How to treat furniture if it has lice?

How to treat furniture if it has lice? - briefly

Vacuum the entire piece, discard or bag removable fabrics, then treat the wood or upholstery with a lice‑specific insecticide spray or a high‑temperature steam cleaning; isolate the furniture until the product has dried and the infestation is confirmed eradicated.

How to treat furniture if it has lice? - in detail

Lice infestations in upholstered items require prompt, systematic action to eliminate the parasites and prevent re‑colonisation.

First, confirm the presence of lice by inspecting seams, cushions, and crevices with a bright light and a fine‑toothed comb. Live insects or nits attached to fabric fibers indicate an active problem.

Next, isolate the affected pieces. Move them away from other furniture, seal them in plastic bags, and label them as contaminated to avoid accidental spread.

The core treatment steps are:

1. Mechanical removal

   • Vacuum every surface, including under cushions and inside frames, using a hose attachment. Empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors.
   • Brush or comb the fabric with a fine lice comb, depositing collected material into a disposable container.

2. Thermal eradication

   • Apply a steam cleaner set to at least 130 °C (266 °F). Pass the steam slowly over all areas, ensuring heat penetrates seams and stuffing.
   • For removable covers, launder in hot water (minimum 60 °C / 140 °F) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Non‑removable upholstery can be treated with a portable heating device or placed in a sealed bag and left in direct sunlight for several hours, achieving temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F).

3. Chemical control (if needed)

   • Use an insecticide approved for indoor use on fabrics, such as a pyrethrin‑based spray. Follow label instructions precisely, applying a thin, even coating to all surfaces.
   • After treatment, allow the product to dry completely before re‑entering the room, typically 2–4 hours.

4. Final sanitation

   • Wipe all surrounding surfaces with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to eliminate stray lice or eggs.
   • Dispose of all cleaning tools, gloves, and protective clothing in sealed bags.

Prevention measures include regular vacuuming, maintaining low indoor humidity (below 50 %), and using protective covers that can be washed frequently. Inspect new second‑hand furniture before it enters the home, and treat any suspect items immediately.

By following these procedures, the infestation can be eradicated, and the risk of recurrence is substantially reduced.