How to treat items during a lice infestation? - briefly
Launder all washable fabrics at 130 °F (54 °C) or higher and tumble‑dry on high heat, then place non‑washable items in airtight bags for two weeks to deprive any lice or nits. Discard or submit heavily infested objects, such as pillows or stuffed toys, to professional heat‑treatment services.
How to treat items during a lice infestation? - in detail
Treating personal belongings during an outbreak requires a systematic approach to eliminate lice and nits. Begin with clothing, bedding, and towels: place all washable items in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) for at least 10 minutes, then tumble‑dry on high heat for 20 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a heavy‑duty plastic bag for two weeks; the lice will die without a host.
For non‑washable fabrics such as hats, scarves, or delicate garments, use a portable steam cleaner that reaches 212 °F (100 °C) and treat every surface for at least 30 seconds. Alternatively, place the items in a freezer set to 0 °F (‑18 °C) for 24 hours; the low temperature kills both insects and eggs.
Hard surfaces and furniture demand thorough cleaning. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and mattress seams, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister with hot, soapy water. For upholstered chairs and sofas, apply an approved insecticide spray, following the manufacturer’s safety instructions, and allow the treated area to dry completely before reuse.
Personal accessories—combs, brushes, hair clips, and headbands—should be soaked in hot water (130 °F/54 °C) for 10 minutes, then rinsed and dried on a high‑heat setting. Small metal items can be placed in a sealed bag with a few drops of rubbing alcohol, which kills any attached lice.
Finally, maintain a clean environment by washing hands after handling any suspect item, and avoid sharing personal effects until the infestation is resolved. Regularly repeat the above procedures for two weeks to ensure any newly hatched nits are eradicated.