How to treat an apartment if a child has lice? - briefly
Wash all bedding, clothing, and washable fabrics in water at least 130 °F and dry on high heat; vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister. Seal non‑washable items in airtight bags for two weeks and, if advised, apply a lice‑specific environmental spray.
How to treat an apartment if a child has lice? - in detail
When a child is infested with head‑lice, the surrounding environment must be cleared to prevent re‑infestation. The following protocol addresses every area where lice or their eggs (nits) may survive.
-
Personal treatment – Apply a lice‑killing shampoo or lotion to the child’s hair according to the product instructions. Rinse thoroughly, then use a fine‑tooth nit comb to remove all visible nits. Repeat the combing after 7–10 days to catch any newly hatched insects.
-
Clothing and linens – Place all garments, pillowcases, sheets, blankets, and towels that have been in contact with the child in hot water (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C) for at least 5 minutes. Dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
-
Bedding and upholstered furniture – Vacuum mattresses, sofa cushions, and upholstered chairs thoroughly. After vacuuming, discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to avoid re‑contamination. For removable covers, follow the washing instructions in step 2.
-
Floor coverings – Sweep hard floors and mop with a disinfectant solution. For carpets, use a steam cleaner capable of reaching temperatures above 130 °F; otherwise, employ a professional carpet cleaning service.
-
Personal items – Discard or sanitize combs, brushes, hair accessories, hats, and scarves. Soak non‑disposable items in hot water for 10 minutes, then dry on high heat.
-
Environmental controls – Keep the home at a temperature of at least 95 °F (35 °C) for 30 minutes, if feasible, to kill any remaining lice. Ensure good ventilation to reduce humidity, which favors egg survival.
-
Follow‑up inspection – After the initial cleaning, inspect the child’s hair and the household surfaces weekly for four weeks. Perform another full cleaning cycle if any live lice are detected.
By executing each step promptly and systematically, the risk of recurrence diminishes dramatically, allowing the household to return to normal conditions without further infestation.