How to eradicate lice on clothing? - briefly
Wash clothing in water at 130 °F (54 °C) or hotter and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; if washing isn’t possible, seal items in a plastic bag for two weeks or treat them with an approved insecticide spray.
How to eradicate lice on clothing? - in detail
Lice that have settled on fabrics can be eliminated through a sequence of proven actions. First, isolate all potentially contaminated items. Place garments, bedding, and towels in sealed plastic bags for at least 48 hours; this deprives the insects of a food source and leads to natural death.
Next, apply a heat‑based method. Wash the affected clothing in hot water at a minimum temperature of 130 °F (54 °C) for 10 minutes, then dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Heat destroys both adult lice and their eggs, and it is effective for most washable fabrics.
For items that cannot endure high temperatures, use a chemical treatment. Soak the material in a solution containing 0.5 % permethrin or 1 % pyrethrin, following the product’s instructions for contact time (usually 10–15 minutes). Rinse thoroughly afterward to remove residues.
If heat and chemicals are unsuitable, consider freezing. Place the items in a freezer set to –4 °F (–20 °C) for a minimum of 24 hours. Extreme cold kills lice at all life stages.
After treatment, inspect each piece. Use a fine‑toothed comb or magnifying glass to verify the absence of live insects and nits. Discard any clothing that shows persistent infestation or cannot be safely treated.
Finally, prevent re‑infestation by maintaining a regular laundering schedule, storing clean clothing in sealed containers, and avoiding direct contact with infested individuals or environments. Consistent application of these steps eliminates lice from fabrics and lowers the risk of recurrence.