How to get rid of lice using vinegar? - briefly
Apply undiluted white vinegar to the scalp, cover with a shower cap for 10–15 minutes, then comb out nits with a fine-toothed lice comb; repeat the process daily for a week. Rinse thoroughly and wash all bedding and clothing at high temperature to prevent reinfestation.
How to get rid of lice using vinegar? - in detail
Vinegar, particularly white distilled or apple cider, can be employed as a chemical agent to break the grip of lice on hair shafts and to dissolve the protective coating of nits. The solution’s acidity reduces the pH around the parasites, making it difficult for them to cling to strands.
Materials needed
- 1 cup (240 ml) of undiluted white or apple cider vinegar
- Spray bottle or bowl
- Fine-tooth lice comb
- Old towel or cape
- Plastic gloves (optional)
- Warm water for rinsing
Procedure
- Apply the vinegar directly to dry hair, ensuring full coverage from scalp to tips. If using a spray bottle, mist the scalp and work the liquid through the strands with fingers.
- Allow the liquid to sit for 5–10 minutes. The acidic environment loosens the attachment of nits and irritates adult lice.
- After the waiting period, rinse hair with warm water to remove excess liquid.
- While hair remains wet, run a fine-tooth comb through each section, starting at the scalp and pulling toward the ends. Wipe the comb after each pass to eliminate collected insects.
- Rinse again to clear detached debris.
- Repeat the entire cycle every 3–4 days for a total of three to four treatments. This schedule aligns with the life cycle of lice, preventing newly hatched nymphs from maturing.
Safety considerations
- Test a small skin area before full application to check for irritation.
- Avoid use on children under 2 years, on broken scalp skin, or on individuals with known vinegar hypersensitivity.
- Do not combine vinegar with bleach or other strong chemicals; the mixture can produce harmful fumes.
Environmental control
- Wash bedding, hats, scarves, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray eggs.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to starve any remaining parasites.
When executed precisely, the acidic treatment paired with mechanical removal offers an effective, low‑cost alternative to conventional insecticides. Consistent repetition and thorough cleaning of personal items are essential to achieve lasting eradication.