How to treat bedding after lice? - briefly
Clean all bedding by laundering in water of at least 130 °F (54 °C) and drying on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes; non‑washable items should be sealed in airtight plastic bags for two weeks to kill any remaining lice or nits. Vacuum mattresses and surrounding areas, then discard the vacuum bag or thoroughly clean the canister.
How to treat bedding after lice? - in detail
Lice eggs and nymphs survive on sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress covers, so thorough decontamination of all sleeping surfaces is essential after an outbreak.
First, remove all removable fabrics and place them in a washing machine. Use water that reaches at least 130 °F (54 °C) and a regular detergent. If the washing machine does not reach that temperature, add a bleach solution (½ cup of chlorine bleach per gallon of water) for white or color‑safe fabrics. Run a full wash cycle, then dry the items on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes; high heat kills both lice and their eggs.
Second, treat non‑washable items. For mattresses, box springs, and upholstered headboards, apply a steam cleaner that produces steam at 212 °F (100 °C) for several minutes on each surface. Steam penetrates deep fibers, eliminating hidden ova. After steaming, cover the mattress with a zippered encasement designed to trap insects; leave the cover on for at least two weeks to ensure any remaining hatchlings cannot escape.
Third, vacuum all bedroom furnishings, floors, and curtains. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter and empty the canister or bag into a sealed plastic bag before disposal. Vacuum the edges of the bed frame and any cracks where lice may hide.
Fourth, isolate and discard contaminated items that cannot be sanitized. Items such as stuffed animals, pillow protectors, and delicate linens should be sealed in airtight bags for two weeks, then laundered or disposed of if cleaning is impossible.
Fifth, repeat the cleaning process after a week. Lice eggs hatch within 7–10 days, so a second wash and steam cycle reduces the chance of re‑infestation.
Finally, maintain a lice‑free environment by washing all bedding weekly for the next month, keeping bedroom temperatures low (below 68 °F/20 °C) when possible, and avoiding sharing personal items. Properly executed, these measures eradicate the parasite from sleeping areas and prevent recurrence.