment, and ongoing prevention—the dwelling will be thoroughly decontaminated, eliminating the risk of reinfestation.