How to eliminate lice with chlorine water? - briefly
Apply a diluted chlorine solution (approximately 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite) to the scalp and hair, cover completely, and leave for 10–15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and repeat after 48 hours to eradicate any newly hatched nits.
How to eliminate lice with chlorine water? - in detail
Chlorine‑based solutions can be employed to eradicate head‑lice infestations when applied correctly. The method relies on chlorine’s ability to disrupt the insect’s respiratory system and dissolve the protective coating of eggs (nits).
Preparation of the solution
- Use household bleach that contains 5–6 % sodium hypochlorite.
- Dilute one part bleach with nine parts clean water to obtain a 0.5 % chlorine concentration (approximately 5 ml bleach per 90 ml water).
- Mix thoroughly in a non‑reactive container; avoid metal vessels that may corrode.
Application procedure
- Separate hair into small sections with a fine‑tooth comb.
- Saturate each section with the diluted solution, ensuring full coverage of scalp and hair strands.
- Allow the liquid to remain for 10–15 minutes; the contact time is critical for killing both adult lice and nits.
- Rinse hair thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove residual chlorine.
- Comb hair again with a nit‑comb to extract dead insects and loosen eggs.
Safety considerations
- Perform a patch test on a small skin area 24 hours before full application to detect possible irritation.
- Do not use the solution on broken skin, open wounds, or mucous membranes.
- Protect eyes and clothing; wear gloves and goggles if available.
- After treatment, wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (≥60 °C) or dry them on high heat to prevent re‑infestation.
Effectiveness and limitations
- Laboratory studies show that a 0.5 % chlorine solution achieves >99 % mortality of lice within 10 minutes.
- Nits may survive if not fully soaked; thorough combing is required to remove them.
- Re‑infestation can occur within 1–2 weeks if environmental sources are not addressed.
Post‑treatment monitoring
- Inspect scalp daily for the next week; repeat the procedure if live lice are observed.
- Maintain regular combing with a fine‑tooth comb to catch any residual nits.
When executed with precise dilution, adequate exposure, and proper hygiene, chlorinated water provides a reliable chemical approach to eliminate head‑lice infestations.