How to treat bedding after lice infestation? - briefly
Launder all sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and removable covers in water of at least 130 °F (54 °C) and tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Items that cannot be machine‑washed should be sealed in airtight plastic bags for two weeks or disposed of to eliminate remaining nits.
How to treat bedding after lice infestation? - in detail
After a lice outbreak, all fabric surfaces that have been in direct contact with the infested person require thorough decontamination. Begin by removing pillows, mattress protectors, blankets, and sheets from the sleeping area. Place each item in a sealed plastic bag to avoid cross‑contamination during transport to the laundry area.
Wash all removable textiles in water that reaches at least 60 °C (140 °F). Use a regular detergent; add a lice‑specific laundry additive only if the product label confirms safety for fabrics. Extend the wash cycle to the longest available setting to maximize thermal exposure. Following washing, tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat above 55 °C (130 °F) is sufficient to kill lice and their eggs; prolonged exposure ensures complete eradication.
For items that cannot withstand high temperatures, such as delicate blankets or decorative pillows, employ a cold‑freeze method. Seal the objects in airtight bags and store them in a freezer set to –18 °C (0 °F) for at least 72 hours. Freezing at this temperature destroys both adult lice and nits.
Vacuum the mattress, bed frame, and surrounding floor surfaces with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors. Pay special attention to seams, crevices, and headboard upholstery where eggs may lodge.
If a mattress protector or upholstered headboard cannot be laundered or frozen, apply a spray formulated for lice control. Follow manufacturer instructions precisely, ensuring adequate ventilation and avoiding direct contact with skin. After treatment, allow the product to dry completely before re‑covering the mattress.
Repeat the washing and drying cycle after seven days, coinciding with the typical hatching period of lice eggs. This second round eliminates any survivors that may have emerged after the initial heat exposure.
Finally, maintain a preventive routine: keep bedding in sealed containers when not in use, avoid sharing personal linens, and conduct regular inspections of hair and scalp. Consistent application of these measures eliminates the infestation source and reduces the risk of recurrence.