How to disinfect household items from lice? - briefly
Wash bedding, clothing, and washable toys in hot water (≥130 °F/54 °C) for at least 10 minutes, then tumble‑dry on high heat; seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks or apply a lice‑killing spray containing 1% permethrin or 0.5% pyrethrin.
How to disinfect household items from lice? - in detail
Lice infestations spread through personal belongings, bedding, clothing, toys, and upholstered furniture. Effective eradication requires a combination of heat, chemical agents, and isolation techniques. The following procedures address each category of household objects.
Textiles (sheets, pillowcases, towels, clothing)
- Wash at a minimum temperature of 130 °F (54 °C) for at least 10 minutes. Use a high‑efficiency detergent.
- If the fabric cannot withstand high heat, place items in a sealed plastic bag for 2 weeks; nymphs cannot survive without a blood meal for this period.
- Dry on the hottest setting for 20 minutes or longer to ensure residual eggs are killed.
Hair accessories and personal grooming tools
- Soak combs, brushes, and hair clips in hot water (≥140 °F/60 °C) with a few drops of dish soap for 10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel or allow to air‑dry in sunlight, which adds a mild ultraviolet germicidal effect.
Soft toys and fabric-covered items
- Check manufacturer’s washing instructions; most can be machine‑washed on a hot cycle.
- For items that cannot be laundered, place them in a sealed bag and freeze at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 48 hours, then allow to return to room temperature before use.
Upholstered furniture and mattresses
- Apply a steam cleaner delivering steam at ≥212 °F (100 °C) for 10 seconds per area; steam penetrates fibers and kills both lice and eggs.
- Follow with a vacuum using a HEPA filter to remove dead insects and debris.
- For mattresses, encase in a zippered, allergen‑proof cover that can be washed or heat‑treated.
Carpets and rugs
- Use a commercial lice‑killing spray containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin; follow label directions for application and ventilation.
- After treatment, steam‑clean the carpet or vacuum thoroughly, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister.
Hard surfaces (door knobs, light switches, countertops)
- Wipe with a solution of 70 % isopropyl alcohol or a diluted bleach mixture (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Contact time of at least 5 minutes is required for efficacy.
- Rinse with clean water if the surface is food‑contact, then dry with a disposable cloth.
General precautions
- Wear disposable gloves when handling treated items to avoid secondary infestation.
- Keep treated areas ventilated for at least 30 minutes after applying chemical agents.
- Dispose of any disposable cleaning materials in sealed bags to prevent accidental spread.
- Repeat the entire cleaning cycle after 7 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice that may have survived the initial treatment.
By adhering to these temperature thresholds, chemical concentrations, and isolation periods, household objects can be thoroughly sanitized, eliminating both adult lice and their resistant eggs.