How to make a vinegar solution to kill lice and nits? - briefly
Mix equal parts of 5 % white distilled vinegar and warm water, apply to the scalp, and soak the hair for 10‑15 minutes before rinsing and combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove dead lice and nits. Repeat the treatment after 7‑10 days to eliminate any newly hatched insects.
How to make a vinegar solution to kill lice and nits? - in detail
Vinegar, when diluted correctly, can loosen lice eggs from hair shafts and create an environment hostile to adult insects. Follow these precise steps to prepare and apply an effective solution.
Begin with a white distilled vinegar that contains at least 5 % acetic acid. Measure one part vinegar to three parts lukewarm water; for example, combine 250 ml vinegar with 750 ml water. Stir thoroughly to achieve a uniform mixture. Transfer the liquid to a clean spray bottle or a wide‑mouth container that allows easy pouring.
Before treatment, wash the scalp with a mild shampoo and towel‑dry the hair. Saturate the hair and scalp with the prepared solution, ensuring full coverage from roots to tips. Leave the liquid on for 10–15 minutes; the acidity penetrates the glue that secures the eggs to the hair.
After the waiting period, use a fine‑toothed nit comb (spacing 0.2 mm) to systematically remove loosened nits and any remaining lice. Start at the scalp and work outward, cleaning the comb after each pass with a cloth soaked in the same vinegar mixture. Repeat the combing process at least three times over a 24‑hour interval to capture newly hatched insects.
For persistent infestations, repeat the entire application and combing cycle every 48 hours for a total of three treatments. Store any leftover solution in a sealed, opaque container at room temperature; discard after two weeks to avoid degradation of acidity.
Safety considerations: avoid contact with eyes; if irritation occurs, rinse with plain water. Do not apply the solution to broken skin or open wounds. The mixture is non‑flammable but should be kept away from open flames due to the presence of alcohol‑free vinegar.
By adhering to these measurements, timing, and mechanical removal steps, the vinegar preparation serves as a reliable, chemical‑free method for eliminating head‑lice infestations and their eggs.