How to get rid of lice at home using vinegar? - briefly
Apply a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to the hair, let it sit for 10‑15 minutes, then use a fine‑tooth nit comb to remove lice and nits; repeat the treatment every 24 hours for at least seven days. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and dry on high heat to prevent reinfestation.
How to get rid of lice at home using vinegar? - in detail
Vinegar can serve as an effective component in a home‑based lice eradication regimen. Its acidity helps loosen the adhesive that nits use to attach to hair shafts, facilitating removal with a fine‑toothed comb.
Materials needed
- White distilled vinegar (5 % acetic acid) or apple‑cider vinegar
- Spray bottle or small bowl
- Wide‑tooth lice comb
- Old towels or disposable gloves
- Shampoo and conditioner (optional)
Procedure
- Prepare the solution – Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle; for a stronger concentration, use undiluted vinegar.
- Apply to hair – Saturate the scalp and hair, ensuring the liquid reaches the roots where nits reside. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes; the acid will break down the nit’s glue.
- Comb out – While the hair remains damp, run a lice comb from the scalp outward, wiping each comb tooth on a paper towel after every pass. Repeat across the entire head, section by section.
- Rinse – Wash hair with regular shampoo to remove residual vinegar; condition if desired.
- Repeat – Perform the treatment every 2–3 days for two weeks, as newly hatched lice may emerge after the initial cycle.
Environmental control
- Wash bedding, hats, scarves, and clothing used within the last 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to collect stray nits.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
Safety considerations
- Test a small skin area before full application to rule out irritation.
- Avoid use on infants younger than six months or on individuals with open scalp wounds.
- Do not combine vinegar with bleach or other strong chemicals, as hazardous fumes may develop.
Effectiveness assessment
- After each combing session, count remaining live insects; a decline to zero indicates successful eradication.
- Persistent lice after two weeks of consistent treatment may require a secondary method, such as a pediculicide approved by health authorities.
By following the outlined steps, vinegar functions as a low‑cost, readily available aid that weakens nit attachment, allowing mechanical removal to clear an infestation without reliance on prescription medications.