How to get rid of lice in clothing? - briefly
Wash all affected garments in water at a minimum of 130 °F (54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; if heat treatment is impossible, place items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks or apply a lice‑killing fabric spray according to the product instructions.
How to get rid of lice in clothing? - in detail
Eliminating lice from garments requires a combination of heat, chemical treatment, and proper handling to ensure all stages of the parasite are destroyed.
Begin by separating affected items from clean laundry. Place them in a sealed plastic bag for at least 48 hours; this deprives lice and nymphs of a food source and reduces their viability.
Next, apply a high‑temperature wash. Set the washing machine to the hottest cycle available (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C) and use a regular detergent. Adding ½ cup of white vinegar or a small amount of borax can enhance the insecticidal effect, but it is not essential.
After washing, transfer the clothing to a dryer. Run the dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Heat above 120 °F (49 °C) kills both adult lice and eggs, and the mechanical tumbling helps dislodge any remaining insects.
If the fabric cannot withstand high heat, treat it with a suitable insecticide spray labeled for use on textiles. Follow the product instructions precisely: apply an even coating, allow the recommended contact time, then air‑dry in a well‑ventilated area.
For items that cannot be laundered or exposed to heat—such as delicate fabrics, hats, or shoes—place them in a sealed bag and store them in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for at least 72 hours. Freezing temperatures are lethal to lice at all life stages.
Finally, clean the washing machine and dryer interiors. Run an empty hot cycle with a cup of bleach or a commercial appliance sanitizer to prevent re‑infestation.
Summary of steps
- Isolate contaminated clothing in sealed bags (48 h).
- Wash on the hottest setting with detergent (≥130 °F / 54 °C).
- Dry on high heat for ≥30 minutes.
- Use insecticide spray for heat‑intolerant fabrics, following label directions.
- Freeze non‑washable items at –4 °F (–20 °C) for ≥72 hours.
- Sanitize washing equipment after treatment.
Following this protocol removes lice and their eggs from clothing and minimizes the risk of recurrence.