How to remove lice from a mattress? - briefly
Vacuum the entire mattress surface, then apply a high‑heat treatment—such as steaming, placing it in a sealed bag under a dryer, or using a hot‑air device—to kill any remaining insects; wash all sheets, pillowcases and blankets in water ≥130 °F and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
How to remove lice from a mattress? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations from a sleeping surface requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal, thermal treatment, and, when necessary, chemical control.
First, isolate the mattress from other bedding. Remove all sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress protectors. Place these items in sealed plastic bags to prevent re‑contamination during processing.
Next, address the mattress itself. Begin with a thorough vacuuming using a hose attachment that can reach seams and crevices. Run the vacuum over the entire surface, paying special attention to folds, stitching, and the perimeter where insects often hide. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed container and discard it promptly.
After vacuuming, apply heat. Lice and their eggs cannot survive temperatures above 130 °F (54 °C) for more than five minutes. Use a steam cleaner that produces saturated steam at 212 °F (100 °C); move the nozzle slowly across the mattress, ensuring each area receives at least ten seconds of direct steam exposure. For foam mattresses that cannot tolerate high heat, place the mattress in a hot‑dry environment—such as a garage or utility room—where the ambient temperature can be raised to at least 120 °F (49 °C) for several hours. This method works best when the mattress is uncovered and airflow is unrestricted.
If heat alone is insufficient, consider a residual insecticide labeled for use on furniture. Apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions, targeting seams, tufts, and any visible nits. After treatment, keep the mattress covered with a breathable, lint‑free sheet for 24 hours to allow the chemical to act while preventing contact with skin.
Finally, launder all removed bedding at the highest temperature the fabric permits, typically 140 °F (60 °C) for cotton and polyester blends. Dry on a high‑heat setting for at least 30 minutes. For items that cannot be machine‑washed, seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks; lice cannot survive without a host for that period.
To prevent recurrence, maintain a regular cleaning schedule: vacuum the mattress weekly, wash bedding weekly, and inspect sleeping areas for signs of infestation after any contact with potentially infested environments (e.g., schools, camps). Using a mattress encasement with a zippered closure adds a physical barrier that blocks re‑infestation and simplifies future decontamination.