How to get rid of lice on clothing? - briefly
Wash garments in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; if washing is not possible, seal items in an airtight plastic bag for two weeks to ensure lice mortality.
How to get rid of lice on clothing? - in detail
Lice that have settled on garments require prompt isolation, thorough decontamination, and preventive storage.
Separate contaminated items from clean laundry; place them in a sealed bag until treatment begins.
Decontamination protocol
- Wash in hot water at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F).
- Use a full‑dose laundry detergent; add an approved insecticidal additive if available.
- Run a normal wash cycle followed by an extra rinse to remove residual detergent.
After washing, dry the clothing on high heat for at least 30 minutes; temperatures above 55 °C (130 °F) eradicate all life stages of the parasite.
If washing is impractical, apply alternative methods:
- Freezing: seal items in a plastic bag and store at –20 °C (–4 °F) for 48 hours.
- Heat exposure: place items in a dryer on the highest setting for 30 minutes or use a steam cleaner.
For delicate fabrics that cannot endure high temperatures, employ a professional dry‑cleaning service that uses chemical solvents known to kill lice.
Preventive measures
- Store clean clothing in airtight containers.
- Inspect fabric before storage; treat any suspect item immediately.
- Maintain low humidity in closets; dry environments discourage infestation.
Consistent application of these steps eliminates lice from clothing and reduces the risk of re‑infestation.