How to get rid of lice in bed linen? - briefly
Launder sheets, pillowcases and blankets in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) and tumble‑dry on the hottest setting for 30 minutes. Follow with a thorough vacuum of the mattress and apply a lice‑specific insecticide or steam treatment to eliminate any remaining insects.
How to get rid of lice in bed linen? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations from sleeping fabrics requires a combination of thermal treatment, thorough cleaning, and preventive measures.
The first step is to separate all affected items from untreated laundry. Immediately place sheets, pillowcases, blankets and any removable covers into a washing machine. Set the cycle to the highest temperature the fabric can safely tolerate, typically at least 60 °C (140 °F). Use a standard laundry detergent; adding a small amount of an enzyme‑based booster can enhance the removal of eggs.
After washing, transfer the items to a dryer. Operate the dryer on a high‑heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat above 55 °C (130 °F) destroys both lice and their nits, preventing re‑infestation. If a dryer is unavailable, lay the fabrics in direct sunlight for several hours; ultraviolet radiation and ambient heat contribute to mortality.
For fabrics that cannot withstand high temperatures, apply a non‑chemical approach: seal the items in a plastic bag and place them in a freezer at –20 °C (–4 °F) for at least 48 hours. The prolonged cold exposure kills lice and eggs without damaging delicate materials.
When thermal methods are impractical, consider a topical insecticide approved for fabric use. Follow the product label precisely:
- Spray the solution evenly over the surface of the linen.
- Allow the recommended contact time, usually 10–15 minutes.
- Launder the items as described above to remove residue.
After treatment, inspect the fabric under a magnifying lens to confirm the absence of live insects and nits. Repeat the inspection after 48 hours, as newly hatched nymphs may appear if any eggs survived.
Prevent future infestations by maintaining a regular laundering schedule. Wash bedding weekly at temperatures above 55 °C, and dry on high heat. Store unused linens in sealed containers. Reduce the risk of transfer from hair by avoiding head‑to‑fabric contact; encourage the use of protective pillow covers that can be removed and washed regularly.
Implementing these steps systematically eliminates lice from sleeping fabrics and minimizes the likelihood of recurrence.