How to treat clothing for lice? - briefly
Launder all garments and linens in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) and tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 20 minutes. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in airtight bags for two weeks or treated with a licensed insecticide spray according to label directions.
How to treat clothing for lice? - in detail
Lice can survive on fabrics for several days, making proper garment care essential to prevent re‑infestation. Begin by isolating all potentially contaminated items—clothing, bedding, towels, and accessories—and place them in sealed plastic bags for at least 48 hours. This period exceeds the typical survival time of adult lice and nymphs, reducing the risk of live insects remaining on the material.
For washable textiles, use the hottest water setting the fabric can tolerate (generally 130 °F/54 °C) and add a full‑dose laundry detergent. Follow with a high‑heat dryer cycle of at least 30 minutes; the combination of heat and detergent effectively kills lice and their eggs. If the fabric label prohibits hot washing, soak the items in a solution of 0.5 % permethrin or a similar insecticide for 30 minutes, then launder as usual on the warmest safe temperature.
Non‑washable items—such as leather shoes, hats, or delicate accessories—require alternative methods. Seal them in airtight containers for a minimum of two weeks, a duration that exceeds the lifespan of lice without a host. For items that can tolerate it, expose them to direct sunlight for several hours, as ultraviolet radiation and heat are lethal to both insects and eggs. If immediate use is necessary, apply a spray formulated for lice (e.g., 1 % permethrin) according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring thorough coverage of seams and crevices.
After treatment, inspect all garments carefully. Use a fine‑toothed comb or magnifying glass to verify the absence of live insects or nits. Store cleaned clothing in clean, sealed bags until the household environment is confirmed free of infestation. Regularly wash bedding and clothing at high temperatures during the treatment period to maintain a lice‑free environment.