How to remove clothing lice at home? - briefly
Wash all garments in water of at least 60 °C, tumble‑dry on the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes, vacuum storage areas, and treat any remaining items with an approved insecticide spray; «heat kills lice». Repeat the entire procedure after seven days to eradicate newly hatched insects.
How to remove clothing lice at home? - in detail
Removing lice from garments requires a systematic approach that eliminates both the insects and their eggs. The process begins with immediate isolation of contaminated items to prevent spreading. Place all affected clothing, bedding, and accessories in sealed plastic bags for at least 48 hours; this deprives lice of the warmth needed for survival.
Next, perform a thorough wash. Use the hottest water safe for the fabric (minimum 60 °C) and add a regular detergent. For delicate fabrics that cannot withstand high temperatures, soak in lukewarm water with an enzymatic cleaner for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
After washing, dry the items using high heat. A dryer set to the highest safe temperature for the material should run for at least 30 minutes. Heat exposure kills any remaining nymphs and eggs.
For items that cannot be laundered, apply a targeted treatment:
- Vacuum interiors of bags, shoes, and upholstery for 10 minutes, focusing on seams and folds.
- Transfer vacuum bag contents to a sealed container and discard after 48 hours.
- Use a fine-toothed comb or lint roller to physically remove lice from fabric surfaces, then place collected material in a sealed bag.
Finally, disinfect the environment. Wipe hard surfaces with a solution of 1 % hydrogen peroxide or a commercial disinfectant approved for household use. Allow the surface to remain wet for at least five minutes before wiping dry.
Regularly inspect clothing and bedding after treatment. Repeat the washing and drying cycle if any live insects are observed. Maintaining a temperature above 55 °C for laundering and drying cycles provides ongoing protection against reinfestation.